How long Does It Take to Install New Countertops

When deciding on kitchen renovation & getting rid of the old countertops, one of the most asked questions is “How long does it take to install new countertops ?

To estimate the time for a renovation project or a full kitchen remodel can be very tricky as its important to understand all the factors that will affect the installation time.

In this article I will cover :

How much time it takes to install all the different types of countertops,
Countertop Installation process from start to finish
Frequently asked questions.

So lets get started…

Important: On this website, I feature a select number of partners and companies that have products that could help my audience. As an Amazon associate, When you purchase something through my partner links, I might get paid for the referral at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

This post is about “How long does it take to install new countertops”

The time to install countertops averages between 2 to 8 hours.

Installing kitchen countertops can vary greatly in duration.

The time needed for installation of your new countertops depends on several factors such as the size of your kitchen, the type of material chosen, the complexity of the kitchen design, and the skill level of the installers.

The installation of countertops can take a few hours for smaller kitchens whereas it might take a whole day if it is a larger kitchen.

Mostly all natural stone countertops like granite or marble and solid surface like quartz countertops will take some what similar installation time.

If the design of the kitchen has a lot of smaller counters to cover and if the backsplash is also getting the slab pieces then the crew will take more time.

so the answer to the question how long does it take to replace countertops, is that its usually is within a day.

Kitchen Countertop Installation process from start to finish:

The first step in any countertop installation is the consultation.

This is when you’ll choose your material, discuss your design vision, and receive an estimate.

This could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on your decision-making process.

It’s a good idea to get at least three bids. Once you have all the bids, you will be able to compare the cost of countertops.

Templating

Next, a professional will come to your home to measure your kitchen counters or bathroom countertops and create a template for your new countertop.

This typically takes a few hours.

It’s a must that you decide on your new sink and faucet before the fabrication.

The countertop contractors will need the size of the sink and the faucet to accurately fabricate the hole in the countertop for your kitchen.

Countertop Fabrication

Once the template is ready, it’s undergoes fabrication where the countertop is cut and finished. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the material and the complexity of the design.

Installation Day

Removal of the Old Countertop

The is the final step in the actual installation of the countertop. On this day the crew will start by removing the old countertops.

Estimated time to remove natural stone or engineered stone countertops :

The removal time for granite, quartz or marble countertop is about 30 min to 1 hour.

Granite, quartz or marble counters are glued to the lower cabinets when they are installed.

To remove them, it’s a simple process. The installers insert thin wooden pieces (They are thinner at one end and thicker at the other) between the old counter and the lower cabinet and slowly hammer it which results in the countertop to separate from the glue.

The only thing now needed is to get 2 – 3 crew members to lift and haul the old counters away.

If you have tile countertops or concrete, it can take a day just to remove the countertop. Please note that removal of tile can cause a lot of dust.

Once the old countertop are removed, the new countertop pieces are carefully brought in by the installation crew and glued to the lower cabinets. The countertops are then cleaned and sealed.

Here is the video of my kitchen countertop installation. It took the entire day. My kitchen had the backsplash also getting the marble slab.

I also had custom marble floating shelves installed.

I choose Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Marble.

Different types of countertops and the time it takes to install them:

How long does it take to install Granite Countertops:

Granite is a natural stone and a very hard material.

It’s also beautiful, with each piece having a unique pattern of speckles, swirls, and waves.

That makes it perfect for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

It takes about 3 – 6 hours to install granite countertops.

How long does it take to install Quartz Countertops:

Quartz is an engineered stone that is manufactured in factories.

Quartz countertops are available in a lot of colors.

Some quartz are very similar in look to natural marble slabs.

So how long does it take to get quartz countertops ?

It takes 3-5 hours to install quartz countertops. Since quartz is non-porous, no sealing is required.

How Long does it take to install Marble Countertops :

Marble is a natural stone and very popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms because of its white background and grey veining.

Countertop installation projects with marble require 4-8 hours, sometimes even more.

Since marble is softer, every precaution is taken to be careful or else it might result in chipping a corner or causing a scratch.

The labor costs on marble countertops is higher as compared to granite or quartz.

Stainless Steel Countertops:

Stainless steel countertops offer modern industrial look to any space. Installation of steel countertops can take from few hours to a day.

Glass Countertops :

Glass countertops are countertops made of glass. They can be made from recycled glass or tempered glass. It takes 4-6 hours to install glass countertops.

Concrete Countertops :

Concrete countertops are popular for its durability, versatility, and the unique, industrial aesthetic it provides.

They can be cast in any form, tinted to any color, and given a variety of finishes, from matte to high gloss.

Installing a concrete countertop is a more complex process than other materials.

It often involves building a mold, pouring and finishing the concrete, and then leaving it to cure, which can take several days to a week.

The countertop is then sanded, polished, and sealed.

Laminate Countertops :

Laminate countertops are made from layers of plastic that are bonded to particleboard or Kraft paper to create a solid countertop surface.

Laminate countertops are lighter and easier to work with than many other countertop materials, which can make the installation process quicker and less expensive.

It takes a few hours to install laminate countertops.

Pin It

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions )

1. Can I install my own countertops to save time?

While a DIY project may seem like a quicker option, professional installations are generally more efficient and can ensure that the job is done right the first time.

Stone and concrete countertops are not recomended as a DIY project.

2. How long after quartz is installed, can you use it ?

Once the adhesive has dried, which usually takes a few hours, the countertop is ready to use.

3. Should I empty cabinets before installing countertop?

It’s recommended to empty the base cabinets to make it easier for the installation team to work on the project. Also, if you leave the items in the cabinets, there is good chance dust will go in.