Best countertop and backsplash pros near Franklin, NC

Deciding between marble and granite for kitchen countertops depends on your personal priorities, budget, and style. Both materials have similar costs for material and installation.

Marble offers a luxurious aesthetic and timeless beauty, but it is more expensive and requires more maintenance. It is susceptible to staining and etching from acidic substances like coffee, wine, or tomato sauce if spills are not cleaned up quickly.

Granite is highly durable, heat-resistant, and easier to maintain, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens.

Both materials should be sealed to protect against damage, but they can still be vulnerable to stains if spills are left on the surface for too long.

Porcelain is a relatively affordable, mid-range countertop material. It typically costs between $50 to $70 per square foot.

Compared to quartz, porcelain is slightly more affordable, as quartz generally ranges from $50 to $200 per square foot. However, lower-quality, builder's grade quartz can be similar in price to porcelain.

Compared to granite, the price can be similar, depending on the quality of the stone. While granite slabs can range from $50 to $200 per square foot, you can find lower-end granite in the same price range as porcelain. High-end granites will cost significantly more.

Porcelain is generally more expensive than laminate, acrylic, and ceramic, but less expensive than high-end slate, concrete, and marble. A key benefit is that porcelain does not require sealing, which reduces long-term maintenance costs.

Yes, it is often possible to replace an undermount sink without removing the countertop, but success can depend on the countertop material. For materials like granite, the process is relatively straightforward. However, laminate or uniquely shaped countertops might need to be removed or modified.

The process typically involves shutting off the water supply, disconnecting the drain and plumbing pipes, cutting through the old silicone seal, and carefully lowering the sink from below. This requires a good understanding of plumbing and the right tools. If you are not confident in performing the replacement yourself, it is recommended to hire a countertop specialist or a plumber to handle the task.

The average cost to install or replace countertops is $3,105, with most projects falling between $1,858 and $4,177. However, the total price can range from $400 to $8,500 depending on several key factors. The most influential cost factors include the countertop material, the size in square feet, the quality of the new countertops, and the complexity of the job, such as the number of sink cutouts, corners, and special edging. Other considerations are the accessibility of the installation area and whether the project includes the removal and disposal of your old countertops. You have a wide array of material options to choose from. Laminate is generally the most budget-friendly, costing between $8 and $27 per square foot. On the higher end, slate countertops range from $30 to $90 per square foot. Other popular materials with varying price points include butcher block, quartz, granite, stainless steel, Corian, and wood.