If you’re looking for the best worktop for your kitchen worktop ideas, kitchen worktop prices will be high on your list of considerations.
The reality is, budget is a significant factor in the new kitchen buying process, and while you might dream of smart quartz worktops, can you afford them? Could solid wood worktops be a more budget-friendly option instead?
Before you make a final choice you need reliable information. Here, we look at both popular and specialist kitchen worktops, what you can expect to pay, and some of their pros and cons to make sure your budget is being spent in the right place.
Laminate kitchen worktops
Laminate kitchen worktops are one of the most budget-friendly worktop options. “Upfront costs start at around £20- £30m2,” says Paul Kerr, Building expert at Beatsons Building Supplies. However, this isn’t the only reason it's popular, he continues. “It's also low-maintenance and available in a wide variety of styles, colours, and textures.”
The length will help determine the cost, but three-metre lengths are common and ideal for most kitchen ideas. If you see a worktop that is surprisingly cheap, check its length. The thickness of the worktop can also affect the price.
Budget laminate worktops (typically 3000mm x 28mm) start at around £100 - £120. However, thicker sizes (38/40mm) will increase the price, while thinner worktops (22mm) will cost less.
Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr, offers this smart advice. “Remember, when sourcing laminate, opt for the highest quality you can afford; low-cost laminate can be prone to warping and scratching.”
However, most budget-friendly laminate isn’t perfect, points out Paul Kerr. “The main downside to laminate worktops is their susceptibility to heat damage if exposed to too much steam and heat.
“They typically also have a shorter lifespan when compared to stone worktops," he adds. The surface, especially on inexpensive laminate worktops, once damaged, is hard to repair and typically will need replacing.
Shop for laminate worktops
An inexpensive 2400mm x 62mm x 28mm laminate and particle board worktop. It has a matt oak effect worktop which is designed to be functional and easy to maintain.
A black granite effect 38mm thick worktop thats boasts a realistic finish and is resistant to heat, stains, scratching and water. Comes with a 25-year guarantee.
A laminate and particle board 38mm thick square edge worktop that features a Matt Honey Wood effect finish. Features an anti-fingerprint finish for easy day to day maintenance.
Paul Kerr is an experienced branch manager with a demonstrated history of working in the retail and merchanting industry. Skilled in Management, Retail, Sales, and home building advice. Through Beatsons, he has seen everything from outdoor patio organisation to full rebuilds!
Al Bruce began his illustrious career 25 years ago, studying to be a cabinet maker at college. From humble beginnings, he has gained invaluable experience and a wealth of knowledge. With a natural flair for design and a deep passion for the industry, Al finally opened his own Shaker kitchen company, Olive & Barr, in 2018
Solid wood kitchen worktop costs
Solid wood kitchen worktops are typically a step up from laminate, but with a wide range of options available, prices can vary significantly. As with laminate worktops, length and thickness will affect price, and the type of wood (pine/beech/oak) you choose can make a difference.
“Solid wood worktops can go for a lot more than laminate with a starting cost of around £50m2,” says Paul Kerr. Expect to pay £130 - £150 for a standard 3m length, but prices can easily reach £200 or more for the same length in a different wood.
However, one of the reasons they cost more is that they offer aesthetic appeal says Al Bruce. “A wooden worktop is a classic choice and has many advantages if you prefer a natural and rustic kitchen. As it's available in many forms from ash to oak, wood contrasts beautifully against an array of textures, creating an eclectic look.”
It is also easy to work with, he adds. “Wood is more forgiving than a stone worktop as it can be perfectly shaped to fit every angle of your kitchen. But, remember, wood does require some maintenance, such as oiling to prevent scratches and to protect it from general wear-and-tear,” he adds.
"Solid wood worktops can warp or crack more easily if exposed to too much heat or moisture," warns Paul, "and because wood is a porous material its also more vulnerable to staining and would need regular oiling/sealing.”
Although if you are thinking of renovating to sell he also notes that, "solid wood is often noted by house buyers as a plus point.”
Shop for solid wood worktops
This real beech solid wood worktop offers a sustainable and eco-friendly option. It is 28mm thick, features a square edge, is unfinished and measures 3000mm x 620mm.
Made from solid European Oak, this worktop comes in 3m lengths and has a thickness of 40mm with a square edge. Will include colour variation and natural elements such as knots.
A dark oak solid wood worktop that measures 600mm x 38mm x 3000mm. It is impact-resistant and water-resistant, and can withstand dry heat up to 140°C. Comes with a one-year guarantee.
Quartz, granite, and marble kitchen worktop costs
Stone-based worktops are a common choice for more luxurious kitchens, but the cost for stone worktops is much higher than for laminate and wood, and realistically, they’re not materials that you can cut and fit yourself. You will need to pay additional costs for materials and professional installation.
Prices can vary widely depending on several factors says Mike Bekin, Managing Director of Ecochoice. “Installed pricing for quartz worktops, that includes templating and fabrication starts at around £350 - £500m2 at the low end, £550 - £800m2 mid‑range, and £900 - £1400m2 for premium brands.
“Installed marble typically ranges from £400 - £700m2 at the low end, going up to £1300 - £2000m2 for premium stones like Calacatta or thicker profiles," he adds.
Average costs for granite worktops are around £400 - £500m2. However, thicker profiles, different brands, and quality can lead to price variations. Get three or four quotes from online or local suppliers to ensure an accurate price for your needs.
In terms of which worktop costs best match your budget, quartz worktops are popular for their appearance, says Al Bruce. “Quartz is available in a wide range of styles; small pieces of glass or metallic flecks are added to create a beautiful finish.”
“Along with granite, quartz is one of the most durable options on the market,” adds Paul Kerr. However, it's not just their good looks that make them a winner, says Al Bruce, “Quartz is a non-porous material; its texture does not allow bacteria to grow and resists stains, ideal for maintaining a clean kitchen.”
“Marble on the other hand is a little softer than the other stones, so it is a bit more susceptible to scratching,” notes Paul. "But it would still be a more durable option than laminate or wood.”
Mike Bekin is a construction and DIY expert with over 20 years’ experience in timber and sustainable building materials. He founded Ecochoice in 2005 to provide high-quality, FSC‑certified hardwoods and other timber products for civil, marine, and residential projects.
Specialist kitchen worktop costs
Beyond the popular options, there are more specialist options such as Corian, stainless steel, copper and concrete.
Costs will vary based on a range of factors. Corian worktops typically cost £500 - £600m2 installed. While Mike Bekin points out, “installed stainless usually starts around £350m2, going up to £1400m2 for thicker gauges, integrated sinks and extensive upstands.”
Concrete worktop prices start at around £300m2 installed for simpler precast sections. But prices can rise to well over £1000m2 for more complex worktops. Copper worktops start at around £300 - 400m2.
Like other worktop types, specialist kitchen worktops have drawbacks, with cost a common one. All cost more than laminate and solid wood, and they are not DIY-friendly. You will need a professional to install them.
Corian worktops are non-porous, can be seamlessly blended at joins, and scratches can be buffed out, while as Paul Kerr shares, "stainless steel is known for its industrial quality, often found in industrial kitchens; it's easy to clean and maintain. But, it is also prone to scratching, denting and fingerprints.
“Warming with an industrial feel, copper worktops complement many kitchen designs, from pared-back to opulent,” says Al Bruce, but can also be susceptible to scratches and dents and changes colour over time.
“Concrete offers a custom look with flexible thicknesses, colours and cast‑in drainers or inlays that feel architectural," notes Mike. "It’s inherently heat-tolerant and can be repaired or refinished by specialists if needed. The downsides are weight, the need for robust cabinetry and reinforcement, and a tendency for micro‑cracks or pinholes that require good sealing.”
FAQs
How much does it cost to install a kitchen worktop?
The cost for fitting a kitchen worktop will depend heavily on the material. Some can be installed DIY, while others require professional installation. “Laminate worktop installation will be in the range of £200 - £300,” says Paul Kerr. However, as it's the easiest to work with, "if you're an avid DIYer, then laminate is probably the easiest material to cut to shape and fit.”
“Laminate and solid wood have the lowest fitting costs," adds Mike Bekin, "because they can be cut on site and adjusted to imperfect walls, with labour for a small kitchen commonly £250 – £600.”
Other worktop materials, such as quartz, granite, and stone, should be handled by professionals, recommends Paul. “These require more specialised tools for cutting and shaping,” which most DIYers won’t have in their tool collection.
“Stone, quartz and marble use template‑and‑fit workflows with CNC cutting, so installation is bundled into per‑square‑metre pricing and often starts near £1200 –£1800,” adds Mike. This is to supply and fit for an average kitchen. Expect to pay around £400+m2 for supply and installation. Different companies charge different prices, so it is wise to get at least three quotes to get a more accurate idea of pricing.
If you are planning to update or install a new kitchen and want to make sure your kitchen wortkop costs are well spent, make sure you check out our guides on choosing a kitchen worktop colour and kitchen island ideas for more inspiration and insight.
