How Much Do Concrete Countertops Cost?

by Team HomeServe
DIY concrete countertops A trowel spreads concrete over a form to create a kitchen counter

Concrete Countertop Costs at a Glance

  • Materials cost per square foot: $3-$6 (CAD 4-CAD 8)
  • Average total cost per square foot: $70-$150 (CAD 90-CAD 190)
  • Average total price: $3,000 (CAD 3,800)
  • Average total price range: $2,100-$4,500 (CAD $2,600-CAD 5,700)
  • Compare to granite: $3,000-$3,500 (CAD 3,800-CAD 4,400)
  • Compare to marble: $2,000-$7,000 (CAD 2,500-CAD 8,800)

Concrete countertops are a fully customizable option for kitchens and bathrooms, and many homeowners choose them as a decorative alternative to granite or marble.

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Understanding how much concrete countertops cost to make and install and how they compare to other options can help you decide if they're the right choice for your home.

How Much Do Concrete Countertops Cost to Install?

How much a concrete countertop costs to make and install varies widely because they are custom-made. Therefore, how much you’ll pay depends on how many countertops you need, their size and what finish you want.

The materials to make a concrete countertop are relatively inexpensive, costing between $3 and $6 (CAD 4 to CAD 8) per square foot.

Most of the cost of installing a concrete countertop comes from the labor fees to mold, fabricate and finish your countertop. Therefore, you should expect to pay between $70 (CAD 90) and $150 (CAD 190) per square foot on average, including installation labor.

The national average cost to install a concrete countertop is $3,000 (CAD 3,800), with a typical range between $2,100 and $4,500 (CAD $2,600 and CAD 5,700).

However, you could pay as little as $650 (CAD 820) for a 10-square-foot concrete countertop without any decorative finish. Meanwhile, installing 40 square feet of concrete countertops in a kitchen with integrated fixtures, a custom finish and a kitchen island could cost as much as $7,000 (CAD 8,800).

a modern kitchen showcasing a concrete counter top

What Are the Benefits of Concrete Countertops?

The primary benefit of concrete countertops is that there are plenty of customization options. Concrete countertops are made to order, letting you choose your own color and decorative finishes. Etching or stamping the concrete or embedding embellishments can produce a range of effects that would be impossible to achieve on any other material.

Concrete also resists scratching reasonably well, making it a durable material for countertops. Therefore, installing concrete countertops could increase your home's resale value in the future.

Are Concrete Countertops as Durable as Other Options?

According to Family Handyman, concrete countertops can last a lifetime if you install and care for them correctly. Concrete is one of the most durable countertop materials available and provides better heat resistance than laminate. However, it is prone to stains and scratches if it isn't sealed properly — though no more prone to scratching than any other countertop material.

Concrete countertops are susceptible to cracking, especially if you have your countertops poured in place instead of installing pre-molded counters. These cracks are usually caused by applying too much pressure to the counter or by the house shifting as it settles. However, cracked concrete countertops are reasonably easy to repair, and you can reduce the risk by adding reinforcement like wire mesh. You may also need to install structural support around weak points like sinks and hobs to protect against cracks.

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How Do You Maintain Concrete Countertops?

The first step to maintaining a concrete countertop is sealing it properly to protect it from stains and scratches. You can then clean your countertops regularly with a mild, pH-neutral detergent and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing pads to clean your concrete countertop because they can scratch the surface or damage the finish.

Are Concrete Countertops Cheaper Than Granite or Other Stone?

Concrete countertops cost significantly less to make and install than stone countertops if you make them yourself. However, DIY concrete countertops are difficult to mold and require specialist knowledge and equipment, so it's usually best to hire a countertop contractor.

Installing a granite countertop is usually somewhat more expensive than a professionally installed concrete countertop. According to Fixr, a 30-square-foot granite countertop will set you back between $3,000 and $3,500 (CAD 3,800 and CAD 4,400) on average, including installation, compared to between $2,200 and $2,410 (CAD 2,800 and CAD 3,020) for a concrete countertop of the same size.

Concrete countertops are also usually more affordable than marble. You should expect to pay between $2,000 and $7,000 (CAD 2,500 and CAD 8,800) for a 30-square-foot marble countertop. The national average cost is around $3,050 (CAD 3,800) for Carrara marble, which is one of the most commonly used marble types for countertops.

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