By the team at Eugene’s Marble & Granite — Charleston’s countertop fabricators and installers since 1995. With over 30 years of experience and more than 10,000 kitchens installed, we know what countertops really cost in the Lowcountry.
Whether you’re remodeling the kitchen or bathroom in Charleston, one of your largest expenses may be the countertops, and one of the most difficult to budget for. The pricing is highly unpredictable, depending on material, edge profile, installer, and even neighborhoods.
This guide outlines all you need to know about Charleston, SC countertop costs for 2026 — from knowing the average rates for labor in Charleston, the cost of materials by type, what’s hot in Charleston SC homes, and how to avoid overpaying.
In This Guide
What Does a Countertop Cost in Charleston on Average?
Charleston has a slightly higher average home improvement cost than the rest of the country, and the city’s population is consistently growing while the demand for skilled trades is high. Here is a quick look at 2026 homeowner costs:
- Low end: $1,800 – $3,500 (laminate or basic tile, small kitchen)
- Mid: $4,000 – $8,500 (quartz or entry level granite, standard kitchen)
- High end: $9,000 – $22,000+ (premium quartzite, marble, or custom stone)
- Average full kitchen countertop project with installed: $5400-7200
- Average cost per square foot (all materials, installed): $55 – $140/sq ft installed
The average amount of counter in most Charleston kitchens is 30-45 square feet. The standard of comparison for quotes is a 40 sq ft kitchen.
Countertop Prices by Material in Charleston (2026)
Laminate Countertops
Laminate has progressed. Today laminate (available in a variety of different finishes and hues) can be much more convincing when it comes to stone.
- Material cost: $8 – $22/sq ft
- Installation Costs: $30-$50/sq ft installed
- Total for 40 sq ft kitchen: $1,200 – $2,000
- Most popular brands: Wilsonart, Formica, Arborite
- Advantages: Used for rentals & investment properties, budget flips, laundry rooms.
- Lifespan: 10 – 20 years with proper care
Tile Countertops
After being a bit out of style, large-format porcelain tile countertops have begun to resurface in the bungalow and craftsman remodeling of the Charleston area.
- Installation: $4 – $10/sq ft (depends on the type of tile installed)
- Installation costs: $35-$65 per square foot installed
- Total for 40 sq ft kitchen: $1,400 – $2,600
- Best suited to: Farmhouse kitchens, DIY projects, heat resistance
- Watch out for: Grout maintenance; avoid small tiles with lots of grout lines on counters
Butcher Block and Wood Countertops
The farmhouse and coastal-modern style popular in West Ashley, Johns Island, and James Island in Charleston is very popular for wood countertops.
- Material cost: $40 – $100/sq ft
- Manufactured on-site – Contact for Pricing
- Total for 40 sq ft kitchen: $2,200 – $4,800
- Main species of trees used: Hard maple, walnut, white oak, cherry
- Cons: May not be very sturdy, may be difficult to repair if it gets damaged, not very durable for cutting around sinks, and not easy to do-it-yourself.
- Pros: Easy to install, affordable, comes in various colors, and is durable.Cons: Needs to be oiled regularly, can be affected by moisture around sinks.
Granite Countertops
Granite is still one of the most popular materials for countertops in Charleston. There is a great selection and competitive pricing at the local stone yards in the Charleston and Ravenel area.
- Material cost: $40 – $90/sq ft
- Installation cost: $55 – $110 per sq. ft. installed (which includes edge profile, cutout, and backsplash)
- Total for 40 sq ft kitchen: $2,200 – $4,400
- Price by tier:
- Level 1 (basic colors, high availability): $55 – $75/sq ft installed
- Level 2 (mid-grade, more variation): $75 – $95/sq ft installed
- Level 3+ (exotic, bookmatched): $100 – $140/sq ft installed
- Sealing: Every 1-3 years, required; most installers in Charleston would do it as a first sealing.
Quartz Countertops (Engineered Stone)
Currently, quartz is the most popular countertop material in Charleston. When it comes to new construction, it’s a safe bet that quartz will be the most popular option, as it is easy to clean and has a consistent look.
- Material cost: $50 – $120/sq ft
- Installation cost is $65 – $135 per square foot installed.
- Total for 40 sq ft kitchen: $2,600 – $5,400
- Price by brand:
- Caesarstone: $70 – $100/sq ft installed
- Silestone: $65 – $95/sq ft installed
- Cambria (made in USA): $90 – $130/sq ft installed
- MSI Q Premium: $60 – $85/sq ft installed
- Pros: Non-porous, stain-resistant, consistent patterning, no sealing needed
- Cons: Can’t be used outdoors; heat from pans can cause damage
Marble Countertops
In fact, right now, marble is really making a splash in prime-time luxury spots such as bathroom vanities and butler’s pantries in Charleston. It needs an informed homeowner in the kitchen who will make the compromises.
- Material cost: $60 – $180/sq ft
- Installation cost: $80 – $200/sq ft installed
- Total for 40 sq ft kitchen: $3,200 – $8,000
- Most popular types: Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario
- Reality check: So, keep in mind that marble scratches and etches more readily than granite or quartz and can be damaged by acidic foods, such as lemon, wine, and tomato. Many Charleston designers are in favor of using marble for vanities only (see the Marble Institute for care guidelines).
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is a natural stone that is similar to marble but has properties similar to granite. One of the most popular materials used in upscale Charleston home remodeling.
- Material cost: $80 – $200/sq ft
- Installation cost: $100 to $220 per square foot installed.
- Total for 40 sq ft kitchen: $4,000 – $8,800
- Commonly used slabs: White Macaubas, sea pearl, super white, Taj Mahal.
- Note: Taj Mahal quartzite is so popular in Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island luxury builds these days!
Concrete Countertops
Charleston custom, industrial, or ultra-modern homeowners love concrete countertops. They are almost always site or locally precast.
- Cost: $90 – $160/sq ft installed (custom work)
- Total for 40 sq ft kitchen: $3,600 – $6,400
- Pros: Fully custom shapes and colors, unique look, heat-resistant
- Cons: This requires sealing, can crack over time, and has a 2-4 week lead time
What Affects Countertop Pricing in Charleston?
There are a number of factors outside of material that will either increase or decrease your project costs:
Edge Profiles
- If not, it is considered an eased edge and will be included in the base price.
- Beveled or Bullnose: +$8 – $15/linear ft
- Ogee or dupont: +$15 – $30/linear ft
- This style of waterfall edge (side panels) ranges in price from +$500 to +$1,500, depending on stone.
Cutouts and Undermount Sinks
- Two undermount sink cutout: +$300 – $500
- Double bowl cutout: +$200 – $400
- Cooktop cutout: +$150 – $250
- Faucet hole drilling: +$50 – $100 each
Backsplash
- All stone backsplashes are priced per linear foot, excluding installation. All stone backsplashes are a flat rate of +$12 – $20/linear ft (excluding installation).
- Fully height backsplash to upper cabinets: +$400 – $1,200 (varies by material)
Demolition and Haul-Away
- Installation of new laminate: $150 – $250 flat fee
- Removing old stone/tile: $100 – $300
- Haul-away disposal: $75 – $200
Plumbing Disconnection
- Most Charleston countertop companies will need to have a licensed plumber do the disconnection/reconnection.
- Plumber visit: $125 – $275 in the metro area
Charleston Labor Costs: What Installers Charge in 2026
Labor makes up a large portion of the cost of your countertop in Charleston. Installation costs have increased approximately 12–18% since 2023, as the Charleston metro experienced an extremely tight skilled trades market.
- Most “installed” quotes include the average installation labor cost of $35 – $65/sq ft.
- The templating fee is $75 to $150, depending on the project size, and may be waived depending on the requirements of the project.
- Commission for stone fabrication: Most quotes will include this as part of your quote; check with your stone vendor.
- Rush/expedited installation: (+20 – 35%) above the standard installation rate
- Installation time: 1-2 weeks (from templating)
A tip: Always have 3 quotes (NKBA recommends getting multiple estimates). There are many fabricators and/or big-box stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA) in the local area in Charleston. Local fabricators may be able to provide better pricing and a quicker turnaround than big-box.
Charleston Neighborhoods and Price Expectations
Location within Charleston does not affect material costs, but does impact the bid pricing of contractors and competitive bidding:
- Mount Pleasant / Daniel Island: Premier pricing; many contractors in this area specialize in luxury projects and upscale remodels.
- Downtown Charleston / South of Broad: Marble, quartzite, and waterfall edges are popular in this competitive luxury market.
- West Ashley / James Island: Strong mid-range market with quartz and butcher block popular in updated bungalows and ranch homes.
- Summerville / Goose Creek: Large volume of new construction with quartz as the dominant choice; prices are 5-10% lower than the urban core.
- North Charleston / Hanahan: Mid-range market with granite and quartz as popular options; good mix of local installers
How to Save Money on Countertops in Charleston
- Buy remnant slabs. Remnant pieces (smaller slabs that have been left over from bigger jobs) are often sold by local stone yards in the Charleston area for 30–60% less. Ideal for bathrooms, small kitchens, or laundry rooms.
- Do not have any kitchen expos or shows. Charleston home expos usually charge a premium on their prices. Purchase directly from the fabricator.
- Opt for quartz instead of quartzite. The look is very comparable, and the cost difference may be as high as $30-$80/sq ft.
- Skip the ogee edge. If you’re looking for a simple edge, you can choose from an eased or a beveled edge, which will look clean, modern, and won’t cost you anything.
- Combine bathroom and kitchen items. Most of the time, fabricators in the city provide a 10–15% discount if you have 10/15% of your product fabricated.
- Get quotes in the winter months. Charleston remodelers tend to be busiest during the summer and fall months, with January to March being the slowest time of the year.January to March is the slowest time of year for Charleston remodelers, so there is more negotiating power.
- Do your own demo. It can save you $100-$200 to remove old laminate yourself.
Questions to Ask Your Charleston Countertop Contractor
Before signing anything, you should have a clear understanding of these (the National Association of the Remodeling Industry recommends asking every contractor these questions):
- Does the quote contain the template, or is it an additional charge?
- Is the price with or without fabrication?
- What number of cutouts are available, and how much does it cost to have more?
- Will the crew un-connect and re-connect the plumbing, or do I need another plumber?
- How long is the lead time from template to installation?
- Does sealing come with it, and is there a number of coats?
- What is your guarantee period (warranty) for fabrication & installation?
- Do I have to pay any travel fees for my zip code?
Quick Reference: Charleston Countertop Cost Summary (2026)
| Material | Installed Cost/Sq Ft | 40 Sq Ft Kitchen |
| Laminate | $30 – $50 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Tile | $35 – $65 | $1,400 – $2,600 |
| Butcher Block | $55 – $120 | $2,200 – $4,800 |
| Granite | $55 – $140 | $2,200 – $5,600 |
| Quartz | $65 – $135 | $2,600 – $5,400 |
| Marble | $80 – $200 | $3,200 – $8,000 |
| Quartzite | $100 – $220 | $4,000 – $8,800 |
| Concrete | $90 – $160 | $3,600 – $6,400 |
Final Thoughts
This is a good thing for homeowners because there is a vibrant and competitive countertop market in Charleston in 2026. From counters for a new build in Summerville, to those needed to refresh a historic home in downtown Charleston, or for a luxury home in Mount Pleasant, there’s a countertop solution at practically any price point.
The best way: choose your budget first, then find 2-3 materials that fit your budget, and then obtain a free estimate from 3-4 local fabricators, or browse our project gallery for real-life inspiration. Take your time in making the decision — in the majority of houses, the countertop serves for 15–30 years, and it’s worthwhile comparing your options before choosing the right countertop.
These prices are for projects done in the Charleston SC area in 2026 and can be subject to change due to project scope, material availability, and contractor.
About the Author
This guide was written by the team at Eugene’s Marble & Granite, Charleston’s countertop fabricators and installers since 1995. With over 30 years of experience and more than 10,000 kitchens installed across the Lowcountry, our team brings firsthand knowledge of what countertops actually cost — and what makes the difference between a great project and an expensive mistake. We fabricate and install granite, quartz, marble, quartzite, soapstone, and porcelain at our facility in Ravenel, SC.
