When planning a kitchen upgrade, one of the biggest questions is: How much will new countertops cost?

Here at Kirkstone Countertops, we specialize in high-quality stone surfaces such as quartz, granite, porcelain, marble, dolomite, quartzite and soapstone.

We’ve helped homeowners across the Niagara Region turn their dream kitchens into reality.

Here’s what you need to know about pricing countertops, what drives the cost, and how to budget effectively.

FIRST, WHY CHOOSE KIRKSTONE COUNTERTOPS?

Located at 1077 Niagara Street, Welland, Ontario, Kirkstone Countertops has been proudly locally owned and operated in the Niagara Region since 1929.

We specialize in premium stone surfaces such as natural stone slabs (granite, marble, quartzite, dolomite) as well as engineered stone slabs (quartz), and porcelain)

What sets us apart?

  1. State-of-the-art fabrication facility and showroom.

  2. Wide selection of materials and colours, including classic and trend-setting styles.

  3. Dedicated to quality, precision installation and customer service.

With that reputation, the pricing of our kitchen countertops reflects the value of premium materials, expert fabrication, and installation tailored to your kitchen.

how much do kitchen countertops costhow much do kitchen countertops cost

WHAT DRIVES THE COST OF KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS?

Before we dive into the numbers, it’s important to recognize the major factors that determine your final cost.

  1. Material type – Whether you choose natural stone (granite, marble), engineered stone (quartz), or porcelain can affect cost significantly.

  2. Square footage – Larger countertop areas, islands, waterfall edges or multiple surfaces increase cost.

  3. Colour/style/rareness of material – Exotic slabs, unique veining or premium finishes sometimes cost more.

  4. Cut-outs and modifications – Sink cut-outs, cooktop openings, electrical or plumbing adjustments add to cost.

  5. Edge profile & installation complexity – Simple straight edges cost less; intricate edges, backsplashes or waterfall islands add labour and material costs.

  6. Labour / location / installation – Local labour rates, fabrication complexity, and on-site conditions influence cost.


WHAT PRICE CAN YOU EXPECT FROM KIRKSTONE?

Here’s how you can approach budgeting:

  • For a modest kitchen layout (say ~30 square feet of countertop space, simple profile, standard material) you might budget in the lower range (e.g., $60-$90 per sq ft installed).

  • For a mid-range job (higher‐end quartz or granite, more cut-outs, island, waterfall edge) you could be in the $90-$130+ per sq ft

  • For a premium/complex job (exotic stone, large island, waterfall edge, custom edges, integrated sink) the cost could climb above $130+ per sq ft, depending on material and finish.

Given the industry benchmarks above, and the premium nature of the materials and services at Kirkstone, a homeowner should prepare accordingly.

Example: Rough Budget Estimate

  • 30 sq ft × $70 per sq ft → $2,100 (lower-cost scenario)

  • 30 sq ft × $110 per sq ft → $3,300 (mid-range)

  • 50 sq ft × $130 per sq ft → $6,500 (premium job)


These are illustrative. The exact quote may vary based on your specific kitchen layout, slab choice, and installation needs.

TYPICAL COST RANGES FOR COUNTERTOPS IN ONTARIO

While Kirkstone provides quotes tailored to each job, here are some industry-benchmark ranges you can use to guide your budget:

  • For engineered quartz countertops in Ontario: between approximately $50-$120 per square foot (installed).

  • More specifically, in the Greater Toronto Area: quartz runs about $45-$200 per sq ft installed, depending on quality. (1)

  • Home Depot’s Canadian site lists: average ~$85 per sq ft (installed) for a standard countertop job, with range ~$23-$116 depending on material. (2)

  • In Toronto example breakdown: entry-level quartz ~$55-$80 per sq ft; mid-range ~$80-$110; luxury $110-$180+. (3)

Because you are in the Niagara region, local pricing might be somewhat less than major metro centres, but that depends on factors like material selection and complexity (read above).

HOW TO GET THE BEST VALUE (AND AVOID SURPRISES)

When working with Kirkstone (or any countertop partner) here are some tips to maximize value and avoid unexpected costs:

  • Visit the showroom: We have a showroom where you can see full slabs, colour/finish options, edge profiles, and get a feel for what premium costs.

  • Clarify scope: Be clear about cut-outs (sink, cooktop), edge profile, backsplash inclusion, removal of old countertop, plumbing/electrical work.

  • Ask about seams/joins: Large islands or L-shaped layouts may require seams which can affect cost and appearance.

  • Choose standard sizes/edges: Simpler edges and standard slab sizes save cost; custom edges, waterfall styles, complex shapes cost more.

  • Confirm what’s included: Ensure installation, removal of old countertop (if applicable), clean-up and any finishing details are accounted for.

  • Time your project: Off-peak seasons may offer better availability or pricing; local labour demand matters.

  • Get a written quote: We will prepare a quote tailored to your space — compare slabs, finishes, installation inclusions.

  • Budget for extras: Backsplash, sink/faucet upgrades, electrical/plumbing revisions, island overhangs, and premium stone all add cost


WHY UPGRADING YOUR KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS MAKES SENSE

Here are the top 3 reasons that make investing in quality countertops worthwhile:

  1. Durability & low-maintenance: Engineered quartz and premium natural stone stand up to heat, stains and wear more than budget surfaces like laminate. 

  2. Aesthetic & resale value: A well-executed stone countertop adds visual impact and can elevate your kitchen’s value.

  3. Long term cost-effectiveness: Materials that need less maintenance and fewer repairs provide better value over time.

As we often emphasis: “Stone kitchen countertops look better, last longer and increase the value of your home more than other options.”

Final Thoughts

If you’re deciding how much you should budget for new kitchen countertops in the Niagara Region, working with Kirkstone Countertops, a good rule of thumb is to plan for somewhere in the ballpark of $70-$120 per square foot installed, for typical mid-to-high quality stone work.

For simpler jobs you might fall below; for luxury jobs you might go above.

The best next step? Visit our showroom in Welland, bring your kitchen layout/measurements, pick your slab styles and ask for a detailed quote. Since every countertop job is unique, the more specifics you can provide (size, slab choice, edge profile, cut-outs) the more accurate your quote will be.

Kirkstone Countertops is a leading supplier of quality stone kitchen countertops within the Niagara Region.

SOURCES:

1 - https://www.quartzinternational.ca/cost

2 - https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/ideas-how-to/kitchen/cost-install-coutertops.html

3 - https://countertoppro.ca/quartz-countertops-cost-toronto/