How much do new countertops cost in Columbia, SC?

People walk in and ask me this before they even touch a slab, and I get it. So let's go through it the way the conversation actually happens in the shop.

So, what's the actual number?

For most Midlands kitchens, you're looking at somewhere around 50 to 100 dollars per square foot installed, depending on the stone you pick and the edge work involved. A typical kitchen with 30 to 40 square feet of countertop might land somewhere between 2,500 and 4,000 dollars, but I've seen jobs run higher on premium quartzite or with a lot of custom edge detail, and I've seen simple granite jobs come in under that range. Nobody can give you an exact number without seeing your layout and picking a slab, but that's the ballpark we start from.

Why does granite cost different from quartz or quartzite?

Granite is a natural stone we buy by the slab, and pricing depends on where it's quarried, how rare the pattern is, and how much waste we get cutting your layout from it. Basic granites often run cheaper than premium quartzite or exotic granite with heavy movement in the pattern. Quartz is engineered, so pricing is more consistent slab to slab, but well-known quartz brands aren't necessarily cheaper than a mid-range granite. Quartzite tends to sit at the higher end because it's harder to quarry and fabricate, and the good stuff is in real demand right now. When you come in, we'll show you where your budget lands among what's on the floor instead of guessing off a price list.

Does the shape of my kitchen change the price?

Yes, more than people expect. A simple straight countertop with no seams costs less to template and install than an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen with an island, a peninsula, and a few outside corners. Every seam, every cutout for a sink or cooktop, and every inside corner adds fabrication time. If your kitchen has a big island, that's often the single most expensive piece because it's usually one large slab section with edges finished on all sides.

What about the sink cutout and faucet holes?

Most shops, us included, build a sink cutout into the quoted price rather than charging it as a big separate line item, but it does affect labor. An undermount sink cutout takes more precision than a drop-in, since the edge around the cutout gets polished and shows. Faucet holes, soap dispenser holes, and a cutout for a cooktop are usually included . Ask for these to be itemized on your quote so you know what you're paying for.

Do edge profiles cost extra?

A basic eased edge is usually included in the base price. Fancier edges like an ogee, a bevel, or a waterfall edge on an island take more time on the fabrication saw and polisher, so they usually add a bit per linear foot. It's not a huge cost difference on a small kitchen, but on a big island with a waterfall edge down both legs, it can add up. We'll walk you through the edge options in person so you can see and feel the difference, not just look at a name on a sheet.

What's included in an installed price versus a DIY slab price?

An installed price from a shop like ours covers templating your kitchen ( with a laser or digital template after cabinets are set), fabricating the slab to fit, cutting the sink and faucet holes, polishing the edges, delivering the slab, and setting it in place with seams fit and sealed. We also seal the stone at install with a good sealer, applied by installers we train to do it right, so you're not stuck doing that step yourself the first time. Buying a slab on your own and hiring separate labor can look cheaper on paper, but you take on the risk of a bad template, a mismatched fabricator, or a seam that doesn't line up.

Is removing my old countertop extra?

Usually yes, and it should be. Tearing out old laminate, tile, or stone and disposing of it takes labor and a dump run, so most shops charge a modest fee for it separate from the new countertop cost. Ask upfront whether removal is included in your quote so it's not a surprise on install day.

How can I get a real number instead of a guess?

Come look at slabs. Pricing off a phone call or a photo of your kitchen only gets you a rough range, because so much depends on the stone you actually like, your layout, and the edge work you want. We'll measure or review your rough dimensions, walk you through what's on the floor in your budget, and give you a real quote once we know the slab and the plan. If you're in the Midlands, stop by 2015 Charleston Hwy in Cayce. Bring your cabinet measurements if you have them, and we'll talk numbers with actual stone in front of you instead of guesswork on a screen.