How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Kitchen Countertop? [2026 Data]

Countertop and backsplash service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.

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Cost Insights:
  • Tile countertop installation costs between $1,050 and $3,800, with pricing based on your countertop size and the tile material you choose.

  • The tile grade you select and the edge design you want will determine your final installation complexity and project total.

  • You should budget for old countertop removal and disposal fees, which range from $50 to $325 when you plan your project.

  • Hiring a local countertop professional ensures your kitchen project is done well and boosts the overall home resale value.

In 2026, the national average cost to tile a kitchen countertop is $2,250. Most homeowners spend between $1,050 and $3,800, with the cost driven by countertop size, tile material, and edge design complexity. Tile is a durable, cost-effective option that works well in kitchens, and budgeting for old countertop removal and disposal fees, which range from $50 to $325, will help you plan your total project cost accurately.

Tile Countertop Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Several key variables determine what you'll pay to tile a kitchen countertop, and understanding them helps you build a realistic budget before work begins.

Countertop Size

Tiling a kitchen countertop costs $18 to $100 per square foot, with small bathroom countertops starting as low as $90 and large kitchen countertops reaching $6,000 or more. Costs vary significantly based on the total square footage of your countertop surface, as shown in the breakdown below.

RoomCountertop Size in Square FeetAverage Cost Range in 2026
Small bathroom5–10$90–$1,000
Small kitchen20–30$360–$3,000
Average kitchen or bathroom30–40$540–$4,000
Large kitchen40–60$720–$6,000

Type of Tile

4 common tile materials compared visually, including ceramic and stone
SERGII IAREMENKO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Science Photo Library / Getty Images, Image Source / Image Source / Getty Images, Tuomas A. Lehtinen / Moment / Getty Images, tc2412 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

The tile material you choose is one of the biggest drivers of project cost, with options ranging from ceramic at $1 per square foot on the low end to natural stone such as granite, marble, onyx, quartzite, or travertine at up to $100 per square foot. Glass tile is a mid-range option, but it scratches easily and is better suited to a backsplash than a countertop surface. 

Costs vary by material, as the breakdown below shows:

Type of TileCost per Square Foot in 2026
Ceramic$1–$50
Glass$40–$80
Porcelain$10–$120
Natural stone$50–$100

Tile Grade

Kitchen with a tiled breakfast bar
plasticsteak1 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Tile grades run from 1 to 5 and reflect hardness and durability, with grade 1 being the most fragile and least expensive. For countertop use, you should select grade 3 through grade 5 tiles, which cost $5 to $30, since lower grades won't hold up to daily kitchen wear. Costs vary by grade, as the breakdown below shows:

Tile GradeCost per Square Feet in 2026
1$1–$10
2$3–$10
3$5–$15
4$5–$20
5$5–$30

Edge Design

8 countertop edge types illustrated and compared visually, including bullnose, eased, beveled, and ogee

The types of countertop edges available for your kitchen vary in complexity and price (from $10 to $40 per linear foot), and the design you choose will affect your total project cost. 

The following table shows how costs vary by edge design:

Edge DesignCost per Linear Foot in 2026
Bevel$10–$15
Bullnose$10–$15
Dupont$20–$40
Mitered$20–$25
Ogee$20–$25

Labor

Professional labor to tile a kitchen countertop runs $10 to $20 per square foot, and your location plays a meaningful role in where you land within that range. Contractors in major cities and metro areas with a higher cost of living tend to charge toward the top of that range, while those in smaller cities or rural areas typically charge less.

Old Countertop Disposal

Removing your existing kitchen countertop costs $50 to $300, and your contractor may add a separate disposal fee of $20 to $25 on top of that. If you're tiling as part of a larger kitchen remodel, you can often skip the disposal fee by tossing the old countertop in the project dumpster with the rest of your debris.

Tile Countertop Add-On Costs: What to Budget For

Beyond the core tiling costs, several common add-ons can increase your total project budget depending on the scope of your kitchen upgrade.

Backsplash Installation

Adding a tile backsplash to complement your new countertop costs $15 to $40 per square foot for materials and installation, with the final price depending on the tile material you choose. Porcelain tile backsplashes, for example, typically run $600 to $1,300 as a complete installation.

Cooktop or Sink Installation

Installing a cooktop or sink in your tile countertop requires a cutout, which costs $100 to $200 per cutout, before any fixture work begins. After the cutout, sink installation adds $250 to $650 to your total, while cooktop installation adds $150 to $300.

Plumbing and Electrical Work

Plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour, while electricians charge $50 to $100 per hour, and simpler tasks may wrap up in an hour or less, while more complex work will take longer. If your countertop project involves relocating a sink or adding electrical outlets, you'll need to budget for licensed trade work on top of your tiling costs.

DIY Tile Countertops vs. Hiring a Pro

Handyperson tiling a kitchen countertop
ezza116 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Taking on countertop tiling as a DIY project will save you between $10 and $20 per square foot. Tile is more DIY-friendly than other countertop materials, like heavy marble or delicate onyx, making it a good choice if you’re committed to tackling the project yourself. If you have enough DIY experience and know how to remove kitchen tile countertops, this project should be doable.

However, it’s best to hire a local countertop contractor if your project involves plumbing or electrical work or if you choose a delicate tile material like glass. Given their experience, a pro can complete the project much faster, and they will have the necessary tools to install your countertop safely and efficiently. 

How to Save Money on Tiling a Kitchen Countertop

Whether you hire a pro or DIY your tile kitchen countertop, there are several ways to keep the cost down:

  • Shop around for materials: Check tile prices at your local hardware stores and online to find the best deal, and look out for sales and discounts that can drop the price even further.

  • Choose larger tiles: Larger tiles are easier to install, making them better suited for DIYers. 

  • Choose standard edges: Bevel and bullnose edges are more affordable than trickier edges like Dupont, mitered, or ogee.

  • Get multiple project estimates: Request quotes from several local countertop contractors before choosing which pro to work with. 

  • Do the prep work yourself: Save money on labor by removing your existing kitchen countertop yourself.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tile countertops can be an excellent and budget-friendly option for a kitchen, provided they are installed correctly. It's important to choose tiles, such as ceramic, that are heat-, water-, and scratch-resistant. When the grout is properly sealed, it will resist stains, making the surface easy to clean. Tile is also considered a sustainable material. For a cohesive kitchen design and added protection, you can pair a tile countertop with a matching tile backsplash.

Granite countertops cost an average of $3,250 compared to $2,250 for tile countertops. Granite is also harder to DIY than tile, given its weight and bulk, which increases the overall labor cost of installation. Over time, both types of countertops may need sealing to remain resistant to water, heat, and other common kitchen elements.

Tile countertops can last up to 100 years when properly maintained. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most durable types and can last as long as natural stone countertops like granite, marble, and quartz. Tile countertops are much cheaper than natural stone countertops, making them an excellent option for a homeowner with a limited budget.

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