When homeowners begin planning a kitchen refresh, laminate countertops are often the first upgrade on the wish list. They offer the look of stone at a fraction of the cost, install quickly, and come in a wide range of finishes. Still, the budget conversation always starts with the same search phrase: how much to install laminate countertops. CountBricks answers that question in minutes, not days, by combining AI-driven materials data, voice-to-estimate technology, and on-the-spot labor calculations designed specifically for residential construction professionals.
Across California, most projects land between $45 and $70 per square foot fully installed. That figure includes materials, fabrication, edging, demolition of existing tops, and standard plumbing disconnects. In the San Jose market, CountBricks data from the past 12 months shows a median project total of $2,700 for a 40 sq ft kitchen, but your exact price will depend on several variables.
• Square footage and layout complexity (L-shapes and peninsula turns add time)
• Laminate grade: economy, standard high-pressure, or premium textured finishes
• Edge profile choice: self-edge, post-formed waterfall, or custom wood trim
• Backsplash height: 3-inch standard vs full 4- to 6-inch splash
• Existing countertop removal and haul-away fees
• Sink cutouts, cooktop cutouts, and faucet drillings
• Travel time and access issues (condos vs single-family homes)
Laminate sheets run from $1 to $3 per sq ft, but the substrate, adhesive, and shop fabrication raise the installed material portion to roughly $15-$25 per sq ft. CountBricks’ pricing engine taps directly into live supplier feeds, so when Formica or Wilsonart releases a new pattern—or a sale—your estimate updates automatically.
Most residential installs require a two-person crew. CountBricks applies local union or open-shop rates, accounting for travel, setup, templating, installation, and final silicone sealing. Labor generally falls between $18 and $30 per sq ft, but tight staircases, second-story installs, or after-hours schedules can push that higher.
Traditional estimating means tape measures, spreadsheets, and follow-up phone calls. CountBricks streamlines the entire workflow with AI:
1. Open the CountBricks mobile app and start a live call with our estimating assistant.
2. Speak naturally—“I have a 10 by 8 straight run and a 5 by 2 island.”
3. The AI converts your voice into precise takeoff measurements and maps them onto a digital blueprint.
4. Real-time material pricing and local labor rates are applied instantly.
5. Within 60 seconds, a line-item estimate is ready to share or convert to an invoice.
• Laminate counter material and fabrication: $900
• Demolition and disposal of existing tops: $250
• Installation labor, templating, and finish trim: $1,120
• Plumbing disconnect/reconnect: $200
• Permit coordination (if required): $80
Total Estimate: $2,550*
*Pricing generated with CountBricks.com/services on 08/15/2025. Your project may vary.
• Opt for a self-edge profile—saves $3-$5 per linear foot.
• Schedule installation mid-week when crews have better availability.
• Keep the existing backsplash tile and install a tight splash laminate edge.
• Combine countertop replacement with other cabinet or flooring work to reduce overall mobilization costs.
Does laminate hurt resale value? Modern high-pressure laminates mimic quartz and granite so well that most buyers appreciate the fresh look and durability.
How long does installation take? A typical residential job is templated on day one and installed on day three. CountBricks sends automated timeline alerts to keep everyone informed.
Can I DIY? Laminates cut easily, but seams, miters, and sink openings require specialty routers. Most homeowners choose professional installation to avoid expensive mistakes.
Once you approve the CountBricks estimate, one click generates a branded, legally binding proposal. Homeowners e-sign from any device, and our system schedules the crew automatically. To see the process live, visit CountBricks.com/portfolio for recent countertop success stories or start your own quote at CountBricks.com/services.
When the Reyes family purchased their 1980s ranch in San Jose, the yellowed laminate counters were the first thing they wanted gone. They opened the CountBricks app during their final walkthrough and spoke their wish list into the microphone. Within ninety seconds, they had a preliminary figure: $2,480.
1. A CountBricks technician arrived the next morning with a LiDAR-enabled tablet to confirm dimensions.
2. The verified data synced automatically to the original estimate, locking material quantities and crew hours.
3. Mrs. Reyes selected a premium matte-finish laminate that resembled honed black granite. The system updated the cost difference—just $185—on the spot.
4. Permits were not required, so fabrication began the same day, and installation was scheduled for 72 hours later.
• Original voice estimate: $2,480
• Upgrade to premium finish: +$185
• Added full-height backsplash behind the range: +$110
Total Contract: $2,775
• Early, accurate pricing let the homeowners reserve funds for a new sink and faucet.
• Real-time supplier feeds alerted CountBricks to a laminate sale, shaving $72 off material costs before purchase orders were issued.
• The AI-generated schedule notified the electrician and plumber automatically, compressing the total project duration to five days door-to-door.
Traditional countertop estimates often add 10 % contingencies to cover price fluctuations. CountBricks removes that uncertainty by tying every number to live databases and instantly flagging changes. Whether you are a contractor seeking tighter bids or a homeowner balancing a strict budget, our workflow eliminates guesswork, shortens lead times, and locks in savings.
Ready to discover your exact number? Start speaking your measurements today at CountBricks.com/services and watch your laminate countertop estimate build itself—line by line, dollar by dollar—while you stand in the kitchen.
