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Installing new kitchen countertops costs $1,850 to $4,450, with an average price of $3,140. Some materials, like marble and granite, are more expensive than others. Additionally, the size of the countertop impacts the overall price. Labor accounts for 10% to 20% of the overall project cost. Add-ons, like edging and corner treatments, also increase the cost.

Yes, Corian® and other solid surface countertops can be cut with standard woodworking tools like a circular saw or a jigsaw, but using the correct blade is crucial for the best results.

The recommended blade is a tungsten carbide-tipped blade, often called a solid-surface planer or triple chip grind blade. This type of blade is hard enough to cut through the material effectively. For a jigsaw, a fine-tooth down-cutting blade should be used.

It is important to note that a diamond blade is not necessary. Diamond blades are designed for harder materials like natural stone, concrete, or brick, and Corian is not a natural stone.

Using blades designed for wood is not recommended as they can cause microfractures that weaken the countertop's edges. While a tungsten carbide blade provides a much cleaner cut, the resulting edge will still be rough and must be sanded and smoothed to prevent microfractures from developing over time.

Recycled glass countertops are slightly cheaper than quartz countertops, though it depends on several factors. Recycled glass countertops cost between $65 and $140 per square foot, and quartz countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot, though most projects come in at $70 to $100 per square foot. The final cost will come down to the quality of the material, local labor prices, and any customizations you require.

Quartzite is more expensive than granite, largely because of its rarity. Granite is naturally more common. A granite slab generally costs $40 to $60 per square foot (excluding super-rare types), while quartzite slabs cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per square foot. 

With both materials, it’s usually more affordable to purchase stones that are readily available in your location. You may need to import other stones, which come at a higher cost.