Countertop Costs

Countertops can add a good chunk onto the price of building a home from scratch or from a kit; their cost is rarely included in the cost of the cabinetry. The price, of course, varies depending on the material used. Some of the popular countertop materials are wood or butcher block, tile, plastic laminates, and stone.

Wood/Butcher Block Countertops

Wood countertops can be popular in log homes since they go well with the rest of the wood building materials. One downside with wood is that it needs to be sealed carefully to protect it from water. Also, if you like perfection, you may not appreciate the nicks and scratches that wood can acquire over the years. Wood/butcher block countertops cost $25-$100 per square foot.

Tile Countertops

Tile countertops resist stains and stand up well to heat and time. Since tiles come in a variety of colors and sizes, they can work with any design scheme. One downside is the grout lines which can be a pain to clean once they become dirty and stained. Tile countertops start at about $15 per square foot. Keep in mind that custom-made tiles or fancy trim pieces can increase the costs quite noticeably.

Plastic Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops remain the most popular choice because they are the most economical and the colors and patterns available are practically limitless. Laminate countertops cost between $8-$20 per square foot.

Stone Countertops

Stone countertops like granite and quartz are extremely trendy right now, but they are also the most expensive counter options, running $50-$100 per square foot. For your money, you get superb durability, stain resistance, and heat resistance. You can bring that price tag down by opting for stone tiles rather than whole-counter custom-cut slabs.

Source: "What's It Cost?" from the May 2005 issue of Log Home Living

Related Sites:
Top 10 Kitchen Countertops
Considering High-End Countertops for Your Kitchen Remodeling Job
Guide to Kitchen Costs

Back to Log Home Kits: Extra Costs