Take a look at more variables with the selection of specific material to use for your custom countertops. We will highlight specific variables to consider when selecting differnt countertop options.
Porcelain might look great but complexity of fabrication and installation drive up costs. Don’t get to close to see the mitred edge .. it might chip. and dont drag your elbows acrost it.
Concrete Countertops material is fairly cheap… meet your concrete countertop installer Earl, he will be living with you for the next week ( or two ) installing forms, laying in reinforcements, doing the pour, waiting for cure, doing design,removing forms, polishing, sealing..
💸 Hidden Costs by Countertop Material
| Material | Hidden Costs |
|---|---|
| Quartz | – Not UV resistant – Fading / discolor over time – Not Heat Resistant. – Extra charges for matching patterns/seams |
| Granite | – Color/pattern consistency may vary, requiring slab selection – Extra charges for matching patterns/seams |
| Quartzite | – Often mistaken for quartz—much harder to cut, leading to higher fabrication costs – Needs sealing – Heavy, may require cabinet reinforcement – Extra charges for matching patterns/seams |
| Marble | – High maintenance needs (sealing, polishing) – Prone to damage during install, which could lead to replacement delays or cost – Extra charges for matching patterns/seams |
| Soapstone | – Limited availability raises cost – Custom shaping for farmhouse sinks or edges adds labor time – Regular oiling not always disclosed |
| Concrete | – Requires custom forms and molds – Cracking risks may mean reinforcement or repair costs – Sealing and staining are extra steps – Longest Installation process. |
| Butcher Block | – Frequent oiling required (can be time-consuming) – Water and heat damage over time can require resurfacing – DIY installs may void warranties |
| Solid Surface | – Scratches easily, so repairs may be needed sooner – May not be suitable for high-heat areas (burn risk) |
| Porcelain | – Brittle edges prone to chipping—installers may charge more for precision work – Limited local fabricators in some areas – Longer Installation process. |
| Laminate | – Seams are often visible—upgrades to seamless or curved edges add cost – Not as long-lasting, which can mean early replacement |
🔍 Common Hidden Costs in Custom Countertops
| Hidden Cost | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Edge Profiles | Fancy edges like ogee or waterfall often cost extra. |
| Cutouts (Sink, Cooktop, Outlets) | Each cutout for a sink, stove, or outlet usually adds to the price. |
| Backsplash or Side Splashes | These are usually not included in base quotes. |
| Sealing and Maintenance | Natural stones like granite, marble, and quartzite need sealing. |
| Support & Reinforcement | Heavy slabs may require extra cabinet or wall support. |
| Installation Fees | Delivery, leveling, and install labor may be billed separately. |
| Removal of Old Countertops | Tearing out and disposing of old materials can add to the total. |
| Customization & Fabrication Time | Rushed jobs or complex custom work may have rush or complexity fees. |
| Overhangs or Waterfalls | These design features are beautiful—but come with a cost. |
| Templating and Measuring | Not always free; precise templates can be an additional charge. |
✅ Smart Tip:
Always ask your fabricator for a “total installed cost”, not just the price per square foot. That number usually doesn’t include cutouts, edge profiles, sealing, or demolition.
Why does the price not include cutouts?
Example: A cutout adds saw time, consumables and labor. A polished sink cutout take more labor than a drop in sink cutout that is not polished.
Why does the price not include edging?
An edge adds saw time, consumables and labor. The more complex the edge the more cutting time and polishing time is required which will cost more.
Why does the price not include sealing?
In most cases this is not and extra fee. in some cases more advanced sealers are purchased which again can increase costs through material and labor.
Why does the price not include Demolition?
New construction does not require demolition… so why should new construction need to pay for demolition? Care needs to be taken to be sure that the cabinets and sheetrock are not damage during demo. This is additional labor.
All of a sudden my countertop company want to charge for complex installation?
At your template appointment the countertop templator is making assesments of all these factors. Your condo is on the forth floor of a building, the stair case is narrow with lots of corners. The material is heavy and oversize. To get the material to the install location requires additional labor, staff, equipment or time. This will effect the final price.