Cost Guide of kitchen Worktops

Kitchen renovation might cost you a lot and requires a lot of work. But, it can also get you the dream kitchen that you have always wanted. Renovating your kitchen not only ensures that it looks great but performs great as well. While planning the perfect kitchen makeover, there are so many things that you need to consider. And, kitchen worktops are among the most important aspects. There are several different types of kitchen worktops available in the market. You need to look for a kitchen worktops price guide or use a worktops price calculator before choosing the right materials for your kitchen. They can completely change the look of your kitchen and create a vibrant look that impresses everyone.

Whether you are thinking of replacing kitchen worktops or wish to install new ones, it is important to look for the best options. It is advisable to get multiple quotes for worktop replacement cost before making the decision. Here we will help you figure out the cost of replacing your worktop and the factors that can affect your quote. To get an accurate estimate, you can use a quartz worktop cost calculator or a granite worktop price calculator.

How much does it cost to replace my worktop?

If you're in the market for a new kitchen worktop or considering refurbishing your current one, our quote comparison service is an invaluable resource to ensure you secure the most cost-effective deal. Keep in mind that the overall expense will not only include the cost of the worktop material—be it quartz, marble, wood, or any other option—but also the charges for professional installation.

Given the size, weight, and complexity of kitchen worktops—whether they're made of glass, laminate, quartz, marble, wood, or granite—it's highly advisable to enlist the services of skilled kitchen fitters for the installation. Attempting to install these substantial pieces yourself could lead to complications and even damage.

The cost of installing a worktop can vary widely based on numerous factors. A straightforward installation might set you back around £125. However, if you're looking to incorporate additional features like a sink cutout, expect the cost to escalate, potentially reaching upwards of £200. More intricate or custom-designed worktops will further increase the installation costs.

Before making your final decision, it's wise to gather multiple quotes, especially if you're considering more luxurious options like marble countertops. For those interested in a more exact cost breakdown, utilizing specialized tools like a quartz worktops price calculator or a granite worktop price calculator can provide a more accurate estimate.

Stone-Based Worktop Materials

This category encompasses a variety of worktop materials, including but not limited to marble, granite, slate, soapstone, and quartz.

1. Granite

Once a luxury reserved for high-end kitchens, granite has now become a mainstream choice for kitchen worktops. After the granite is meticulously cut and polished, a specialized impregnating sealer is applied. This sealer enhances the stone's resistance to stains, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens. Granite offers a broad spectrum of color options, ranging from the classic midnight black to vibrant blues and deep reds.

2. Marble

Marble is often viewed as the epitome of luxury when it comes to natural stone worktops. While it may not offer as extensive a color range as granite, its unique veining patterns make each piece one-of-a-kind. Marble is softer and more porous compared to granite, which means it may require more frequent maintenance. However, its smooth surface is ideal for specific culinary tasks like rolling out fresh pasta or kneading dough.

3. Slate and Soapstone

Both slate and soapstone offer fewer color variations compared to granite but have their own unique advantages. Slate is non-porous, making it low-maintenance and easy to clean. Soapstone, on the other hand, is porous and requires sealing with mineral oil to minimize staining.

4. Quartz

Quartz worktops are engineered stone surfaces that combine natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments. They offer a balance between the natural aesthetic of stone and the benefits of customization, including a wide range of colors and patterns. Quartz is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and bacteria, and it doesn't require sealing. It's a durable and practical choice for a modern kitchen.

If you are considering Quartz, Marble, or Granite for your worktops, consider using Rated Worktops' online cost estimate comparison tool. This specialized tool can provide you with precise cost estimates, allowing you to compare the expenses associated with each material. It's an invaluable resource for making an informed decision that aligns with both your aesthetic preferences and budget

Wood

Wood worktops can be a great option for a kitchen work surface. In most cases, these are made using maple, dense and blond hardwood. Other wood options include oak, teak, birch, walnut, and cherry. Wood worktops can be fabricated using three ways.

The first one is the edge-grain worktop that is made using thick, long wood strips glued together with their edge grain facing in the upward direction. The second one is the end-grain worktop that is made using short and square wood sticks joined together with their end grain facing in the upward direction. The last one is the wide-plank worktop that is made by glueing together wide boards through their edges. It is the most susceptible to warping and cracking.

Laminate

Also known as Formica, laminate is a durable material that works well for the toughest of kitchens. It comes in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures. However, for the worktop, you should only use the one with a fine-matte or matte finish. You shouldn’t use a textured laminate as a kitchen worktop as the raised ridges can start showing wear quickly.

There are two kinds of laminate - general purpose and vertical grade. The general-purpose laminate should be used for worktops. The vertical grade is meant for drawer faces, cabinet doors, and backsplashes.

The average cost of the stone material with white marble effect will cost an average of somewhere between £1800 and £4000. The solid wood countertop made of dark oak costs about £700 to £1500. The marble-effect laminate worktop costs around £400 to £800.

Calculating the average cost:

When you are replacing your worktops in the kitchen, there are two factors that will be affecting the cost:

1. Type of worktop

This is the biggest factor that comes into play while determining the total cost of the worktop replacement job. If you use heavy materials, the labour costs will increase. Customised materials will have a major impact on the price as well. But, the biggest impact is made by the material choice. If you want a cheap worktop, laminate worktop might be the option for you as their start price is about £35 per m2. Natural materials like marble and granite cost more and start from about £270 to £300 per m2. Another factor that affects the cost of the worktop is whether it is off the shelf or custom. If you don’t want to join the worktops to cover the whole surface, you can have a custom-made worktop but this increases the price significantly. For a more accurate estimate, you can use a granite worktop price calculator.

2. Size of worktop

While determining the size of your worktop, you have to think about two factors. The first one is the surface area which is quite straightforward. If the area of the work surface is more, the worktop will cost more. The second one is the thickness. The standard sizes of worktops are 1.2 cm, 2.8 cm, and 3.8 cm. As the worktop gets thicker, its durability and cost increase as well.

3. Additional costs

When you are considering replacing your kitchen worktops, there are some other jobs that you can get done as well. Depending on these, the costs might arise:

The edging tape is needed to give a clean finish to your kitchen worktops. Through this, you can cover the worktop’s cut ends so that it looks like

At RatedWorktops, we can help bring the cost down by providing you with the cheapest quote. For a more accurate estimate, you can use a quartz worktop cost calculator or a granite worktop price calculator.