Cheap kitchen countertops near me is what budget-conscious homeowners search when planning a kitchen upgrade. The good news? You have more affordable options than you might think.
At Craft Countertops, we’ve helped families find beautiful stone countertops since 1992. Our Sterling VA and Martinsburg WV showrooms stock granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite at various price points. This guide compares your options so you can make the right choice for your budget.
5 Countertop Materials Ranked by Price
Here’s how common countertop materials compare on cost at our Sterling VA and Martinsburg WV locations:
1. Granite ($45-$85 per sq ft installed) – Best Value
Granite offers the best combination of price, durability, and natural beauty. Level 1 granite colors like Uba Tuba and Caledonia fall at the lower end. Exotic patterns with rare colors cost more.
Browse our granite selection to see available colors and patterns.
2. Quartz ($60-$100 per sq ft installed) – Lowest Maintenance
Quartz costs slightly more than granite but never needs sealing. If you hate maintenance, quartz saves you time and hassle over the long run. Our quartz packages start at $1,899.
Learn about quartz countertop costs in detail.
3. Marble ($70-$120 per sq ft installed) – High Maintenance
Marble is stunning but requires careful maintenance. It etches from acidic foods and stains without regular sealing. Many homeowners with busy kitchens regret choosing marble after living with it for a year.
If you love the marble look but want easier care, consider marble-look quartz or white granite instead.
See our marble countertop options if you’re set on the real thing.
4. Quartzite ($80-$150 per sq ft installed) – Most Durable Natural Stone
Quartzite is natural stone that’s harder than granite. It handles heat better than quartz and resists scratching. The downside? It’s the most expensive option and still needs periodic sealing.
According to Wikipedia’s quartzite entry, quartzite forms when sandstone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure. This process creates one of nature’s hardest surfaces.
Explore our quartzite collection to see available options.
5. Remnants (40-60% less than full slabs) – Budget Winner
Remnants are the smartest way to get cheap stone countertops near you. These leftover pieces from larger jobs work great for bathroom vanities, small kitchens, islands, and bars. Same quality, much lower price.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The per-square-foot price isn’t the whole story. Make sure you understand these potential add-ons:
Sink cutouts: $150-$300 depending on sink type
Edge upgrades: $10-$30 per linear foot for fancy profiles
Backsplash: $20-$50 per linear foot
Old countertop removal: $100-$300
Plumbing disconnect/reconnect: Usually quoted separately
At Craft Countertops, we provide detailed quotes that include everything. No surprise charges on installation day.
Read our countertop installation cost guide for complete pricing information.
How to Choose the Right Cheap Countertop for Your Kitchen
The “right” countertop depends on how you use your kitchen. Here’s a quick guide:
Busy families with kids: Choose quartz. It’s practically bulletproof against stains and never needs sealing.
Serious home cooks: Choose granite or quartzite. Both handle heat from hot pans better than quartz.
Design-focused homeowners: Marble offers unmatched beauty if you’re willing to maintain it.
Planning to sell soon: Granite or quartz both appeal to buyers and boost resale value.
The National Association of Realtors reports that kitchen upgrades consistently rank among the top home improvements for return on investment.
Visit Our Showrooms in Sterling VA and Martinsburg WV
Pictures don’t tell the whole story. You need to see and touch countertop materials in person. Our showrooms display dozens of granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite slabs.
Sterling VA Showroom: 14 Bryant Ct Suite C, Sterling, VA 20166
Martinsburg WV Showroom: 718 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Both locations offer in-store shopping, free estimates, and helpful staff who won’t pressure you. We help you find the right countertop for your style and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Kitchen Countertops
What is the cheapest stone countertop material?
Granite is typically the most affordable natural stone countertop. Level 1 granite colors start around $45 per square foot installed. Remnants cost even less for smaller projects.
Are cheap countertops worth it?
Absolutely. “Cheap” doesn’t mean low quality. It means common colors, standard edges, and smart shopping. A Level 1 granite countertop is just as durable as an exotic one costing twice as much.
How can I save money on kitchen countertops?
The biggest savings come from choosing common colors, using remnants for small areas, selecting standard edge profiles, working with local fabricators, and bundling multiple projects together.
Should I choose granite or quartz for my kitchen?
Granite costs less upfront but needs periodic sealing. Quartz costs more but requires zero maintenance. If you hate maintenance tasks, quartz is worth the extra investment. If budget is your top priority, granite wins.
Where can I find cheap marble countertops near me?
Marble remnants offer the cheapest way to get real marble. They work great for bathroom vanities or small accent areas. Full-slab marble for kitchens rarely qualifies as “cheap” due to material and maintenance costs.
How long does countertop installation take?
Most kitchen countertop installations take 1-2 days. The full process from template to installation typically runs 2-3 weeks at Craft Countertops. We work quickly without rushing quality.
Get Your Free Kitchen Countertop Estimate Today
Ready to find cheap kitchen countertops near you? Request your free estimate online or stop by our Sterling VA or Martinsburg WV showroom. Our team will help you compare materials, see real slabs, and find the right countertop at a price that fits your budget.
You can also explore our countertop projects gallery to see what other homeowners have chosen.
