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Calculating glass kitchen countertop installation expenses

How much does it cost to install a glass countertop?

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

Estimating glass countertop installation cost

Glass countertop prices and materials expenses materials-prices

Type of glass, thickness, color, and surface finish will define the cost of the countertop at a first place. Most manufacturers offer their own standard products which are the most affordable option. Clear 1 1/2" (48 mm) glass with a flat polished surface will be significantly cheaper comparing to 4” (101 mm) thick custom colored tempered glass with stylish pattern finish. Nonporous stain resistant glass countertops made of recycling components is a manmade material and cost will be defined exclusively by a manufacturer depending on technology they use and quality of a product.

Determining labor cost for glass countertop installation labor-cost

Fabrication, delivery and actual installation are the main factors which affect the cost of labor while estimating installation expenses for a glass countertop. There are always charges for making shape of the countertop, polishing edges, cutting and finishing opening for a sink, delivering prefabricated pieces and installing a new counter. Additional fees can be for removal and disposal of an old countertop. Contractor normally does not charge extras for kitchen sink installation, but connecting drains, installing a garbage disposal and kitchen faucet will be calculated as separate charges.

Shopping for a glass countertop shopping

Glass countertop is not a product which can be purchased from the shelf of local home improvement retailers but it has to be ordered from a fabricator. Recycling glass countertops are normally available in slabs different dimensions which have to be fabricated similar to other solid surface countertops.

Theoretically homeowner can request a quote for a glass countertop where materials and labor will be divided as two separate expenditures, but practically the estimate from a contractor who specializes in solid surface countertops installation will include total expenses for making or fabricating the counter and getting it installed.

Estimating installation time estimating-time

Crew of three professional installers should be able to complete installation of a 35 – 40 square feet glass countertop in L-shape kitchen with a 14 – 18 sq ft kitchen island within 4 – 5 hours. It will normally include demolishing of an old countertop, installing new 1 1/4” thick glass, and undermount kitchen sink. In home installation typically will be scheduled in 7 – 10 business days after taking measurements, but depending on customization it might take longer.

Work complexity work-complexity

Glass countertop installation is not a do it yourself project and there are number of reasons for even handy homeowners to reconsider cutting labor expenses and trying to install it by self. It is very heavy material - one square foot of 1 1/4" thick glass weight 16 - 18 lbs and depending on kitchen layout 1 piece can easily exceed 250 lbs. Thicker glass will proportionally increase in weight. Special equipment should be used for transportation. Even though, glass is one of the most durable materials for kitchen countertops, but improper installation can cause significant reduction in the lifespan. Unprofessionally connected pieces will make seams look far away from any expectations.

It is not typical to order a glass countertop for pickup because very few homeowners are able to manage installation. Local fabricators offer a full service from getting measurements to installing a new glass kitchen counter.

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