Pricing Guide

Countertop Costs in 2026

Transparent pricing from a local fabricator with 20+ years in the Northern Virginia market. No hidden fees, no guesswork.

Updated May 2026•Northern Virginia Market•Prices include installation

Cost Per Square Foot (Installed)

Prices include material, templating, fabrication, standard edge, sink cutout, and installation in the Northern Virginia area.

Granite

Value

$40–$80

per sq. ft.

Avg. kitchen project$2,500–$5,000

The most budget-friendly natural stone. Level 1 (basic colors) starts at ~$40/sq ft, Level 3+ (exotic patterns like Blue Bahia) can reach $80+.

Quartz

Mid-Range

$50–$100

per sq. ft.

Avg. kitchen project$3,000–$6,500

Consistent pricing across brands. Entry-level Silestone starts around $50, while Cambria's premium designs push past $90. The zero-maintenance factor offsets higher upfront cost.

Marble

Premium

$70–$150+

per sq. ft.

Avg. kitchen project$4,500–$10,000+

Wide range depending on origin. Domestic Carrara starts at ~$70, while Italian Calacatta Gold, Statuario, or Paonazzo can exceed $200/sq ft for premium slabs.

Quartzite

Premium

$80–$150+

per sq. ft.

Avg. kitchen project$5,000–$10,000+

Similar to marble pricing, with popular varieties like Taj Mahal around $80–$100 and exotic pieces like Cristallo or Patagonia pushing $150+. Harder to fabricate, which adds labor cost.

What Affects Your Total Cost

Beyond the stone itself, these factors shape your final project price.

Square Footage

Primary cost driver

Average kitchen: 30–50 sq ft of countertop surface. Larger L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens can reach 60-80 sq ft. We measure to the nearest inch during laser templating for accurate pricing.

Edge Profile

$5–$30 per linear foot

Standard eased edge is included. Upgraded profiles like ogee ($10-15/LF), waterfall ($15-25/LF), or laminated bullnose ($20-30/LF) add to the total. We recommend seeing edge samples in-store.

Cutouts & Fabrication

$100–$300 each

Sink cutout: $150-200. Cooktop cutout: $200-300. Faucet holes: $50-75 each. Complex layouts with multiple seams, radius cuts, or backsplash returns add fabrication labor.

Installation Complexity

Varies by project

Standard installation is included in our per-sq-ft pricing. Add-ons include demolition/removal of existing countertops ($200-500), plumbing disconnection/reconnection ($150-300), and upper-floor carry ($100-200).

Sample Project Estimates

Real-world pricing for common kitchen configurations in Northern Virginia.

Project Type	Sq. Ft.	Granite	Quartz	Marble
Small Galley Kitchen	20–30	$1,200–$2,400	$1,500–$3,000	$2,100–$4,500
Standard L-Shape Kitchen	35–45	$2,100–$3,600	$2,625–$4,500	$3,675–$6,750
Large U-Shape Kitchen	50–70	$3,000–$5,600	$3,750–$7,000	$5,250–$10,500
Kitchen + Island	55–80	$3,300–$6,400	$4,125–$8,000	$5,775–$12,000
Bathroom Vanity (Single)	6–12	$360–$960	$450–$1,200	$630–$1,800

* Estimates based on mid-range material selections in the Northern Virginia market. Actual pricing varies by slab selection, edge profile, and layout complexity. Contact us for a precise quote.

Knowledge Base

Pricing & Budget Questions

Straightforward answers about countertop costs in Northern Virginia.

How much do granite countertops cost in Northern Virginia?

In the Northern Virginia market, granite countertops typically cost $40–$80 per square foot, fully installed. A standard kitchen with 35–45 square feet of countertop area costs $2,500–$5,000 total, including templating, fabrication, sink cutout, and installation. Entry-level granite colors (Level 1) like Uba Tuba or Santa Cecilia start at the lower end, while exotic patterns like Blue Bahia or Titanium reach the higher end. Contact us at (571) 435-6086 for a free in-home estimate.

What is included in the countertop price per square foot?

Our per-square-foot pricing at Top Marble & Granite includes: the stone slab material, laser templating at your home, CNC fabrication at our facility, standard eased edge profile, sink cutout, and professional installation with seaming and silicone. Not typically included: plumbing disconnect/reconnect, old countertop removal, upgraded edge profiles, and additional cutouts (cooktop, faucet holes). We provide transparent, itemized quotes so you see every line item.

Is quartz cheaper than granite?

No — quartz is generally slightly more expensive than granite. Granite starts at $40/sq ft while quartz starts at $50/sq ft. However, quartz requires zero sealing and virtually no maintenance, which can save money over the 15-25 year lifespan of the countertop. Many homeowners find quartz to be the better long-term value despite the higher upfront cost.

How can I reduce my countertop costs?

Five proven strategies: (1) Choose Level 1 granite — beautiful and durable at the lowest price point. (2) Keep a simple layout — straight runs cost less than L-shapes with seams. (3) Choose a standard eased or beveled edge instead of upgraded profiles. (4) Minimize cutouts — one undermount sink cutout is standard; each additional cutout adds cost. (5) Visit our remnant yard — leftover pieces from larger jobs are sold at steep discounts and are perfect for bathrooms and smaller kitchens.

Do you offer financing for countertop projects?

We offer multiple payment options to fit your budget. Contact us to discuss payment plans for larger projects. We also accept major credit cards. Our free in-home estimate includes a complete project breakdown so you know the total cost before committing.

Get Your Exact Price

Every project is unique. Schedule a free in-home consultation for a precise, no-obligation quote with transparent line-item pricing.

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