The cost of concrete countertops ranges from $65 to $135 per square foot. This price usually includes the countertop design, materials, construction, and installation. Concrete countertops cost is not in the material, but rather in the artisan's skill and creativity. Custom elements such as inlays, aggregates, or special finishes add considerable cost.
Concrete countertop prices vary widely. If left its natural color with a basic layout, concrete is an affordable option. Below you will find averages for basic, mid-range and high-end countertops.
Low: $65-$100 per square foot
Basic countertops at the lower end of the price range include:
Basic design with straight edges
Standard knockouts for sinks and faucets
Non-custom color and finish options
Medium: $100-$135 per square foot
Mid-range countertops in the mid-range price include:
Although you may be tempted to pour your own kitchen countertops to save money, it is a much more complex job than a typical DIY project. Precast concrete counters are extremely heavy and difficult to maneuver, and pouring in place requires knowledge of the proper mix, curing and finishing processes, as well as specialized tools and equipment.
Still interested in DIY? According to Concrete Countertop Solutions, by making it a DIY job, you can save thousands of dollars and do an entire moderate-sized kitchen for less than $1000. Check out their Z Liqui-Crete System system for more details.
CONCRETE COUNTERTOP COST COMPARISON
The average cost for concrete falls in the mid-range of countertop options. Typically, concrete is more expensive than tile, synthetic solids or laminate, about the same price as engineered quartz or granite countertops and less expensive than marble.
Material
Price per square foot
Laminate
$20 - $50
Tile
$20 - $70
Synthetic Solid Surfaces (i.e. Corian)
$50 - $90
Granite
$40 - $175
CONCRETE
$65 - $135
Engineered Quartz
$80 - $140
Marble
$110 - $250
Concrete Countertop Pricing Length: 01:30 Watch an overview about RockMolds Lava Rock concrete stamp products.
Are concrete countertops more expensive than granite?
If you are trying to decide between concrete and granite and are disappointed to find that concrete won’t save you much money, here are some tips to keep the cost down:
Avoid fancy details, custom colors and any unnecessary personalization
Ask your contractor if you can remove your old countertops and do other prep work yourself
For large islands, choose a more affordable material, but do the perimeter sections in concrete (or vice-versa)
Concrete countertops are expensive becasue they are handcrafted by skilled artisans that customize them to any size, shape, or color you desire. Like other handmade items, they often come with a premium price. But when the durability and life-span of concrete is considered, they are a sound investment.
Also, these upgrades will add to the custom concrete countertop cost:
Countertop contractors, in almost all cases, install their own product in their market area, so there would be no shipping expense. Shipping method and carrier, for those firms that do ship, varies by contractor. Discuss this with your contractor.
Installation:
Although normally included in the price, concrete countertop installation can be quoted separately and averages $40 - $50 per hour, per person. Confirm what is included in the price from your contractor.
Removal and disposal:
If you are replacing an existing countertop, this may not be included in the price from your contractor. Again, confirm what is included.
Plumbing and wiring:
If your countertop renovation involves a change in plumbing or appliances, extra costs may be incurred to relocate pipes or rewire new appliances.
TWO ECONOMICAL APPROACHES TO CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS
An economical way to green up your countertops while making them more aesthetically appealing and distinctive is to use recycled or salvaged materials as decorative accents, such as pieces of broken pottery or dinnerware and recycled colored glass. When shopping around for concrete countertops, ask local fabricators what goes into their mix designs. Often you can benefit the environment and save money by doing business with a contractor who uses recycled waste materials or materials harvested or produced near your home, such as aggregate from a local river or quarry and cement produced in a regional plant. See Going Green with Countertops
Think long-term value: With concrete countertops, when you combine a timeless design with the inherent durability of concrete, your countertops will serve you well for decades-both functionally and aesthetically-and thus are unlikely to need replacement. This not only conserves materials and eliminates waste, it saves you the expense and hassle of ripping out worn, outdated countertops.
