Jean Louis Benoit
Interior Design Specialist
Writer & Editor
Spoiler Alert: Inflation is a b*tch!
Around the U.S., material prices and labor costs have soared. But for those of us in love with Silestone surfaces, good news…
Silestone countertops are usually only the 3rd most expensive variable in a kitchen remodel. And though you have probably heard this before, expect to pay $80 to $200 per square foot depending on the Silestone option you want.
If you already have Silestone and want to refresh them to that original shine (dulling usually caused by sunlight – it happens to everything!), then you can get away with refinishing for $15-$25 per square foot. Just be sure to hire a real pro.
All that said, the average cost for Silestone countertops and backsplashes has been around $4000 based on recent surveys. That takes into account a whole range of size, types, edges, and customizations.
Good thing is that countertops are one of the top-5 items that will add value to your kitchen and home.
What’s the biggest cost for a Kitchen Remodel after you’ve already set your heart on Silestone?
The biggest single cost for a kitchen remodel is likely to be cabinets, which will probably consume 25% of the budget. So maybe go with refurbishing cabinets or those friends over at Ikea can save us all a bunch of hard-earned money.
And let’s get this out of the way…
Expect changes and surprises. Set aside 20% extra for the unknowns. It’s usually things that are discovered after the initial demolition. The culprits tend to be water damage, electric/wiring not up to date, insects/rodents, or plumbing.
Breakdown for each kitchen remodel element as follows:
Labor and installation: $3,500 to $6,000
Cabinet installation cost: $1,860 to $9,430
Cabinet costs: $100 to $1,200 per linear foot
Kitchen hardware: $1 per unit (low end) to $500 per unit (top of the line). Most homeowners will pay between $2-$3 per handle or knob.
Countertop installation: $1,860 to $4,340
Countertop: $480 (tile) to $12,000 (wood/quartz)
Appliance installation: $120 to $280
Appliances: $200-$10,000+
Flooring installation: $1,520 to $4,700
Flooring: $500 (cork) to $32,000 (slate)
Faucet installation: $160 to $360
Sink installation: $220 to $630
Backsplash installation: $590 to $1,320
Electrical: $50 to $100 per hour
Moving a gas line: $270 to $880
Upgrade from electric to gas: $130 to $2,000
Painting: $300 to $750
Wall removal: $300 (non load-bearing) to $3,000 (load bearing)
Interior door installation cost: $360–$1,170 per door
Exterior door installation cost: $510–$1,790 per door
Window installation cost: $300–$1,200 per window
Lighting: $300 per fixture (recessed)
Kitchen Renovation Average Costs
Cabinets $8,400
Labor and installation $5,400
Appliances $4,500
Countertops and backsplashes $3,300
Flooring $2,100
Lighting $1,500
Painting and drywall $1,500
Doors and windows $1,200
Plumbing $900
Design $900
In summary, the cost of a kitchen remodel with Silestone really depends on:
1) The overall size of your kitchen
2) How much you want to move things around
3) The quality/popularity of the materials
Don’t skimp on the Silestone!
In the USA, like most places, the cost of kitchen remodels depends on where you are…
Metro area (demand) and proximity/accessibility are the determining factors.
The national average for a midrange major kitchen remodel with Silestone has been around $80K and an upscale major kitchen remodel with Silestone at $150K.
In the Pacific West, that midrange major kitchen remodel jumps to $85K+ and an upscale major kitchen remodel jumps to close to $160K+.
Compare that to the South Atlantic where the midrange major kitchen remodel prices out right around the national average.
And then when you throw in the south, go ahead and take 15-20% off the national average.
What Were The Most Popular Silestone Countertops for Kitchen Remodels in 2023?
Silestone’s Calacatta Gold: This design mimics the luxurious look of Calacatta marble with its white background and elegant gray veining.
Silestone et Statuario: Another marble-inspired design, Statuario features a white base with bold gray veining, offering a timeless and sophisticated appearance.
Silestone Eternal Marquina: This option resembles black marble with striking white veining, adding drama and elegance to any space.
Silestone’s Bianco Calacatta: Similar to Calacatta Gold, this design features a white background with soft, flowing gray veining, providing a classic and refined look.
Silestone’s Charcoal Soapstone: This design emulates the natural beauty of soapstone with its deep charcoal color and subtle veining, offering a modern and sleek aesthetic.