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The best tool for cutting countertops depends on the type of countertop material. For some softer materials, like laminate (Formica) and butcher block, you can use a hand saw, but most experts recommend power saws like circular saws, since these make the job go faster and easier and give more even results. However, power saws and circular saws are dangerous if used incorrectly, and they can be so powerful that they damage or chip laminate, stone, and other types of countertops. For this reason, you should take safety precautions and use best practices to prevent damage.

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.

Kitchen counters are 36 inches high because that’s considered the ideal height for the average American adult, which is 5’9” for men and 5’4” for women. A three-foot counter height lets most people comfortably chop, cook, and clean without straining their backs, necks, and shoulders.

Both quartz and granite are durable, long-lasting countertop materials that can last for decades, potentially the lifetime of your kitchen, with proper maintenance. Quartz is generally considered more durable than granite due to its nonporous nature. However, it can be damaged by extreme heat. Granite is also very durable but is a porous material that requires regular resealing to extend its lifespan and prevent stains. On the other hand, granite is more resistant to heat than quartz.