How Much Does It Cost to Install a Solid Surface Countertop?

Solid surface countertops are one of the most popular countertop choices, thanks to their affordability and aesthetic similarity to natural stone. They’re also easy to clean and repair.

For materials and installation, solid surface countertops cost an average of $3,361. Solid surface countertops cost between $1,905 and $4,817, the low end including counters in a guest bathroom, and the higher end including larger projects, like kitchens.

Average Cost of Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops cost an average of $3,500, including the cost of materials and labor. Most projects will range from $2,000 to $5,000, but if you prefer stylized edges or integrated sinks and backsplash, the cost can reach upward of $8,000.

Solid Surface Countertop Prices

Solid surface countertops range in cost based on the quality, with basic options costing around $20 per square foot and premium countertops costing about $50 per square foot.

Solid Surface Countertop Installation

Contractors typically charge $50 to $120 per square foot to install solid surface countertops. This cost estimate often includes removing the old countertops and the cost of materials for the new solid surface countertops.

There are also additional costs for installing integrated sinks and backsplash, which are popular add-ons with this type of countertop thanks to its seamless appearance.

Solid Surface Countertop Cost by Type

Solid surface countertops are available in two types: acrylic or polyester. Most solid surface countertops are acrylic, but homeowners who want more customization of the countertop color may prefer polyester. Both options are similar in cost, with polyester costing slightly less.

Acrylic Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are usually made from acrylic, which is more durable than polyester but offers fewer color options and is harder to achieve a glossy finish. Acrylic solid surface counters cost $15 to $50 per square foot and typically are on the higher end of this range.

Polyester Solid Surface Countertops

Many solid surface countertop manufacturers are phasing out the use of polyester in making this type of countertop because it is difficult to produce. Still, it is less expensive than acrylic, typically costing on the lower end of the $15 to $50 per square foot range. Polyester tends to offer more color options and higher gloss than acrylic, but it is also not as durable.

Solid Surface Countertop Cost by Size

Including installation and materials, solid surface countertops cost $50 to $120 per square foot.

• Bathrooms: Most bathrooms have about 10 sq. ft. of countertop space, so this would cost about $500–$1,200 for the countertops (not including integral sinks or backsplash)

• Kitchens: An average kitchen has about 30 sq. ft. of countertop space, so installing solid surface countertops in a kitchen will usually cost $1,500–$3,600

Solid Surface Countertop Cost Factors

There are several options that can impact the cost of solid surface countertop installation, from the type of edges on the counters to add-ons like integrated sinks and backsplash for an attractive, seamless design.

Edges

Solid surface countertops will include a basic edge, but you can customize it with bullnose, bevel, ogee, or other edge styles for an additional $12 to $17 per linear foot.

Colors

You can customize your kitchen or bathroom counters with colors. Some options are more expensive than others because brands create their own signature colorways.

Brands

There are many top brands for solid surface countertops, and each brand specializes its countertops with particular colors, finishes, and material formulations.

Integral Sinks

When installing integral solid surface countertops, you can also opt for integral sinks for an additional $100 to $300 per sink. Keep in mind that like solid surface countertops, these acrylic sinks cannot handle high heat, so they might be best for bathrooms rather than kitchens.

Integral Backsplash

Solid surface countertops offer a seamless look to any bathroom or kitchen, and luckily, you can also use this material as a backsplash. This is particularly popular in bathrooms for both aesthetics and as an easy-to-clean backsplash and counter combination. Solid surface backsplash costs $3 to $5 per linear foot.

Cost to Install Solid Surface Countertops Yourself

The appeal of solid surface countertops is their seamless appearance, but this requires precision to achieve. That’s why it’s best to leave this countertop installation to a contractor, who will also be able to expertly navigate around plumbing. If you have intermediate to expert DIY skills, you can expect the following costs to install solid surface countertops.

Materials

Solid surface countertops cost about $20 to $50 per square foot, and you might spend an additional $150 to $300 to ship the materials to your home.

Tools

Solid surface countertops are solid in full or half sheets, which you will then need to cut to fit your kitchen. You’ll need about $300 in tools: a circular saw, clamps, a table saw, an orbital sander, and a router.

Labor

You’ll save about $50 per square foot, but it will take about 6 to 9 days to complete this project yourself if you have intermediate DIY experience. It takes a few days to remove old countertops and install new solid surface countertops with two or three people working together.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

Hiring a local contractor to install countertops will cost about $50 to $120 per square foot, but this includes the cost of the materials as well. This estimate also includes the cost of removing old countertops. A professional countertop installation team can complete this work in two or three days.

Especially with the need to work around existing cabinets, appliances and plumbing, it’s best to leave countertop installation to a contractor to prevent costly damages.

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of solid surface countertops?

Solid surface countertops are typically a less expensive option compared to quartz or marble, but they offer a more natural stone appearance than laminate. Because solid surface countertops are nearly non-porous, they are easy to keep clean.

Solid surface countertops are vulnerable to scratches, so don’t use them as a cutting board. On the other hand, they are made of one, solid surface (unlike laminate, which is made of layers of different materials), so they are easy to sand and resurface to repair.

Are solid surface countertops heat-resistant?

Solid surface countertops can usually stand up to the heat of boiling water, but they are no match for a hot pan. Some solid surface countertops will start to warp at temperatures of 250°F, so always use trivets before setting down a hot pan.

How durable are solid surface countertops?

Although they are easy to repair, solid surface countertops are a somewhat soft material that is vulnerable to scratches and impact.