New countertops can transform a kitchen or bathroom, but it’s not the most DIY-friendly job—especially if you’re installing heavy stone surfaces. Countertop installation professionals provide an assortment of services, including in-store project planning, consultations, custom countertop installation, and countertop repair. The best countertop installers may also offer additional services, such as sink, backsplash, and cabinet installation. Professional countertop technicians have the expertise to install many different types of countertop materials, including quartz, granite, concrete, stone, and laminate.
But when the time comes for bathroom or kitchen countertop replacement, it can be overwhelming to decide on a company. Here, we’ll cover the factors that homeowners should review before deciding on a countertop installer, examine the aspects that go into hiring the best countertop installer for your home, and address frequently asked questions regarding countertop installation. Before searching online for “best countertop installers near me,” consider these recommendations.
- BEST OVERALL: The Home Depot
- BEST FOR REPAIRS: Mr. Handyman
- ECO-FRIENDLY PICK: Granite and TREND Transformations
- ALSO CONSIDER: Ace Handyman Services
- HONORABLE MENTION: Lowe’s
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Countertop Installers
Many homeowners who have never replaced their kitchen countertops are unsure about what to look for in an installation company. Having the correct information about kitchen countertop installers can help them decide. This information can include service area, scheduling options, insurance, credentials, additional services, guarantees, and customer support.
Service Area
Some countertop installers have a nationwide service area, and others have a more limited service area. Homeowners should carefully double check the coverage area to avoid frustration. Service providers’ websites will usually include a location search feature that lets customers know if the provider can service their ZIP code. If not, customers can reach out to a countertop installer by phone.
Scheduling Options
For many services, customers can schedule a consultation or installation appointment over the phone or online. Some countertop installers offer scheduling via a mobile app. Customers should check that the service provider they’re interested in offers scheduling in the manner they prefer.
Insurance and Credentials
Countertops can be heavy, and installations can be challenging. These factors mean that injury is possible. It’s important that any technician who enters a home is insured and has the proper credentials to complete a countertop installation. Some companies guarantee their technicians are licensed (where applicable), bonded, insured, screened, and background checked. If a business is a franchise, the parent company will typically guarantee any work performed
Additional Services
Do countertop installers install sink faucets or backsplashes? Some of them do, but they might not provide plumbing work. Some companies will offer additional services beyond countertop installation. A few may include the removal of old countertops, and others may charge extra for that service. Certain companies may offer the installation of sinks, backsplashes, and cabinets so homeowners don’t have to hire multiple people to complete a kitchen renovation.
Guarantees
The best countertop installers stand behind their work and offer guarantees. The warranty length and qualifications will vary by installers. Countertop manufacturers will often provide their own warranties on their materials. Before hiring a company for countertop installation, customers should verify the materials and labor guarantee to ensure that it meets their expectations.
Customer Support
There can be times when a homeowner has questions or concerns about their countertop installation. The best countertop installers have excellent customer support, whether by phone, on the company’s website, or via text messaging.
Our Top Picks
Planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation and choosing new countertops can be stressful, but hiring countertop installers doesn’t have to be. Here are our top picks for the best countertop installers.
Photo: homedepot.com
Why It Made the Cut: The Home Depot is a nationwide countertop installer that offers services including designing new countertops, removing the old ones, and installing sinks and faucets.
The Home Depot offers countertop installation with a nationwide service area and convenient online scheduling. Customers can choose an in-store or virtual consultation to get expert design advice based on style, goals, and budget. After a free, no-obligation consultation with a kitchen expert, customers can choose a custom or off-the-shelf countertop, receive a quote, provide payment, and order materials online or in-store. A professional will measure the space and return to install the countertop when the countertops are fabricated. The countertop installation service also includes any plumbing disconnection and reconnection. Although the installation is contracted out to local professionals, all labor, installation, and products are 100 percent backed by The Home Depot. Customer service is available online, by phone, or by text message for fast and easy assistance if customers have questions.
Pricing and scope of services may vary by location. However, customers can take advantage of various project financing options via The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card and The Home Depot Project Loan. This financing is an excellent option for those who may not have a large sum of money to pay for the installation or prefer not to put the total amount on a credit card.
Specs
- Service area: U.S. and Canada
- Scheduling options: Online
- Guarantees: Labor, products, and installation 100 percent backed
- Customer service: Online, phone, text message
Pros
- Free, no-obligation consultation offered
- Contractors can install custom or off-the-shelf products from The Home Depot
- Various project financing options available
- Online or in-store project planning and ordering
- Text message customer support option
Cons
- Work is contracted out to other local professionals
- Prices and additional services may vary by location
Photo: mrhandyman.com
Why It Made the Cut: Available in 35 states, Mr. Handyman can refinish existing countertops and install new ones.
Mr. Handyman offers convenient booking via the Neighborly app, online, and by phone. The company has more than 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and its professionals have an average of 10 years of experience. While Mr. Handyman only offers a 6-month guarantee, the company prides itself on its thorough, transparent process to ensure customers have a positive experience. Some customers have reported higher pricing than average by some Mr. Handyman franchises, and any additional services vary based on location. Customers can verify any pricing information and service offerings with Mr. Handyman’s helpful customer support online or by phone.
Mr. Handyman focuses on countertop repair as an alternative to replacing countertops. Countertop repair is an additional option for those on a budget or who don’t want to install new countertops. If homeowners are interested in new countertops, they cannot buy them from Mr. Handyman since the company only provides repair or installation. However, this means customers have more flexibility in choosing a countertop that meets their budget needs and design desires.
Specs
- Service area: 35 states and Canada
- Scheduling: Online, phone, app
- Guarantees: 6-month satisfaction guarantee
- Customer service: Online, phone
Pros
- Focus on countertop repair as an alternative to replacement
- Process transparency from scheduling to payment provides a worry-free experience
- Each professional is knowledgeable with an average of 10 years’ experience
- Convenient booking via Neighborly app
Cons
- Countertops must be purchased separately
- Prices and additional services may vary by location and franchise
- Reports of pricing being higher than average
- Relatively limited guarantee
Photo: granitetransformations.com
Why It Made the Cut: Certified for eco-friendly standards, Granite and TREND Transformations uses recycled materials for its countertops and installs them over existing countertops to minimize waste.
Granite and TREND Transformations’ installation process saves time and money since contractors don’t have to remove and dispose of existing countertops. Its countertops are made of recycled materials, and technicians install them over the existing ones to minimize waste. Available in 29 states and Canada, Granite and TREND Transformations offers a free, no-obligation consultation and convenient scheduling online and over the phone. Its visualizer tool helps customers see what their new kitchen or bathroom will look like. Granite and TREND’s practices and products are eco-friendly certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and the National Science Foundation. The company offers granite, quartz, and recycled glass countertop installation. Since customers can only buy countertops from Granite and TREND Transformations, the selection may be smaller and more expensive than in other stores. However, the countertops are manufactured so they never require sealing, which saves money and time on maintenance. The company offers a limited lifetime warranty on its countertops and provides additional services, such as cabinet refacing. Before searching online for “best quartz countertop installers near me,” consider an eco-friendly alternative.
Specs
- Service area: 29 states and Canada
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Guarantees: Limited lifetime warranty on countertops
- Customer service: Phone
Pros
- Practices and products are certified for eco-friendliness standards by the U.S. Green Building Council and the National Science Foundation
- Free, no-obligation consultation offered
- Installation process minimizes overall project time
- Technicians specialize in granite countertop installation
- Countertops are built to be nonporous with ForeverSeal
Cons
- Product selection is limited to Granite and TREND Transformations’ offerings
Photo: acehandymanservices.com
Why It Made the Cut: Ace Handyman Services offers unique packages in half- and full-day increments to give customers a flexible scheduling option.
Ace Handyman Service is available in 41 states and provides scheduling over the phone or online. Ace’s location search function can be unreliable, so customers interested in this service will want to call a local branch to ensure their ZIP code is covered. The company offers pre-built packages that work for many customers’ needs, including half- and full-day packages. Each package has clearly defined services, the estimated time it will take to complete, and any products available from the company’s partners. Ace’s background-checked technicians will send an “on my way” text to keep customers updated on arrival times. Although not all packages are available at every location, the company does offer a 1-year guarantee for all labor. Countertops are not available for purchase through Ace Handyman Service since the company only offers installation, but this means customers have more flexibility regarding budgeting and design when selecting countertops.
Specs
- Service area: 41 states
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Guarantees: 1-year labor guarantee
- Customer service: Phone
Pros
- Half-day and full-day packages available
- Technicians send “on my way” text updates
- Background checks performed for all technicians
Cons
- Countertops must be purchased separately
- Location search function is unreliable
Photo: lowes.com
Why It Made the Cut: Lowe’s has free design services and online or in-store estimates at select locations that offer countertop installation.
Lowe’s offers a free virtual or one-on-one no-obligation consultation with a kitchen specialist. Customers can discuss styles, colors, materials, and design. After measurements are taken and payment is made, licensed and insured technicians will schedule an appointment to create a custom countertop template. After the countertops are fabricated, they are installed. Lowe’s has a nationwide service area and convenient online scheduling, but not all locations offer this service. Customers will want to contact their local branch before considering this service, and customer support is available over the phone or online. The work is also contracted out to local professionals, so homeowners may want to verify the contractors’ insurance and credentials independently. Lowe’s offers special financing options from Lowe’s Credit. This option is a good choice for those who want to stick to a budget or prefer not to put a large sum on a credit card. Six-month special financing and fixed monthly payments are also available for qualified customers.
Specs
- Service area: U.S. and Canada
- Scheduling: Online
- Guarantees: 1-year labor warranty
- Customer service: Online, phone
Pros
- Online or in-store estimate options
- Project financing options available
- Complimentary countertop design service
Cons
- Countertop installation may not be offered at all locations
- Work is contracted out to other local professionals
Our Verdict
Based on its service area, guarantee, countertop sales, streamlined process, customer service, financing options, and additional offerings, such as project planning, The Home Depot is our top pick for the best countertop installers. With its ability to refinish and install new countertops, Mr. Handyman is an excellent repair option.
How We Chose the Best Countertop Installers
We considered a variety of factors to determine the best countertop installers, including service area, installation services, to determine the best countertop installers. These include service area, installation services, free quote offers, online alternatives, custom countertop options, and design services. We focused on companies that have a multi-state or nationwide presence and employ or guarantee licensed and insured technicians. Each company provides a much-needed service, has an excellent reputation, and has satisfied customers.
Before You Hire One of the Best Countertop Installers
Hiring countertop installers makes kitchen and bathroom renovations less stressful. Leaving installation to the pros saves time and allows customers to focus on other important aspects of the project. Before deciding on a company, here are a few factors to consider.
- Ask for a written estimate.
- Request references.
- Check online reviews.
- Confirm the company and employees are licensed and insured.
- Get at least three quotes from different service providers.
- Double check the guarantee.
- See the countertop material before it’s installed.
- Ask questions about anything that may be unclear.
- Inquire about arrival and departure times each day.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Countertop Installers
Bathroom and kitchen countertops offer functional space while enhancing a room’s appearance. The cost of countertop installation ranges from $1,851 and $4,310, with many homeowners paying around $3,074. The project’s cost depends on the countertop material and the square footage. The price of materials typically runs from $15 to $70 per square foot, and labor runs from $10 to $30. Eco-friendly materials like glass can range from $10 to $40 per square foot for glass tile and between $50 and $110 per square foot for a glass slab. Remember that replacing old countertops with a heavier material may require cabinet reinforcement or new cabinets.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Countertop Installers
Installing new countertops can change the overall appearance and style of a kitchen or bathroom. It’s recommended to hire professionals to install new countertops to prevent damage (to the countertops or existing home structures) and ensure proper tools are used by experienced technicians. Here are some benefits of hiring one of the best countertop installers.
- The installation of some countertop materials is complex work. Hiring highly skilled and experienced professionals makes certain the countertops are level and installed properly.
- Professionals have the proper tools and equipment to install countertops to avoid damage and provide the best fit.
- Maneuvering and transporting heavy countertop materials can be dangerous if not done by a skilled pro. Experienced technicians have the experience to avoid accidents and damaging the countertop.
- Countertop installation experts have the background to measure the space properly and ensure the countertops are positioned correctly.
FAQs
Deciding on the best countertop installers can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some frequently asked questions about countertop installation to help guide your decisions.
Q. How do I find a good countertop installer?
A few ways to find reputable countertop installers is to ask friends and family for recommendations, read reviews, get multiple estimates, talk to several professional installation experts, and ask those experts for references.
Q. What does a countertop installer do?
A countertop installer will typically remove the old countertops, ensure the new material is level, install the countertops, color match epoxy for seams, install the backsplash, apply silicone, install the sink, and clean up the area.
Q. How long does it take to install a countertop?
Installation can take anywhere from 1 to 3 days to complete, depending on the complexity of the job.
Q. Do countertop installers remove old countertops?
Many of them do, but it’s always good to double check with the company to make sure this service is provided.
Q. Do you install a sink before the countertop?
Sinks can be installed after the countertop, but an undermount sink is installed before the countertop. Once the countertop is installed, it’s very hard to fit an undermount sink through the sink cutout.
Q. How hard is it to install countertops?
Depending on the countertop material, new countertops can weigh up to 800 pounds. An inexperienced person attempting to transport and maneuver heavy slabs may damage the countertop material, cabinets, or flooring. In order to install countertops correctly, the old countertops need to be completely removed, the cabinets leveled, and precise measurements taken. When countertops are installed by an experienced professional, it can save time and potential damage to the installation area.
Q. Is Formica the same as laminate?
Formica is a brand name for laminate material. Formica is a household name for the smooth veneer that’s applied over plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Q. Do you tip the countertop installer?
Contractors are paid by the hour and rarely expect tips. If you want to express your gratitude to someone for going above and beyond while working in your home, ask if they accept tips before offering one. Some companies discourage their employees from accepting tips, and it could result in an awkward situation if you insist.
