The average cost of granite countertops ranges between $2,000 and $4,500, depending on the size, color, and finish of your project
Countertops come up against a lot of pressure during the day, making granite a popular material, and for a good reason. When properly installed and sealed, this natural stone is highly heat resistant, tough against most chips and scratches, and rarely depreciates with time. While you can complete very small granite installation projects for under $500, the average price costs an average of $3,250 for material and countertop installation.
How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost Per Square Foot?
When hiring a local granite countertop installer, your estimate will likely break down into two sections: the square foot of materials and an hourly rate for labor. On average, a slab of granite for countertops runs between $40 and $60 per square foot.
While all granite is technically one-of-a-kind, some homeowners seek particularly rare textures, inclusions, and colors to match their counter-design vision. In general, granite countertops break down into five (or, for some companies, three) levels.
Levels note the rarity of marble's style and color. The higher the level, the more unique and valuable the stone. Here is how each level breaks down by price:
| Level | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Level one | $40 – $50 |
| Level two | $50 – $60 |
| Level three | $55 – $65 |
| Level four | $65 – $75 |
| Level five | $75 – $100 |
On top of this, expect to pay between $35 and $85 an hour for the labor on installation and fabrication—cutting the slabs to fit your unique counter. Depending on the size of your kitchen or bathroom countertops, total labor costs range from $600 to $1,500.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Granite Countertops Near You?
Major cities and towns with high costs of living often end up with a slightly higher price tag than those in less expensive areas. Keep the cost of construction materials and labor in mind when calculating the potential costs of granite countertops.
Let's take a look at the average cost to install or replace countertops—including a wide range of materials:
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | $2,100 |
| Austin, TX | $3,300 |
| Los Angeles | $3,400 |
| Cleveland | $2,700 |
| New York | $2,800 |
What Type of Granite Countertops Can I Get on My Budget?
The two largest factors in countertop installation prices are the size of your project and your chosen material. If you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, higher-leveled granite colors like Niagra Gold and Blue Pearl open up to you.
On the other hand, save a bit of money by choosing the widely available—and just as strong—form and color of granite found in most homes, such as River White or Gray Mist.
$300 to $1,000
While this price range falls way under the overall average cost of granite countertops, very small projects make the cut. For example, you can choose a level-one or two granite for a small home bar, dining room table, or kitchen island.
$1,000 to $3,000
Edge into the average price range for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and large kitchen islands. While you will not have as much flexibility in materials for larger projects, you can consider unique finishes and colors for smaller ones.
$3,000 and Up
Explore all the unique hues and inclusions that granite has to offer in this price range. Choose a color and style that compliments your kitchen cabinets, floor tiles, and even the amount of light in the room. The price range covers everything from large kitchen islands to multi-sink vanities.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Granite Countertops Yourself?
If you're dreaming of installing a large slab of uninterrupted granite on your counter, it's best to skip the DIY route. Large slabs run several hundred pounds, and incorrect granite sealing, grouting, or leveling can end up costing you more in repairs down the line.
On the other hand, granite tile and modular pieces have the potential for DIY work if you're up for the job. Granite tiles range in price from $5 to $15 per square foot, while modular pieces cost between $25 to $40.
While you won't have the same clean look as a slab of granite, it is a way to shave some money off the overall price. Also, remember to add the cost of grouting, mortar, sealer, and tools.
One last caveat: Even fitting tile and modular granite pieces to your sink require advanced DIY skills. We still recommend hiring a professional fabricator to measure and cut your pieces properly.
Granite Countertop Cost Breakdown
So, let's quickly recap what you can expect on your granite counter installation quote. Each project costs:
From $40–$60 per square foot for materials (more if you choose a high-level granite)
Between $35–$85 an hour for granite countertop installation
Remember to add extra hours onto the labor portion of the bill if you need to:
Install cabinets or the base of the counter
Remove old counters
Repair the base of the cabinets for installation
How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost by Type of Installation?
Take a moment to think about where granite countertops work into your home design. While your mind may automatically go to the kitchen, countertops weave into bathroom or home bar designs as well.
You can expect each type of installation to vary based on its size and the complexity of the fabrication. Here are some examples of the total cost of the project:
| Installation Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bartop | $300 – $500 |
| Dining room table | $750 – $1,300 |
| Average kitchen counter | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Kitchen island | $1,200 – $2,100 |
| Large bathroom vanity | $700 – $1,200 |
| Small bathroom vanity | $300 – $500 |
How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost by Style?
Here's where you can truly play with a preferred design that fits within your budget. Since granite varies from piece to piece, there are endless possibilities to match its design to your vision.
When you visit your local store, the sample of granite will show a similar—but not exact—style of what you can expect to arrive on the day of the installation. Every slab of granite is distinct, so expect some slight color variations when covering multiple surfaces in one room.
Colors of Granite Countertops
Within each major color palette, you'll find a range of granite levels, each with its own flecks of color, swirls, inclusions, and unique imperfections. Choosing a specific color can also help hide seams in your granite countertops. Let's look at the price range for materials of a few different colors.
| Style | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| White, green, and gray | $40 – $60 |
| Black or gold | $40 – $75 |
| Red | $65 – $80 |
| Blue | $70 – $100 |
Lastly, you'll have the option to choose a finish on each of these colors and varieties. Polished granite is the most common, well-priced, and easy to care for over time. Leathered granite allows more of the natural hues to shine through but may be harder to find. Honed granite falls in the middle both for price and style but stains without a proper sealant.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install Granite Countertops?
Like all natural stone designs, not all pieces cost the same. Keep three factors in mind when determining where your countertops will fall in the wide price range.
Popularity
Durability
Availability
Your final total cost also comes down to where you live, the extent of the installation, and if you require extra work—like leveling your counters—in the process.
FAQs About Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are a common choice, no matter the style of your kitchen. While chemicals and highly acidic substances can stain granite, they are typically easy to clean, maintain, and most importantly, to whip up a massive family dinner.
Why should I pick granite for my countertops?
Granite is a go-to material for those looking to incorporate that rare look of natural stone into their homes. And since it's cheaper and easier to care for than marble, this makes a great choice for high-use countertops like those in the bathroom and the kitchen.
For example, if you place a hot pan right on the counter when you're in a hurry, you won't have to worry about damaging the granite unless you do it over and over again. Granite also:
Holds up against scratches and nicks
Comes in a wide range of colors
Can add value to your home
What should I consider when installing granite countertops?
Before adding any heavy stone—natural or synthetic—to your home, check out the stability of what lies beneath. The base of your counter should be strong enough to hold this hefty stone and hold up against decades of use, so take care of countertop repairs beforehand.
Hire a contractor to check for leaks, water damage, and other inconsistencies in your cabinets, especially if it's made of a material like particle board.
What other projects should I do at the same time?
Are your granite countertops just a piece of the kitchen or bathroom renovation puzzle? Consider matching your chosen granite with new kitchen cabinet doors, bathroom shower tiles, or even your paint color.
Additionally, always speak with your professional counter and cabinet contractors to prepare the space for successful construction, especially when adding something heavy like granite.
