Most homeowners pay between $5,000 and $10,000 to purchase and install a concrete countertop
When you think about concrete, you probably envision it as an inexpensive, modern, and sustainable option for your bathroom, bar, or kitchen countertops. However, the truth is that concrete countertops are comparable in price to granite and quartz. The average cost to install a concrete countertop in most households is $7,500. Let's look at what goes into the price of concrete countertops.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Concrete Countertop per Square Foot?
Expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $135 per square foot of basic countertop material. Installation rates usually cost between $30 and $90 per hour on top of material costs. The price of concrete is typically higher than granite countertop slabs, which are around $40 to $60 per square foot. Comparatively, laminate, a more affordable option, is $25 to $55 per square foot.
In general, countertops of this style are about 1.5 inches wide, though wider countertops will be more expensive. Specialty solid surface materials may also be heavier than tile, making extra cabinetry support needed. Colors added into the concrete mix or color stained after curing can increase the price.
Basic Concrete Countertop
The basic design of a concrete countertop averages $100 per square foot of material. Uncolored, unstained, and unpolished, the counters give off a popular modern industrial vibe.
Staining
It's typical for experts to charge anywhere from $2 to $4 per square foot, in addition to the countertops themselves, for simple concrete countertops with standard staining. If you want a more intricate design, prices can range up to $15 per square foot.
White or Colored
The cost of a colored or white concrete countertop averages from $4 to $6 per square foot on top of the $100 per square foot price, depending on the richness of color desired. Adding various colors to this material allows you to match the kitchen surfaces with your home decor.
For example, many people love the look of white concrete counters. You can have colors added during the mixing process or after curing with a dye-based application using paints and lacquers. You apply these in thin coats and then seal granite countertops for glossiness.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Concrete Countertop Yourself?
Concrete is a popular countertop material due to its modern, streamlined look and easy-to-clean quality. Installing a concrete countertop yourself may cost an average of $8 to $15 per square foot, which includes the basic materials. You might pay more to buy tools and sealants that make installation easier and the material more durable.
Some basic materials and tools for this project include:
| Supplies | Cost |
|---|---|
| Framing lumber | $3 – $6 per square foot |
| Cement mix | Around $5 per 80 pound bag |
| 5 gallon bucket | $3 – $5 |
| Water | |
| Concrete mixer tool | $350 |
| Painter’s tape | $7 per 60 yards |
| Power drill | $50 – $400 |
| Sealant and caulk | $5 – $30 |
| Miter and table saw | $150 – $400 |
| Rubber mallet | $7 |
| Plastic sheeting | $20 – $50 |
| Colorant (optional) | $30 |
A concrete countertop is a bit more expensive than granite, marble, or quartz. Installing the material from start to finish requires skills that many homeowners lack. For DIY projects, it's essential to be an experienced home builder or opt for a local professional instead.
How Much Does a Concrete Counter Cost by Type?
There are a few different types of concrete construction methods that may or may not impact the total cost. Here are the different types and what to expect in pricing:
Poured Counters
Usually, contractors pour cement at the site at no extra cost. Cast-in-place concrete ensures a perfect fit with your cabinetry. If you want to add fine details, like custom edging or embedded glass, the design and construction may require poured cement.
Precast Concrete
Pouring concrete into a countertop presents several unique challenges. Temperature, mess, and the possibility of cracking are more challenging to control on-site than in a controlled environment. It may take 10 days for your new concrete countertop to set, which is far from ideal.
Many countertop contractors use the option of precasting the cement at their warehouse. Then they deliver or install it at your home to avoid this wait time at no additional cost.
Polished Concrete
The cost of polishing a concrete countertop ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot, on top of the regular installation fee. A contractor can polish your countertop any number of times as part of the staining or dying routine or separately. You should wait for the concrete to cure before polishing it thoroughly. Have your counters polished every few years to expand its total lifespan.
What Factors Influence Concrete Countertop Costs?
Concrete countertops are not one-size-fits-all in terms of pricing. A few different factors will impact the total cost of your project, including:
Supply and Demand
You may find it challenging to find an installer who makes concrete countertops, which will increase the price.
Thickness
The thickness of your countertop essentially determines its cost. Some come in at 1.5 inches; others can be 2 or more inches thick. The thicker the surface, the higher the price tag.
Customizations
Putting in a concrete sink may add between $1,000 to $2,000 to the total cost. Creating a custom cement backsplash could add $25 to $50 per square foot, depending on complexity and design.
Design and Shape
Unlike natural stones, the price of a concrete countertop often depends on whether it's irregularly shaped and what colors, textures, or other materials you choose. In other words, get out your wallet if you want a cool shape or design.
Professional Concrete Countertop Installation
If you have a pro install your concrete countertops, you’ll need to factor in that cost. Installing a concrete countertop of 75 square feet should take about 10 hours and cost around $300 to $900.
The countertop contractor can pour, construct, or prepare the concrete before arriving for the project. Discuss the best decision for your situation with a professional. The method of construction for your countertop shouldn't impact the project cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're up for a DIY concrete project, the expense is still much less than hiring a contractor. But, this kind of project requires precision and knowledge of how to remove the old countertops before you pour them. Also, once poured, the surface begins to dry, and the time you have to fix any errors ticks away the longer you wait. So, be sure to have your timing right if you DIY it.
If you feel confident in your mixing abilities and concrete handling skills, go ahead with this DIY project. But hiring a local countertop contractor may save you from stress and headaches altogether.
There are a few critical factors you should consider, depending on the repair, upkeep, and cleaning of concrete countertops. Granite and concrete countertops require regular sealing to prevent water or oil from seeping in and staining them. Without sealant, homeowners may see mold, mildew, and bacteria growth due to food particles and any moisture absorbing into their unsealed countertops.
With a modern concrete countertop comes other home remodeling projects. How about hiring a local kitchen designer and remodeler in your area to transform your space into the contemporary space you desire? Your bathrooms, bar, and kitchen will then have a cohesive aesthetic in your home.
