Few upgrades refresh a kitchen faster than swapping tired laminate for a crisp new surface. Yet when clients ask, “What’s the actual cost to replace laminate countertops?” the answer depends on dozens of variables. CountBricks uses AI-powered blueprint takeoffs and real-time voice consultations to pinpoint those variables in minutes, but homeowners still benefit from knowing the main cost drivers. This guide unpacks them from a residential construction perspective so you can budget with confidence and leverage every CountBricks advantage.
Laminate itself comes in economy, mid-grade, and premium lines. A basic post-form pattern may start near $15 per square foot installed, while high-pressure designer laminates with matte finishes, metallic flecks, or integrated antimicrobial layers can climb past $40.
• Economy laminate: $15–$20 per sq ft installed
• Mid-grade laminate: $20–$30 per sq ft installed
• Premium laminate: $30–$40+ per sq ft installed
Old countertops rarely lift out in one piece. Expect labor for careful sink and cooktop disconnects, backsplash separation, and demolition disposal fees.
• Typical removal labor: $2–$5 per sq ft
• Haul-away fees: $75–$150 per project
Skilled installers cut sink openings, seam sections flawlessly, and scribe edges to irregular walls. In the San Francisco Bay Area—where labor rates rank among the nation’s highest—CountBricks sees average installation charges of:
• Standard L-shaped kitchen (40–45 sq ft): $600–$900
• Large kitchen with island (60–70 sq ft): $1,000–$1,400
Square edges are fastest to fabricate. Waterfall, bullnose, or ogee laminate edges add style but also time.
• Decorative edge upcharge: $8–$15 per linear foot
Once new tops are in place, sinks, faucets, disposals, and cooktops must be reinstalled. CountBricks coordinates licensed subcontractors when needed, preventing scheduling gaps.
• Simple sink reconnect: $150–$250
• Cooktop / range reconnect: $175–$300
Water-damaged cabinets, uneven walls, or outdated plumbing can emerge only after demolition. CountBricks’ AI voice session flags potential red flags early, yet set aside a 10 % contingency for surprises.
Because every kitchen footprint differs, total project costs span a range. Based on thousands of CountBricks estimates nationwide, the cost to replace laminate countertops typically falls into three tiers:
• Small kitchenette (25–30 sq ft): $1,000–$1,600 total
• Standard kitchen (40–50 sq ft): $1,800–$2,800 total
• Large or custom layout (60–70 sq ft): $3,000–$4,500 total
1. Start a voice call with a CountBricks estimator on any device.
2. Share dimensions verbally or upload a photo; our AI maps a digital blueprint instantly.
3. Select laminate style, edge, backsplash, and sink model in real time.
4. CountBricks pulls live material pricing from regional suppliers and applies current Bay Area labor indices.
5. A detailed line-item quote, Gantt schedule, and payment milestone appear in your inbox—often before the call ends.
• Keep the existing backsplash if it’s in good shape; re-caulk instead of replacing.
• Choose standard sink sizes to avoid custom cutout fees.
• Bundle faucet and disposal upgrades with countertop work to lower individual trade call-out charges.
• Schedule mid-week installations when crews have greater calendar flexibility and may offer slight labor discounts.
Laminate technology now withstands heat and scratches far better than older generations, but stone composites or solid-surface materials may deliver higher ROI in premium markets. CountBricks can model your kitchen in quartz or butcher block within the same estimating session, letting you compare upfront costs against resale value projections pulled from our data analytics engine.
• Voice-driven takeoffs free your field team from hours of manual measuring.
• Automated mark-up controls let you protect margins while still delivering transparent homeowner pricing.
• Digital quote documents branded with your logo are ready to e-sign through CountBricks.com/services.
Ready to see precise numbers for your project? Visit CountBricks.com/consultation to launch a no-obligation voice estimate. In fewer than ten minutes you’ll know the exact cost to replace laminate countertops in your kitchen—and you’ll have a scheduled installation window on your calendar.
When the Garcia family in Daly City called CountBricks, their 1980s laminate was warped near the sink and stained from years of espresso spills. They wanted a fresh look without committing to quartz prices.
• Footprint: 42 sq ft U-shaped layout
• Selected material: Mid-grade matte laminate in concrete gray
• Edge profile: Square
• Backsplash: Existing 4-inch retained
• Plumbing: New drop-in composite sink and faucet
The family initiated a Saturday morning voice session. In nine minutes CountBricks generated:
• Material cost: $980 (real-time supplier pricing)
• Removal & disposal: $185
• Installation labor: $720
• Plumbing reconnect: $200
Total project cost: $2,085—well below their $2,500 target.
CountBricks auto-scheduled a two-person crew for the following Wednesday. Thanks to prefab sink cutouts entered during the call, installers finished by 3 p.m. The Garcias were cooking dinner on new countertops that evening.
• Precise dimensions shared verbally are just as accurate as site visits when backed by CountBricks’ AI image recognition.
• Retaining an undamaged backsplash saved $350 in tile labor.
• Mid-week scheduling unlocked a 5 % labor discount.
Whether you’re flipping a condo or revitalizing the family kitchen, CountBricks delivers clear, data-driven answers about the cost to replace laminate countertops. Explore packages and book your appointment at CountBricks.com/services—then let our technology do the heavy lifting while you plan the house-warming party.
