Kitchen worktop cost comparison in Ireland including quartz, granite, laminate and solid surface pricing, supply and installation cost ranges explained.
1. Overview
Worktops are one of the most visible and specification-sensitive elements of a kitchen renovation.
In Ireland (2026), worktop costs typically range between:
€1,000 and €8,000+
depending on:
- Material type
- Thickness
- Edge detailing
- Cut-outs
- Installation complexity
- Supplier
Worktop selection can alter a kitchen budget by €3,000–€6,000 without changing layout.
2. Typical Worktop Cost per Linear Metre
Most kitchen worktops are priced per linear metre.
Below are typical installed cost ranges (including templating and fitting).
| Material | Typical Installed Cost per Linear Metre |
|---|---|
| Laminate | €150 – €350 |
| Solid Wood | €300 – €600 |
| Quartz | €450 – €800 |
| Granite | €500 – €900 |
| Solid Surface (e.g. Corian-type) | €450 – €750 |
| Porcelain / Dekton-type | €600 – €1,000+ |
Costs increase with thickness upgrades and edge detailing.
3. Laminate Worktops
Typical Total Cost (Average Kitchen)
€1,000 – €2,000 installed
Characteristics
- Budget-friendly
- Wide colour options
- Lightweight
- Quick installation
- Shorter lifespan
Laminate is the most cost-effective option but less durable than stone surfaces.
4. Quartz Worktops
Typical Total Cost (Average Kitchen)
€2,500 – €5,000 installed
Characteristics
- Engineered stone
- Non-porous
- Low maintenance
- Wide colour range
- Consistent pattern
Quartz is currently the most popular mid-to-high range choice in Ireland.
Cost depends on brand and slab selection.
5. Granite Worktops
Typical Total Cost (Average Kitchen)
€3,000 – €6,000 installed
Characteristics
- Natural stone
- Unique patterning
- Requires sealing
- Durable under heat
Granite pricing varies depending on slab origin and finish.
Premium stone can exceed €7,000 in large kitchens.
6. Solid Wood Worktops
Typical Total Cost
€1,800 – €3,500 installed
Characteristics
- Natural aesthetic
- Requires regular maintenance
- Sensitive to moisture
- Mid-range pricing
Popular in traditional kitchen styles.
7. Solid Surface (Acrylic-Based)
Typical Total Cost
€2,500 – €4,500 installed
Characteristics
- Seamless joins
- Integrated sink options
- Repairable surface
- Moderate durability
Often chosen for contemporary designs.
8. Porcelain / Ultra-Compact Surfaces
Typical Total Cost
€4,000 – €8,000+
Characteristics
- Extremely durable
- Heat resistant
- Thin profile options
- Premium pricing
Often used in high-end kitchen projects.
9. Cost Comparison by Kitchen Size
Assuming 4–6 linear metres of worktop.
| Material | 4m Kitchen | 6m Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | €800 – €1,400 | €1,200 – €2,100 |
| Quartz | €1,800 – €3,200 | €2,700 – €4,800 |
| Granite | €2,000 – €3,600 | €3,000 – €5,400 |
| Porcelain | €2,400 – €4,000 | €3,600 – €6,000+ |
Islands increase total cost significantly.
10. What Increases Worktop Cost
- Extra thickness (30mm → 40mm)
- Waterfall island edges
- Undermount sinks
- Hob cut-outs
- Complex shaping
- Large slab requirements
- Premium branded slabs
- Limited access (craning slabs)
Fabrication complexity directly increases labour cost.
11. Installation and Templating Costs
Stone worktops require:
- Templating visit
- Fabrication
- Delivery
- Professional fitting
Installation alone can cost:
€800 – €2,000
Laminate installation is significantly cheaper.
12. VAT Impact
Worktops supplied and installed via contractor:
13.5% VAT
Standalone purchase:
23% VAT
VAT difference on a €5,000 quartz worktop can exceed €400.
13. Example Budget Scenarios
Mid-Range 15m² Kitchen
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Quartz (5m) | €3,200 |
| Installation | Included |
| VAT (13.5%) | €432 |
| Total | €3,632 |
High-End 20m² Kitchen with Island
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Granite (7m) | €5,500 |
| Island waterfall detail | €1,200 |
| Installation | Included |
| VAT | €900+ |
| Total | €7,600+ |
14. Summary
Typical installed worktop costs in Ireland (2026):
Laminate: €1,000 – €2,000
Quartz: €2,500 – €5,000
Granite: €3,000 – €6,000
Porcelain: €4,000 – €8,000+
Material choice can alter kitchen budgets by several thousand euro without changing layout.
Stone surfaces dominate mid and high-end projects.
