Frequently Asked Questions

It depends mostly on the material and square footage. National 2026 guides from Fixr put a typical kitchen countertop replacement around $3,000, with a range of about $1,400 to $5,250; laminate runs much less and premium quartz or quartzite much more. We give you a written, itemized price after measuring.

At the low end, entry-level granite is often a little cheaper than quartz. HomeGuide lists Level 1 granite at about $50 to $80 per square foot installed and low-grade quartz at about $50 to $95. Mid-grade and premium options overlap heavily, so the specific color and slab matter more than the category.

Laminate. HomeGuide lists laminate at about $20 to $80 per square foot installed, or roughly $600 to $3,200 for an average kitchen. Solid surface sits between laminate and stone. Among stone, entry-level granite and builder-grade quartz are usually the least expensive.

People usually mean quartz, an engineered stone made from ground quartz and resin that can look like granite or marble. Laminate and solid surface products also come in granite patterns. Each has different heat, scratch and seam behavior, which we explain at the estimate.

Plan on two visits after you choose a material: one to template and one to install. Fabrication happens in between, and the install itself usually takes a day for a typical kitchen. Your sink is out of service from tear-out until the plumbing is reconnected.

It depends on what changes. Moving a sink, adding a drain or rerouting supply lines is plumbing work, and in Wichita and unincorporated Sedgwick County those permits and inspections go through MABCD. A straight swap that reconnects the sink to the same lines is a different scope; confirm with MABCD at 316-660-1840 for your project. We flag any plumbing changes at the estimate.

Often yes, if the boxes are solid, level and free of water damage. We check the sink base, the cabinet joints and the floor under them at the estimate. Long overhangs and islands may need added supports.

Neither is better for everyone. Quartz needs no sealing and has consistent color; granite is natural stone with unique patterns and better heat tolerance. Budget, look and how you cook usually decide it.

Quartz resists most stains because it is non-porous. It is hard but not scratch-proof, so use a cutting board. Strong chemicals and very hot pans are the main risks.

It is better not to. The resin in quartz can scorch or discolor from direct high heat. Keep a trivet or hot pad by the stove.

National guides put an average 30 to 40 square foot quartz kitchen at about $1,500 to $8,000 installed, depending on grade. We give you a written price after measuring your kitchen.

Entry-level granite is often slightly cheaper than entry-level quartz. In the middle and upper ranges the two overlap, so the specific stone or design matters more.

It depends on the stone, from once or more a year to rarely. A water-drop test tells you when it needs it.

It can if it is unsupported over a long overhang, sits on uneven cabinets, or takes a hard impact at a thin spot like a sink edge. Level cabinets and proper overhang support prevent most problems.

Not exactly. Natural stone varies from slab to slab, which is why you approve the actual slab before we cut it.

Yes, if the cabinets are solid, level and dry. We check them at the estimate and tell you if anything needs repair first.

Sometimes. If the new top is a different thickness or the old tile is set on the old counter, part or all of the backsplash may need to come off.

Usually from tear-out until the new top is installed and plumbing reconnected, often the same day on a standard job.

Not always. Drop-in sinks can sometimes be reused; undermount stone usually calls for an undermount sink. We go over the options at the estimate.

Quartz is the most practical for most bathrooms because it is non-porous and needs no sealing. Granite is also durable; marble looks great but etches and needs more care.

Often, if a remnant of the right size and color is available. Remnants can cost less because they are leftover pieces.

Yes, or the exact model numbers. Sink cutouts and faucet holes are sized to the specific parts.

Yes, but the plumbing has to change, which is permitted plumbing work in Wichita. We plan that before the top is made.

No. Quartzite is natural stone; quartz is engineered from ground quartz and resin. Quartzite tolerates heat better but needs sealing.

Marble etches from acids like lemon and vinegar, and can stain without sealing. A honed finish makes etching less noticeable.

Test a sample: real quartzite should resist scratching from a knife or glass and should not etch from lemon juice.

Usually. Quartzite is harder to cut and fabricate, and published ranges start higher than common granite.

Laminate is usually the lowest-cost option for a full kitchen, often about $600 to $3,200 for an average-size kitchen.

Solid surface costs more but allows near-invisible seams and integrated sinks, and scratches can be sanded out. Laminate is cheaper and quicker to install.

It is generally not recommended because water can reach the core at the cutout. A drop-in sink is the usual choice.

Yes. Light scratches and many stains can be sanded or buffed out because the color runs all the way through.