Kitchen Worktop Replacement Cost

Wondering about the cost of kitchen worktops?

This guide covers all the angles. You'll find out how much it costs to install new kitchen worktops (with prices for laminate, quartz, and other materials) and what impacts the prices you're quoted.

Many homeowners get quotes early, as it gives them the full picture of what's realistic for their home and budget. You don't need to be ready to start work before to explore your options with a tradesperson.

MyJobQuote makes it quick and easy to get free, no-obligation quotes from kitchen fitting specialists near you — wherever you're located in the UK.

You'll find our full guide to kitchen worktop costs below!

Video Overview: New Kitchen Worktops Cost

How Much to Replace Kitchen Worktops in 2026?

The biggest factor that affects the price of replacing a worktop is the type of material you choose. Most people choose a laminate worktop which costs £200-£800.

By choosing a more expensive material, both the supply and labour costs will increase as the more expensive materials are harder to handle. You could spend up to £4,200 to get the same amount of worktop in quartz.

Kitchen Worktop Prices

For easy comparison, the table below outlines the cost to supply and fit 5m of worktop in different materials.

Labour Costs to Replace Worktops & Timescales

The labour costs will mostly depend on the material that you choose for your worktops. The more expensive worktops will cost more to install and take longer. This is because they are often made from more difficult-to-handle materials that require specialist fitting skills.

Labour costs typically cover fitting the worktop, cutting out a sink, and sealing the joins. The worktop supply, appliance reconnections, and disposal of the old worktop are usually extra.

In most cases, the fitting is the fastest part, but the whole process can take longer if anything needs to be made to order.

The table gives the prices to fit 5m of kitchen worktop with a sink in different materials. It assumes the existing worktop is laminate or something similar.

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Additional Kitchen Worktop Replacement Costs

There are a few other jobs that you might want to consider when you are replacing the worktops in your kitchen, as well as some costs that might arise depending on the state of your cabinets, once the worktops are removed.

Edging Strips

To give a tidy finish to your worktops, you may need to get some edging tape. This allows you to cover the cut ends of the worktop so that it looks the same as the rest of the worktop. You need this for composite or laminate worktops. It costs between £9-£12 per 3m roll.

New Kitchen Unit Doors

If some of your unit doors are damaged, then this is a good time to replace them. It can be easier to do without the worktop on. Depending on the material chosen, replacing kitchen cupboard doors costs between £200 and £260 per door.

Replacement Kitchen Units

When you remove your old worktop, you might find that the old cabinets are also in need of replacement. If this is the case, you should look into replacing your kitchen units. You don't want to install a new work surface onto cabinets that can't support it. The average cost for this is £4,000.

Remodel Your Kitchen

Replacing your kitchen worktops can be a big part of a kitchen remodel, so if you are already doing the worktops you should look at your budget and decide if now is the time to remodel the whole thing. The average cost for this is £5,000.

Replace Kitchen Sink

If you want to replace your kitchen sink, then you should consider replacing it at the same time as you replace the kitchen worktops. The space for the sink will be cut out of the worktop, so once this is done, you can't easily change the sink at a later date. The average cost for this is £400.

New Kitchen Flooring

If you are revitalising your kitchen, then addressing the kitchen flooring can be a good way to give your kitchen a fresh new look and updated feel. The cost will depend on which type of flooring you choose. Vinyl flooring costs are, on average, around £300. If you're thinking of tiling a floor, it will cost on average £1,200. Meanwhile, laying a laminate floor is likely to cost you around £1,000.

New Kitchen Appliances

If you are changing the look of your kitchen by changing the kitchen worktop, then you might want to change some of your kitchen accessories at the same time. It's a chance to make sure that everything has the same look.

The appliances in a kitchen can very easily make it look dated. To replace all your appliances with reasonable budget choices will cost around £1,500. If you go for top-of-the-range choices, it will cost up to £5,000.

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Factors That Impact the Cost of Kitchen Countertops

There are two main factors that will affect the cost of replacing your kitchen worktops. These are the type of worktop and the size of the worktop.

Type of Worktop

The type of worktop you choose is the biggest factor in determining the cost of the job. Heavier materials bring more labour costs, and some materials have to be custom-made, all of this impacts the price.

Material

The material choice will have the biggest impact. For a cheap worktop, you can choose a laminate worktop at £35 to £150 per m². Solid wood costs £120 to £250 per m², while stainless steel costs £150 to £300 per m².

More natural materials, like granite and marble, will cost more. Granite costs £270 to £450 per m², marble costs £300 to £350 per m², and quartz costs £220 to £900 per m². Solid surface and composite materials cost £300 to £450 per m². Glass worktops cost £250 to £350 per m², while ceramic costs £450 to £800 per m².

Heavier materials will also likely incur extra labour costs. As these worksurfaces can get very heavy very quickly, more bodies may be needed to lift them into place. This will increase the cost.

Custom vs Off the Shelf

Most worktops are available in standard sizes and lengths of 3m. For some kitchens, this means you will need to join together a couple of different lengths to get the whole surface.

If you want to avoid joins in the work surface, you can get a custom-made worktop. You can do this for any material, but it will come at a much higher cost.

Worktop Size

When you consider the size of the worktop, you need to think of it in two ways. The surface area and the thickness.

Surface Area

This is quite straightforward. The more area of kitchen work surface you need, the more it will cost.

Thickness

Not all worktops are the same thickness. However, common standard sizes in the UK are 28mm and 38mm for laminate, 12mm to 30mm for solid surfaces and quartz or granite are often 20mm or 30mm. Thicker worktops are generally more durable, however, that often also makes them more expensive.

For comparison, these are prices for different thicknesses of a midrange laminate worktop.

What's Involved in Replacing Kitchen Worktops?

Fitting new kitchen countertops is not a job you should do on your own, as the worktops can be quite heavy.

The majority of homeowners choose to hire professional kitchen fitting specialists for their replacement worktops.

With MyJobQuote, you can compare multiple quotes from local kitchen specialists. It's fast, free, and there's no obligation to go ahead.

Is a brief look at the process of installing new kitchen worktops when hiring a specialist:

Before the Job Starts

• Planning – Accurate measurements will need to be taken to ensure the worktops will fit properly, plus you get to make all the decisions, such as colour, style, material, and more.

During the Job

• Removal of Old Worktops – Your old worktops will be removed, along with disconnecting the sink and hob, if applicable, which will either need to be done by the kitchen fitter (if qualified to do so) or a plumber and electrician.
• Checking Base Units – The fitter will be able to get a good look at your base units at this point. If there are any issues with the structure that would make putting a new worktop on difficult, these will need to be resolved before they proceed.
• Preparation – Your worktops will need to be cut to size, including any cut-outs for sinks, hobs and any other equipment that might be built into your kitchen tops. This may be done on-site, but expect any stone worktops to be cut to exact templates off-site.
• Aligning Worktops – Worktops will be aligned properly to the base units using brackets and screws.
• Fixing and Joining – Once aligned, the worktops will be fixed down. Separate sections of the worktops will be joined together using an appropriate material.
• Edging and Sealing – Edging strips will be applied (if necessary). Joints and edges will be sealed to prevent water from getting in between or underneath the worktops.

After the Job

• Reconnecting Services – Once the worktops have been installed, anything that was disconnected earlier will be reconnected. Electrics and plumbing should be reconnected by professionals for safety's sake.
• Sanding and Polishing – Any sanding or polishing will be carried out to ensure the new countertops are looking their best.
• Clean-Up – The old worktops and any debris will be removed from your home.

Types of Kitchen Worktop

Laminate Kitchen Worktop Cost

Laminate countertops are the most popular option on the market. They are versatile and come in a wide range of finishes. They can look like natural materials but come at a much lower cost. The average cost is £35-£150 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Cheap worktop
• ✔ Easy to clean and maintain
• ✔ Scratch and heat-resistant (up to 180°C)
• ✔ Can look like more expensive materials

Cons

• ✖ Can burn under excessive heat
• ✖ If scratched, they are unhygienic
• ✖ Can peel if water is left standing on the countertop
• ✖ Cheaper options are more easily damaged

Quartz Kitchen Worktop Cost

Quartz is a manmade stone. This means it has the durability of natural stone, but also comes in a wider variety of colours and patterns. The average cost of a Quartz worktop is £220-£900 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Recycled and eco-friendly options available
• ✔ Resistant to staining and water
• ✔ Strong and resistant to chipping

Cons

• ✖ Can be damaged by large changes in temperature
• ✖ Heavy material so needs professional installation

Granite Kitchen Worktop Cost

Granite worktops are a very popular choice for kitchen work surfaces as they can provide a polished and expensive looking finish. However, be mindful that while there are some high-quality imitations available, some granite worktops are often made from engineered stone or with a laminate finish. The average cost of granite worktops is £270-£450 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Durable and hardwearing
• ✔ Resistant to changes in heat
• ✔ Hygienic and easy to clean
• ✔ Add value to your home

Cons

• ✖ Heavy – need reinforced cabinets
• ✖ Require sealing every two years
• ✖ Can’t be repaired easily
• ✖ Limited colour and pattern options as it is a natural material

Marble Kitchen Worktop Cost

Marble is a leading choice in luxury kitchen design. It is distinctive and looks expensive. It is also timeless. The average cost is £300-£350 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Luxurious finish
• ✔ Heat resistant
• ✔ Long-lasting

Cons

• ✖ Can stain easily
• ✖ Scratches easily

Solid Surface/Composite Kitchen Worktop Cost

Solid surface worktops, such as Corian and Staron, are made from a blend of natural minerals and acrylic polymers. They are manufactured as a solid, non-porous material throughout, allowing for seamless joins and integrated sinks. Composite worktops are also engineered materials and come in a wide range of colours and designs. The average cost of corian worktops is £300–£450 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Resistant to heat and scratching
• ✔ Seamless
• ✔ Stain-resistant

Cons

• ✖ Expensive to buy and fit

Solid Wood Kitchen Worktop Cost

Solid wood is a very classic finish in a kitchen. Wood is a good natural alternative to stone, as it is a cheaper option. It does, however, require a lot more maintenance. The average cost is £120-£250 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Looks better as it ages
• ✔ Cheapest natural material
• ✔ Hygienic when properly maintained

Cons

• ✖ Requires maintenance twice a year
• ✖ Can be stained and burnt
• ✖ Can be scratched

Ceramic Kitchen Worktop Cost

Ceramic kitchen worktops have a lot of character. Because they are made from a very strong material, you can have much thinner countertops. This gives a more modern look to a kitchen. The average cost is £450-£800 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Hygienic and easy to clean
• ✔ Resistant to heat and water

Cons

• ✖ Limited range of colours and designs available
• ✖ Can crack if heavy items are dropped on them

Glass Kitchen Worktop Cost

Glass kitchen worktops are a very modern design choice. They have a very glossy finish and come in a wide range of colours and designs. The average cost is £250-£350 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Easy to clean and hygiene
• ✔ Resistant to staining
• ✔ Heat resistant
• ✔ Many design options

Cons

• ✖ Needs regular cleaning to avoid fingerprints
• ✖ Can get easily scratched

Stainless Steel Kitchen Worktop Cost

Stainless steel is the material of choice for countertops in the industrial sector. For anyone who is looking for an industrial-style kitchen in their home, then this is the choice. The average cost is £150-£300 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Strong and durable
• ✔ Antibacterial
• ✔ Easy to clean
• ✔ Waterproof and heat resistant

Cons

• ✖ Cold
• ✖ Clinical

Alternatives to Kitchen Worktop Replacement

If you're not ready to replace your kitchen worktops entirely, there are cheaper options that can refresh the look of your kitchen.

Fablon and Self Adhesive Wrap

You can apply a layer of vinyl adhesive as a kitchen worktop cover in order to change or update their look.

The average cost of Fablon or self adhesive wrap is £5 to £15 per m².

How to apply Fablon or self adhesive wrap to kitchen worktops:

• First, clean and dry the countertop.
• Then cut the self adhesive wrap to size, making sure to leave enough excess to fold over the side.
• Remove one corner of the backing paper and peel back the adhesive, so the vinyl sticks down onto the worktop. Use the smoother to press down on the vinyl and remove any air bubbles as you go.
• For curved edges, you can use a hairdryer to heat the film as you stick it down. This will help it to mould to the edge and give a better finish.

Kitchen Worktop Overlay

If you want something more permanent than self adhesive wrap, a worktop overlay gives you a completely new surface without the cost of a full kitchen worktop replacement.

The average kitchen worktop overlay costs include both material and labour:

• Laminate Overlay — £80 to £180 per m²
• Quartz Overlay — £350–£700 per m²

A kitchen fitter installs a new surface directly over your existing worktop. The new surface is cut to size, bonded on top, and the edges and cut-outs are finished and sealed to protect against water, while your old kitchen worktop stays in place underneath.

Fitting an overlay will add extra thickness to your kitchen worktop and only works if your current worktop is solid and undamaged.

Removing Kitchen Worktops

Removing old countertops is necessary if you wish to replace the work surface but keep the cabinet frames.

The first step is to empty all of the cabinets and remove the drawers. Then locate the screws that attach the worktop to the cabinet and remove them. Smaller worktops will just lift off at this point.

Larger pieces of worktop will be held in place with a bead of silicone adhesive. To remove them you will need to put a paint scraper between the worktop and the top of the cabinet. Then gently use a hammer to tap on the end of the paint scraper.

The paint scraper should move forward and break the adhesive. Then use a pry bar to gently lift the worktop away from the cabinet. Work along the length of the countertop doing this until all the adhesive is broken. Then lift the old work surface away.

You should be able to dispose of the old countertop at your local tip. There may be a cost for this, but it will depend on your local council. If the old worktop is in good condition, you might be able to sell it.

Removing your own worktop will save you between £100-£200.

Checklist: Hiring a Kitchen Worktop Fitter

It can be daunting to hire a tradesman. Here are a few things to look out for when hiring a kitchen fitter.

• How much experience do they have? They should be able to provide examples of a wide range of jobs they have completed. Their experience will help solve any issues, and it should provide you with the confidence for a high-quality end result.
• Do they belong to any trade associations? This is not essential but a good sign. Relevant associations include the Federation of Master Builders, The Guild of Master Craftsmen, and the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Association (KBSA).
• Are they recommended by former clients? Look for a fitter who comes recommended by their former clients. They should be able to give you details within a portfolio of work or come with references.
• Do they have positive reviews? Check online reviews, such as those on MyJobQuote, to see feedback from previous customers or ask friends and relatives for any recommendations.
• Are they an approved fitter? When searching ‘kitchen worktop fitters near me’, MyJobQuote has a range of approved and checked fitters available. As such, you should ask for at least three separate quotes before committing to who you decide to hire for the job.
• Do they have liability insurance? Make sure the fitter has liability insurance. This protects you in case of accidental damage to your property during the installation process.

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