How Much Does It Cost to Install Concrete Countertops?

Estimating Concrete Countertop Costs

Concrete countertops have a wide range of variations. The final product depends on the level of customization you want. 

Material

When installing a concrete countertop, the contractor can either pour the concrete on-site or prepare it at the warehouse to your specifications before arriving for the project. The method you choose will impact the final cost and the time to finish the project. 

The cost of an on-site concrete countertop pouring is between $50 and $125 a square foot. Many 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. 

A Quick Note: It takes four to 10 weeks for concrete to cure completely, depending on humidity and additives in the concrete. If you want to add custom details, such as custom color or edging, it's better to pour concrete on-site. But for most homeowners who live on-site, this method is not recommended because it means your countertop is off-limits during the curing time.

A precast concrete countertop ranges from $60 to $150 a square foot. Many contractors prefer to precast the cement to customer preference in a factory-controlled environment. They can give the countertop the proper time to cure, then deliver and install the countertop at your home. Consult a concrete contractor near you for your best countertop option.

Installation 

The majority of the kitchen countertop cost comes from labor and installation. Installation costs $50 to $125 a square foot, or $30 to $90 per hour, depending on how decorative your countertop is.

For a 30-square-foot countertop with a single color stain, labor makes up roughly $2,500 to $2,700 of the $3,000 total.

Finish

Concrete countertops are extremely versatile. From painting to staining to polishing the surface or changing your edge profile, there is nothing you can’t do. Adding extras such as a drainboard, integrated sink, or polished finish affects the final cost. 

Here are some common finishes and their costs:

• Basic concrete countertops: The basic countertop typically costs $55 and $90 a square foot. This is a rough matte gray finish and isn’t colored, stained, or polished.

• Stained concrete countertops: Professionals typically charge $100 to $150 a square foot, depending on the design. Staining a concrete countertop offers endless design choices, such as wood grain, marble, or any custom patterns to add texture and depth to the countertop.

• Colored concrete countertops: Colored concrete countertops cost an average of $60 to $100 per square foot, depending on the color you want. 

• Polished concrete countertops: Polishing concrete countertops costs between $90 and $150 a square foot. Polishing the concrete allows you to have a smooth and shiny countertop by sanding down the surface until it has a mirror finish. Your pro could polish the countertop as part of the staining or dying process, and they typically use sealant and finishes to protect the surface.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Concrete Countertops per Square Foot?

Pouring and installing a concrete countertop costs $65 to $135 per square foot. The final cost depends on the size, color, and finishing style.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Concrete Countertops Yourself?

Mixing and pouring your concrete countertop may seem like an easy and inexpensive DIY project, but you need elbow grease and expertise to do it right. 

While DIYing a concrete countertop may cost around $8 to $15 per square foot, you will need to pay extra for tools to get the job done. Materials and supplies include:

• Wood to make the mold

• Wire mesh

• Drywall screws

• Silicone caulk

• Sandpaper 

• Protective gloves

As soon as you pour the concrete, the surface begins to dry, and you need to fix any errors quickly. If you have the skills to manage cement, you could find this a nice DIY project. Otherwise, hiring a local countertop contractor will save you time and spare you stress.

Cost to DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor 

DIYing your concrete countertop may cost around $8 to $15 per square foot, while a contractor will charge $2,500 for a $3,000 project. Labor counts for 80% of the total cost of concrete countertop installation.

However, building this kind of countertop requires “not only absolute precision, but also extensive experience in smoothing and finishing the concrete as it sets,” says Ezra Laniado, owner of Landmark Construction & Development Group Inc. in Los Angeles. You must have the skills and the expertise to manage a project like this. For the average homeowner, it’s always a better idea to hire a professional. 

What Factors Influence the Cost to Install Concrete Countertops?

The final price for installing a concrete countertop depends on a few factors, such as the countertop’s style and design. 

Placement of the Countertop

Whether you’re putting a concrete countertop in your kitchen or building a bar in your backyard, where you want to install makes a difference in the final price.

• Kitchen: Countertop installation might come with other expenses, such as installing a concrete sink (which costs $1,000 to $2,000) or creating a custom backsplash (which adds $25 to $50 per square foot).

• Island or tabletop: Building a custom island or table to match the look of your counter creates a cohesive look. But concrete may require additional support, limiting the style, thickness, and design for the table base—and possibly increasing the overall price.

• Bathroom vanity: Installing concrete in the bathroom could mean you’re working with a smaller area and have a higher expense per square foot.

Custom Design

The standard concrete countertop features 1.5-inch width and straight corners, without dyes or embedded items. Any custom additions, such as rounded edges, tend to increase the final costs.

Thicker countertops generate higher expenses. Specialty solid-surface materials may also weigh more, requiring additional support for cabinetry.

It can cost as little as $650 for a 10-square-foot bathroom countertop with no color or custom options, and as high as $7,000 for a 40-square-foot custom kitchen countertop with a matching island and an aggregate edge. 

Custom Finish

Adding colors or specific finishes to the concrete contributes additional charges. The price to add color to your concrete countertops is $60 to $100 per square foot, while polishing the surface costs between $90 and $150 a square foot. 

FAQs About Concrete Countertops

How do you maintain concrete countertops?

Concrete countertops are durable and long-lasting, but they do need regular maintenance.

• Concrete must be treated yearly with a sealer. Silicone sealants are a popular choice since they are safe and easy to use.

• Concrete can stain easily, but when sealed, it's easier to clean and harder for stains to set.

• You can wash the concrete with a mild detergent. 

• Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing pads that can damage the finish. 

• Wipe up any acidic spills because these can dull the finish.

• Always use a cutting board to avoid scratching the top. 

What is the difference between concrete and granite countertops?

Both granite and concrete are excellent long-term materials for your countertops, but they do have important differences.

• Price: Granite costs around $2,000 to $3,000 just for the slab, compared to about $2,100 to $4,000 for concrete. The material cost per square foot accounts for the installation and customization.

• Maintenance: Both granite and concrete need a bit of upkeep. Homeowners must regularly seal both materials to prevent water or oil from seeping in and staining them. 

• Durability: Both materials are durable and long-lasting; however, concrete can crack as it dries. To repair concrete, expect to pay between $200 to $500. Or you can avoid repair costs with regular sealing, which dramatically increases the material lifespan. 

What is the difference between concrete and quartz countertops?

Quartz is made of quartz rock mixed with resins and pigments. It comes in many variations and styles and can mimic other materials, including concrete. 

While both have the same cost range and durability, quartz can be lower in maintenance because it resists scratching and stains and doesn't need frequent sealing.

Concrete is more versatile than quartz. However, a concrete countertop takes more time to cure than quartz. 

What other projects should I do at the same time?

While you’re revamping the countertop of your kitchen, you can also:

• Install a backsplash to match the new countertop.

• Upgrade the cabinet design or style.

• Replace the old sink or appliances in your kitchen.