Depending on the type and material quality of the countertop that you choose, the weight can vary significantly.
The size of a typical countertop is around 30 square feet. A countertop with a solid surface material will generally weigh 4.2 or 5 pounds per square foot. And since the typical countertop measures around 30 square feet, you get a total weight of 126 to 150 pounds (multiply 30 by 4.2 and/or 5).
However, granite and quartz material countertops are heavier than most types. Let’s take a look at different types of countertop materials and their weight.
| Countertops | Approx. Weight |
| Quartz | ~540 pounds |
| Granite | ~600 pounds |
| Corian | ~150 pounds |
| Formica Laminate | ~44o pounds |
| Marble Stone | ~400 pounds |
| Laminate | ~120 pounds |
How Heavy Is Quartz Countertop?
Every homeowner wants to make a definitive statement when it comes to kitchen remodeling. That’s why quartz countertops are a favorite among many. However, quartz countertops weigh relatively more than other types of countertop materials.
Usually, kitchen remodelers go for quartz countertops that have a slab thickness of around 3 centimeters or 1 ¼ inch. Breaking down the weight measurement of a quartz countertop’s weight into slab thickness makes the calculation easier as it’s one of the most important factors to consider.
With a thickness of nearly 3 centimeters or 1 ¼ inch, you can expect the countertop to weigh around 18 pounds per square foot. Hence, if you’re going for the typical countertop size, which is 30 square feet, you will get a quartz countertop weight of around (i.e., 18×30) 540 pounds.
Moreover, the total weight reduces when you choose a slab with lower thickness. For instance, if you’ve chosen a quartz countertop with a 2 centimeter or ¾ inches slab, you’ll get 12 pounds per square foot of weight. That way, the entire quartz countertop will weigh around 360 pounds.
How Heavy Is A Granite Countertop?
Granite countertop slabs are usually cut into two thickness measurements: ¾ inches or 1 ¼ inch. When going for a granite countertop of ¾ inches thickness, the weight per square foot can be 13 pounds. On the other hand, the 1¼-inch granite countertop weighs 18-20 pounds per square foot.
Furthermore, some manufacturers deliver higher density in the said item. So, 2-inch granite countertops weigh around 30 pounds per square foot. If you’re going for a size of 20 square feet, the countertop could weigh as much as 600 pounds.
How Much Do Corian Countertops Weigh?
Most Corian countertops with an average thickness are usually 5 pounds per square foot. That makes the total weight of a 30 square feet solid surface material (Corian) countertop nearly 150 pounds. But, if you change the thickness and move higher in the quality level, the entire countertop could weigh as much as 8-10 pounds per square foot with Corian.
How Much Does A Formica Countertop Weigh?
Since weights are usually measured per square foot with countertops, you must take note of the material density as well. Laminate countertops are among the most sought-after ones. Plus, another version of laminate countertops, Formica countertops, are becoming more popular than before.
The average slab thickness in Formica laminate countertops is 2 centimeters or ¾ inches. That weighs around 10.3 to 11 pounds per square foot, putting the total weight around 440 pounds, more or less for a typical countertop of size 20 feet.
How Much Does A Marble Countertop Weigh?
Marble stones aren’t just a component of the kitchen remodeling process but have been a huge companion of the construction industry as well. Marble stones are used in kitchens, roads, and highways. Their main properties are thickness, hardness, and texture.
For every inch of thickness in the marble countertops, the material adds 12.3 pounds of weight per square foot. The typical size of a marble countertop is 30 square feet, so the total weight may be around 400 pounds.
How Much Does A Laminate Countertop Weigh?
Laminate countertops are extremely popular and are composed of various interiors. For instance, a laminate countertop with a kraft interior (i.e., the lightest interior) offers 4 pounds of weight per square foot. That means that the total weight of a laminate countertop measuring up to 20 or 30 square feet could be around 80-120 pounds.
9 Tips on How to Carry Heavy Countertops
Here’s a list of several techniques and tips that can help you transport your heavy countertops safely:
1. Use an A-Frame
This is an old-fashioned wood frame with an A-shape. It helps transport large countertops in a leaning position.
2. Get Moving Blankets
If you’re transporting two or more countertops, don’t forget the moving blankets that provide cushion-like support to the countertops. That significantly reduces the chances of slabs taking a hard hit.
3. Purchase Moving Straps
Various types of moving straps are available in the market. They let you fix the countertops, so they don’t wobble around during the move. You can use the straps to affix countertops inside the A-frame.
4. Use Tight-Grip Gloves
For an easier move, don’t trust your bare hands no matter how hard you lift in the gym. Countertops are quite famous for slipping out of the hands of unskilled workers and costing manufacturers thousands of dollars every year. So, go for tight-grip gloves to hold countertops properly.
5. Get Carrying Clamps
Carrying clamps are a modern solution for carrying objects like large and heavy countertops. Use them adequately with a pair of gloves to carry countertops around.
6. Ask for Extra Help
Don’t hesitate to get more manpower if you can’t get the countertop moving alone or even with the help of another person. Sometimes, heavy countertops are easier to move with 3 people helping out.
7. Hold Countertops Vertically
One of the most common mistakes when moving heavy household objects, especially heavy countertops involves holding the countertops horizontally. They are extremely heavy, depending on the material used.
Holding them flat can be quite difficult and will not offer the required equilibrium to manage the weight, especially when you’re moving it on the stairs with the help of only one person. Always hold the countertops vertically.
8. Don’t Carry It Solo
While this isn’t much of a technique or tip, it aims to emphasize the importance of not carrying a heavy countertop on your own, especially if you’re lifting with your back. It can put a strain on your muscles, bones, and key joints. Always gather helping people and then move heavy countertops inside or outside your house. Also, avoid pushing or dragging the countertop in any way.
Most unskilled household movers and cleaners assume that pushing or dragging a heavy countertop is an effective way to move it. However, pushing or dragging it can cause scratches and breakage on random ends.
9. Use a Pushcart Carefully
The best technique to safely move your heavy countertop outside or inside the house is to think of it as fragile glass no matter what material it’s made of. You can use a dolly or pushcart to effectively transport heavy countertops to safe locations. But be careful when you hit uneven ground or rocks.
Conclusion
Learning accurately about the weight of a countertop and the preferred material to be used can help you make the right kitchen remodel decision. Kitchen countertops create a focal point for most viewers, whether they’re your family members, guests, or friends at home.
You must make sure that your kitchen countertop looks, feels, and costs as per your expectations. You want the countertop to be easy to lift, install, and repair after an emergency situation. The weight of a countertop also determines its overall value and installation cost.
