Replace a kitchen countertop.

Replacing a kitchen countertop in the UK typically costs £500–£3,500 depending on material, size, and complexity. Laminate worktops: £150-£500 for materials + £200-£500 fitted. Solid wood: £300-£1,000 + £300-£700 fitted. Quartz / engineered stone: £1,500-£4,000 + £400-£800 fitted. Granite / natural stone: £1,200-£3,500 + £400-£800 fitted.

The work spans cabinet measurement, template-making, fabrication / cutting, and installation. Most jobs take 1-3 days from initial measure to finished install, with materials lead time of 1-4 weeks for fabricated stone.

Typical UK countertop costs by material

Typical UK kitchen has 6-10 m² of worktop area.

Material comparison

• Laminate — cheapest, widest colour range, easy to install. Lifespan 7-15 years. Vulnerable to chips and water at edges.
• Solid wood — warm, natural, repairable (sand and oil). Needs annual oiling. Mark-tolerant but stains and scorches.
• Quartz / engineered stone — premium look, very durable, low maintenance. Heat-tolerant up to 150°C. 25+ year lifespan typical.
• Granite — natural stone, each slab unique. Heat-resistant, scratch-resistant. Requires sealing every 1-3 years.
• Marble — luxury aesthetic. Soft and porous; stains, scratches, etches under acidic foods. Expensive maintenance.
• Solid surface (Corian) — seamless joins, integrated sinks possible. Repairable. Heat-sensitive (don't put hot pans direct).
• Stainless steel — commercial-spec; hygienic, very durable. Shows scratches and fingerprints prominently.
• Concrete — bespoke, modern industrial look. Heavy; reinforced cabinets needed. Sealing critical.

The replacement process

1. Survey and template — supplier measures cabinets, creates template. Particularly important for stone (each cabinet must be measured individually).
2. Material selection — colour, finish, edge profile, sink and hob cutout decisions.
3. Fabrication — typically 1-4 weeks for stone (cut to template); same-week for laminate.
4. Removal of old worktops — disconnect plumbing (taps, sink, dishwasher inlet), disconnect electrics if hob present.
5. Installation — fitting takes half-day for laminate; full day for stone.
6. Connection — re-plumb, re-electrical, seal sink, seal joints.
7. Final clean and inspection.

Things people often miss

• Hob and sink cutouts — inset (drops in from above, cheaper) vs undermount (fitted from below, premium look but more fitting work).
• Edge profile — square, bullnose, ogee, eased. Different profiles add £20-£100 per metre.
• Joints in stone — slabs are typically max 3 m. Larger kitchens need joints; choice of joint position matters visually.
• Cabinets must be level — natural stone unforgiving of cabinet unevenness. Cabinet shimming may be needed.
• Splashbacks coordinated — replacing worktops without splashbacks leaves a gap. Ideally replace together.
• Heat damage on laminate — laminate worktops can scorch and bubble from hot pans. Always use trivets.
• Sealing for porous materials — granite, marble, concrete need annual or biennial sealing. Solid wood needs oiling 2-4 times annually first year, then yearly.

Frequently asked questions

Want a local pro to handle this? A kitchen specialist or stone fabricator handles worktop replacement properly. For stone worktops, the fabricator's accuracy matters significantly — visit their workshop and view recent installations before committing. Quotes from 2-3 firms recommended.