How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost

Granite countertops are one of the most popular countertop options. They have many amazing benefits such as their long-lasting durability and incredible heat resistance that makes them a sough after material.  

If you are interested in renovating your countertops, you have most likely seen that granite offers a versatile, beautiful, and durable work surface. In that case, you might be wondering how much do granite countertops cost and whether they are worth the price.

Keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown of all factors that influence the cost of granite countertops and discover cost-saving tips.

What are Granite Countertops?

Before delving into how much do granite countertops cost, exploring the benefits of granite countertops is beneficial. This way, you will find out more about the characteristics of granite, which will further recontextualize its cost.

Granite is a natural stone famous for its durability and strength. It has a score of 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the hardest materials used in home improvement projects. This incredible strength ensures that it can withstand wear and tear even in high-traffic areas such as kitchen countertops or entryway flooring.

As a natural stone, it has gorgeous and unique patterns. Each granite slab is one of a kind and supports various colors and patterns that give the space character. Its elegant appearance surpasses trends and effortlessly elevates home designs.

Key Factors That Influence the Cost

The cost of granite countertops varies significantly depending on a few factors. Understanding these factors is a key step for deciding which ones are must-haves and which ones you can go without.

The size and thickness of the slab is a very influential factor. In general, granite slabs are between 2-3 cm. Thicker slabs will have a more substantial look but they are more expensive and heavier. Larger kitchens and bathrooms require more material, thus they will be more costly to renovate.

Customizations, such as edge profiles or finishes, can add more to the final price. As granite is such a strong stone, these customizations become a task that is hard to complete. Ornate carvings are not only hard to achieve but sometimes even impossible to do on granite. In addition, each different finish option will provide a different aesthetic appearance to the stone and, depending on which one you choose, will have a different cost.

Material Quality

The material quality is another influential factor for the final price of the countertops. Depending on the grade and purity level of the stone, the cost differs significantly. Standard grade granite slabs are available in common colors and offer an affordable choice ideal for daily use.

If you want to invest in countertops that offer premium qualities, such as enhanced durability and unique designs, you can opt for premium-grade granite. These types feature more intricate patterns, and they are less porous. Thus, they offer a combination of visual and functional benefits beyond the standard grade.

Exotic variants are the right choice for homeowners who want to bring the design of their home to the next level. These types of granite are often quarried in specific locations and they are a luxurious option for both residential and commercial spaces.

Installation Costs

When it comes to how much do granite countertops cost, the installation costs are often overlooked. In addition to the costs of the stone itself, the labor costs introduce additional factors that affect the cost.

Professional installers have the knowledge and experience to ensure that the countertops are installed safely and securely. Even the highest quality, most expensive granite slabs can get damaged from improper installation. Skilled labor is essential to proper and efficient installation. The necessary expertise for such a task justifies the extra cost.

Moreover, some kitchen or bathroom cabinets might require reinforcing to ensure they can carry the heavy countertops. Additional steps such as this make hiring professionals even more worth the price.

Custom vs Pre-Fabricated

One of the decisions that will influence the final cost of the countertops is whether they are custom-made or pre-fabricated. Personally tailored designs offer a much wider range of options. Moreover, they are made to fit the space like a glove, which optimizes the space and unlocks its full potential.

However, this is the more costly option out of the two. If your kitchen or bathroom doesn’t have an unconventional layout, a custom fitting might not be necessary.

Pre-fabricated countertops are a great cost-saving solution. These options come in standardized sizes, thicknesses, and patterns. This practice reduces the time and labor spent on their fabrication, allowing them to be sold at lower prices.

Regional Prices

Your region also plays an important role in the cost of the countertops. Several factors contribute to these price differences, such as the local labor pricing, marked demand, whether there is a local quarry, the supply chain, and more.

If you live in a high cost of living area, the installation fees are likely to be higher. Additionally, skilled labor being in high demand in your area raises the cost even more. If your neighborhood has a booming real estate market, the materials necessary for the renovation can also be in high demand, thus hiking up their costs further.

Budgeting and Financing

Granite countertops can last for decades if they are properly cared for. This makes them an incredible investment that can serve your house for years to come. Moreover, as they raise the resale value of the home, they become an even wiser investment.

With that being said, it is important to budget for such renovation effectively. Before embarking on this journey, make sure to get quotes from several suppliers and compare these prices. Don’t forget to check out customer reviews and the granite selection.

Remember to factor in other costs like labor and transportation. Don’t just budget for the granite slab; budget for the project as a whole. Then, decide on a realistic budget. Set a contingency for unexpected issues or additional services.

While it can be tempting to simply pick the cheapest option for the sake of sticking to your budget, remember that there is a reason for these prices. High-quality granite has a less porous surface that offers more resistance and maintains a pristine condition for a long time.

DIY Installation vs Professional Installation

The choice between a DIY installation and a professional installation can impact the price of the countertops significantly. Some owners decide to go with a DIY installation to save on the cost of labor. However, it should be noted that granite is a very heavy stone that can be hard to carry and handle. Its installation requires expertise and the right tools.

While professional installation can be costly, it ensures the stone is properly installed and potential incidents that might be caused by lack of experience are avoided. Moreover, many installation services offer a warranty, which will provide you with peace of mind.

Choosing between a DIY installation and a professional installation can be as hard as deciding on the material for the countertops. If you have experience with installing granite countertops, or you can get help for carrying the heavy granite slab, you can consider the DIY route. However, if this is a first-time project, professional installation is the safest option.

Maintenance and Longevity

Maintenance is one of the most important factors for the longevity of the stone. After thorough consideration and pricey installation, you wouldn’t want your new countertops to get damaged immediately.

One of the most important things to keep in mind for granite maintenance is that it is a porous stone. This means that it has tiny holes all over it, which spills, dust, and debris can seep into it to cause stains or even mold. To ensure this doesn't happen, granite needs to be periodically sealed. How often it should be sealed depends on the grade of the stone and its level of use.

In addition, it is best to avoid abrasive materials and harsh chemicals. Instead, you can use mild dish soap and a soft cloth for daily cleaning. This combination will get rid of the residue without stripping the stone.

Conclusion

In short, the cost of granite countertops depends on many factors. The amazing blend of durability, beauty, versatility, and longevity that granite provides makes it an incredible investment that will not only make the time you spend in your kitchen or bathroom more enjoyable but also raise the value of the property.

Finding the right granite slab that not only fits in with your aesthetic vision but also the practical needs of your home and your budget might be hard to achieve. However, the wide range of styles means that you can find the one that fits your criteria the best.