Precast or poured concrete countertops cost $3,500 on average
Concrete countertops cost between $50 and $150 per square foot, with projects ranging from $500 to $9,000.
Factors influencing the cost include size, location, quality, design complexity, and the selection of finish options.
Concrete countertops offer durability, customization, and a unique aesthetic to your kitchen or bathroom.
Hiring a professional countertop installer ensures a high-quality installation and longevity.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
If you love a sturdy, custom look, concrete countertops cost between $500 and $9,000, with most homeowners spending an average of $3,500. Your exact price depends on size, location, and finish. Build room in your budget for those variables, and hire a professional countertop installer for a finish that looks great and lasts.
Concrete countertops cost between $50 and $150 per square foot, including materials and professional installation. Due to high labor costs, concrete countertops are often pricier than other countertops. Here's how much you can expect to pay based on common countertop sizes:
Countertop Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost Range (Installed) |
---|---|
10 | $500–$1,500 |
20 | $1,000–$3,000 |
30 | $1,500–$4,500 |
40 | $2,000–$6,000 |
50 | $2,500–$7,500 |
60 | $3,000–$9,000 |
Several factors determine the total cost to install a concrete countertop, including its size, labor requirements, placement, design, and finish.
The cost of concrete material alone ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot. If your contractor precasts the concrete off-site, expect higher costs due to additional labor and transportation.
Labor and installation are significant parts of the overall kitchen countertop cost, and concrete countertops are no exception. The cost to hire a local countertop contractor ranges from $55 to $135 per square foot or $30 to $90 per hour, depending on local rates.
Whether you’re putting a concrete countertop in your kitchen or building a bar in your backyard, location matters. A kitchen countertop and a backyard bar won’t cost the same, so factor in the installation site into your budget.
Although concrete is one of the best countertop materials for a kitchen, it can also be used in bathrooms or laundry rooms. The installation location will largely determine the overall cost, as countertop sizes vary.
That said, it’s unlikely you’ll use cast-in-place countertops while remodeling a kitchen. Because cast-in-place concrete needs time to cure, most pros avoid this approach during an active kitchen remodel. You may want to use this more affordable option in a second bathroom or utility room.
Location | Countertop Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Kitchen | 20–60 | $2,000–$6,000 |
Kitchen island | 8–22 | $800–$2,200 |
Double bathroom vanity | 10–14 | $1,000–$1,400 |
Bathroom vanity | 5–10 | $500–$1,000 |
Utility room | 3–6 | $300–$600 |
You can elevate the design of a concrete countertop with custom edges. Custom edges can add a designer finish without a significant price increase, as the installer simply swaps out the mold. Explore the table below to discover common edge styles and their prices.
Edge Style | Average Price Range per Lin. Ft. |
---|---|
Square | No additional cost |
Eased | $1–$5 |
Bevel | $2–$6 |
Bullnose | $2–$6 |
Live-edged | $2–$6 |
Adding color or a specialty finish increases the price above the standard range of $55 to $90 per square foot. Expect to pay between $60 and $100 per square foot when you add pigment to the concrete mixture for specialty-colored countertops. You’ll pay even more for polished or stained countertops, ranging from $100 to $150. Standard finishes include:
Basic concrete countertops cost $50 to $90 per square foot. These have a rough matte gray finish without color, stain, or polish.
Stained concrete countertops cost $100 to $150 per square foot, depending on the design. Staining offers various design options, such as wood grain or marble patterns, which add texture and depth to the surface.
Colored concrete countertops cost $60 to $100 per square foot, depending on the desired color.
Polished concrete countertops cost between $100 and $150 per square foot. Polishing creates a smooth, shiny surface by sanding the concrete to a mirror finish. Professionals often polish the countertop during the staining or dyeing process and apply sealant to protect the surface.
A standard concrete slab is 1 ½ inches thick. Extra thickness means extra cost. Specialty solid-surface materials may also weigh more, requiring additional support for cabinetry.
Cast-in-place concrete costs $50 to $145 per square foot and provides a custom fit because the professional pours the slab in place. The trade-off: the counter is unusable until the concrete cures. Many countertop professionals consider cast-in-place concrete the best way to ensure a perfect fit. In this process, the professional pours concrete into a mold on-site. This method is not recommended because your countertop is off-limits during the curing time.
A precast concrete countertop ranges from $65 to $150 per square foot. Many contractors prefer to precast the cement to customer preference in a factory-controlled environment. They can allow the countertop the proper time to cure, then deliver and install it at your home.
To keep your countertop installation within budget, consider the following tips:
Obtain multiple quotes from countertop professionals, as labor costs can vary significantly and account for a substantial portion of your total expense.
Consider a simpler edge profile and finish to save money—basic concrete with a square edge costs considerably less than polished or stained options.
Plan for sealing costs beyond installation, as concrete countertops require annual maintenance to preserve their appearance and functionality.
If you're on a tight budget, consider installing concrete countertops in high-visibility areas, such as kitchen islands, while using more affordable materials in less prominent spaces.
Add 10 to 15% to your estimated budget for unexpected costs, such as additional reinforcement or specialty cutouts for sinks and appliances.
While DIY concrete countertops may cost less to install, they save on labor; however, a skilled countertop professional is still the safer bet. Pouring, smoothing, and curing concrete calls for specialized tools and a steady hand. Hiring a countertop professional for the job is best. Installing concrete countertops requires absolute precision and extensive experience in smoothing and finishing the concrete as it sets.
If you're not confident in taking on this challenge, it's best to work with a local countertop professional. A local countertop installer can deliver a precise finish and a surface that withstands daily wear and tear.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
To maintain your concrete countertops, seal them annually with a food-safe sealant, such as silicone, to prevent stains and make cleaning easier. Use a mild detergent for cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive pads whenever possible. Also, make sure to wipe up acidic spills promptly to prevent dulling the surface, and use a cutting board to avoid scratches.
You can place hot pans on well-sealed concrete countertops. Concrete itself can withstand high heat, but the sealant can discolor or break down when a pan is still hot from the stove. To play it safe, set down a heat-resistant trivet or potholder first. That quick step prevents sealant damage and keeps the counter looking sharp for years to come.
Concrete countertops and granite countertops differ significantly in maintenance and appearance. Concrete requires regular sealing and careful upkeep to prevent stains and cracking, while granite is designed to maintain its look with minimal care. Granite offers lower maintenance and cost-effective longevity, whereas concrete provides a customizable aesthetic and enduring performance when properly maintained.
With proper installation and maintenance, concrete countertops can last for decades. They’re incredibly durable, but regular sealing and upkeep are key to preventing stains and cracks. Catching minor issues early helps keep them looking their best. Investing in quality installation and routine care ensures they stay strong and stylish for years to come.