Calculating wood kitchen countertop installation expenses |
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How much does it cost to install a wood countertop? Cost of a wood kitchen countertop installation determined by numbers of factors and total expenses depend on chosen wood prices and labor cost to complete the work. But calculating total expenditures for installing the new kitchen countertop numbers of additional factors should be taken into account. Contractor will calculate the cost after in-home consultation, taking detailed measurements and analyzing work complexity. Itemized estimate will reflect all charges and fees associated with a wood countertop fabrication, delivery and installation as well as materials expenses. Estimating wood countertop installation cost
Theoretically there is a possibility of making a countertop from any wood species, grade and type. Purchasing softwood lumber made of pine, spruce or fir is one of the most affordable options. Exotic hardwood such as mahogany, redwood or teak have higher price. Finishing products including wood stain, finish as well as additional materials which have to be bought for fabricating, installing and securing the counter over base kitchen cabinets normally doesn’t have a huge price variation and impact the total cost insignificantly.
There are three main aspects which affect the cost of labor while estimating installation expenses for a wood countertop: fabrication, delivery and actual installation. Cost of labor will include all charges for cutting wood, creating certain edge profile, making sink cut-out, delivering prefabricated pieces and installing a new counter. Additional fees might be for removal and disposal of an old countertop. Many contractors won’t charge for a kitchen sink installation, but connecting drains, installing a garbage disposal and kitchen faucet will be calculated as separate fees.
Wood countertop is not a product which available in-stock at local home improvement retailers. Technically there are two ways of getting a new wood countertop installed in the kitchen: buy it from fabricator or build it at a job site. Manufacturers of butcher block countertops will make customize size, shape and color according to any kitchen design. Many professionals with advance carpentry skills can build a decent quality wood counter.
Installer with a helper should be able to complete installation of a 35 –40 square feet wood countertop in L-shape kitchen with a 16 – 18 sq ft kitchen island within 4 – 5 hours. It will normally include demolishing of an old countertop, installing a new prefabricated 1 1/4” – 3 1/2” thick wood counter and undermount kitchen sink. Depending on wood availability and the countertop style installation typically will be scheduled in 7 – 10 business days after taking measurements. Building up to 16’ long seamless countertop and finishing the wood surface at a job site will take about a week, but time can be reduced or extended depending on customization level.
Many homeowners can easily manage measurements part and send a template to the factory for butcher bock countertop fabrication. Factory made wood counter will be delivered to the home address in a few weeks and can be installed as a do it yourself project following step-by-step instructions. Some homeowners with minimal carpentry skills can even made simple rectangle countertop with bevel or eased edge. But if you already invest into new custom kitchen cabinets and expect high quality work it might be wise to hire a professional installer or experienced carpenter for building the new wood kitchen countertop. |
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