How Much Do Laminate Countertops Cost?

Laminate countertops cost $10 to $40 per square foot for materials alone. With installation labor, the total cost is $40 to $80 per square foot. Laminate counters offer durability and style while costing less than other countertop materials. 

Your total project cost depends on the type of laminate, labor costs in your area, and the size of your kitchen. You can find laminate that resembles wood, granite, and marble countertops.

Estimating Laminate Countertop Costs

Supplemental Material

Expect to pay between $30 and $60 for supplemental materials, including silicone glue and mounting screws. If you hire a countertop installer near you, they typically include the cost of these materials in their estimate. 

Tools

If you’re installing kitchen countertops yourself, you’ll need to prepare the countertop area and a few tools, such as a jigsaw, drill, straight edge, clamps, chalk gun, belt sander, screwdriver, and tape measure. If you don’t have these already, you can borrow, rent, or buy them. 

Countertop Size and Complexity

The length and width of your countertops impacts the price of the material and the time it takes to install. If you have a complex design, such as a kitchen with many corners or turns, the cost of labor goes up since it takes more time to cut and install the laminate. 

Labor Costs 

Expect to pay $30 to $40 per hour to hire a pro for laminate countertop installation. 

Removing Old Countertops

If you need to remove your old kitchen countertops before installing your laminate, expect to add $500 to $800 to the total countertop installation cost for a pro to handle removal and disposal.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Laminate per Square Foot?  

It costs $40 to $80 per square foot to install laminate, including materials and labor. Higher-end laminate and complex kitchen layouts cost more. 

Average Cost of Laminate Countertops by Location 

The cost to install laminate countertops ranges depending on the local material costs and labor prices in the region where you live. 

• Detroit: $700–$1,000 ($800 average)

• New York: $1,100–$2,300 ($1,700 average)

• Chicago: $700–$1,300 ($1,000 average)

• Raleigh, NC: $700–$1,000 ($900 average) 

• Denver: $900–$2,200 ($1,500 average)

• Dallas: $1,000–$1,700 ($1,300 average) 

• Phoenix: $900–$1,600 ($1,200 average) 

• Los Angeles: $800–$1,600 ($1,200 average)

How Much Laminate Countertop Can I Get on My Budget?

The type of laminate you choose and the size of your kitchen can help you determine what you can get for your budget. 

$1,000

For a kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop (the average kitchen size), you can get basic laminate and install it yourself.

$1,500

You can buy standard laminate for 30 square feet of countertop and have it installed by a pro. 

$2,000

Have a pro install high-end laminate for 30 square feet of counter space.

$2,500

Enjoy 40 square feet of mid-grade laminate countertop that’s professionally installed.

$3,000

You can have a pro install 40 square feet of luxury laminate countertops.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Laminate Countertops Yourself?

If you’re an experienced DIYer, you may be able to install laminate countertops yourself. It will take a day or two, and it can be helpful to have another adult assist you. You’ll need tools, including a jigsaw, drill and drill bits, straight edge, clamps, chalk gun, belt sander, screwdriver, and tape measure. You’ll also need additional supplies like silicone glue and mounting screws. 

Countertop installation requires careful measuring and accuracy when installing. It’s best to pay for the delivery of your countertops, as any countertop can break if you transport it incorrectly. Delivery costs depend on the vendor and how far they need to travel. 

You’ll save about $30 per hour if you do the installation yourself. But hiring a local laminate countertop installer can save you time and ensure accurate installation. Countertops that are even and level will last longer and look better in the long run. 

FAQs About Laminate Countertops

Is installing laminate countertops easy?

Installing laminate countertops is moderate in difficulty and takes one to two full days for an experienced DIYer. You’ll need the right tools and enough time to correctly measure and install the countertops. 

Can you put laminate over laminate countertops?

Yes, you can put laminate over laminate countertops, but it requires preparing the surface and carefully applying the new laminate. Precision and time are essential to installing laminate countertops that look beautiful and last with everyday use. 

Is laminate countertop cheaper than granite?

Yes, laminate countertops are cheaper than granite countertops by about $30 to $60 per square foot. The cost of labor to install granite is also more expensive due to the weight of the material. Installing granite countertops costs $35 to $85 per hour while installing laminate countertops ranges from $30 to $40 per hour. 

What is the difference between laminate and Formica countertops?

Formica is a brand of laminate countertops. Premium edges like Formica IdealEdge and premium finishes like Crystal and Natural Grain can increase the price of materials. Formica has two top-selling lines: the 180FX, which is a marble pattern, and the PremiumFX that’s available in five finishes. Other popular manufacturers of laminate countertops include Pionite and WilsonArt. 

How do you change laminate countertops without removing them?

You can paint, tile, or put a layer of concrete over your laminate countertops if you don’t want to remove them. Take caution with these projects to ensure the final result is smooth and holds up to everyday wear and tear.

What are the pros and cons of laminate countertops?