Categories

Calculating limestone kitchen countertop installation expenses

How much does it cost to install a limestone countertop?

Cost of limestone kitchen countertop installation determined by number of factors and total expenses primary depend on stone prices per square foot and labor cost to complete the work. But calculating total expenditures for installing new countertop additional factors should be taken into account. Contractor will calculate the cost after taking detailed measurements and analyzing work complexity. Itemized estimate will reflect all charges and fees associated with limestone fabrication, delivery and installation as well as materials expenses.

Estimating limestone countertop installation cost

Limestone prices comparison materials-prices

Limestone is more porous and less dense compare to granite, but depending on geographic location of a rock from which the slabs were cut some limestone can be nearly as hard as granite. Color and country of origin are two main aspects which will define the cost of materials at a first place. Kitchen size and shape is also matter. If it will be possible to cut a countertop from a slab(s) with minimum waste the cost per square foot can be lower.

Determining labor cost for limestone countertop installation labor-cost

Cost of labor while estimating installation expenses for a limestone countertop will be affected by three main factors: fabrication, delivery and actual installation.

Contractor will price the work based on charges for cutting a slab, creating certain edge profile, making kitchen sink cut-out, delivering prefabricated pieces and installing a new counter. Prepare to pay additional fees for removal and disposal of an old countertop. Many contractors won’t charge for kitchen sink installation, but connecting drains, installing a garbage disposal and kitchen faucet will be calculated as separate fees.

Shopping for a limestone countertop shopping

Limestone is one of the most beautiful stone but it is not a cheap material for a countertop and homeowners with low budget set for kitchen remodeling usually remove it from the list of options. Local stone fabricator might offer good deals on certain colors, but very often the cost of limestone per square foot will be higher than granite or marble.

Regardless its look limestone it is not the best option for kitchen countertop applications mainly because the surface much more susceptible to stain and can be scratch more easily comparing to other stone like granite, soapstone or marble.

Estimating installation time estimating-time

Installation of a 40 – 50 square feet stone countertop in the U-shape kitchen with a 14 – 16 sq ft kitchen island usually take 4 - 5 hours for a crew of three professional installers. The project normally include demolishing of an old countertop, installing new 1 1/4” thick limestone, undermount kitchen sink, drilling holes for kitchen faucet and sealer application on the countertop surface. After taking measurements installation typically will be scheduled in 3 – 4 days. It might take longer if the slab is unavailable in stock and has to be purchased from a distributor or delivered from other location.

Work complexity work-complexity

Similar to other stone countertops limestone installation is not a do it yourself project mainly because of its weight and even handy homeowners should think twice before considering cutting labor expenses and trying to do it by self. Limestone is very durable materials for kitchen countertops but improper installation can cause significant reduction in the lifespan and cracks might develop overtime. Poor connected pieces will make seams more visible.

remodeling-estimates-rempros