How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?
3 pros!
Some homeowners spend $50 per square foot and others spend $100 per square foot or more. The cost will depend on the use of slab or tile, the design and the scope of the project.
Considering granite countertops? Learn the most important questions to ask granite countertop companies and how much you can expect to pay.
Made from magma mixed with mica, quartz and feldspar, most granite today comes from Brazil. Naturally a strong and durable stone, granite is porous and requires a sealant for water and stain protection.
Pros of granite countertops
Granite is durable, long-lasting and heat-resistant. If sealed properly, granite resists water, bacteria and stains. It doesn’t take much to clean granite — just mild dish soap and water. Because granite is mined from the earth, the slabs create a unique look.
Cons of granite countertops
Granite requires periodic sealing to maintain their stain- and water-resistance. The one-of-a-kind slab creates a unique look, but if a slab gets damaged, it’s impossible to find an exact match.
Granite Kitchen Countertops
Cost of granite countertops
If you’re considering a new granite countertop for your kitchen, you’ll quickly notice a wide cost range, with prices as low as $50 to more than $100 per square foot.
Depending on the contractor, the cost per square foot of granite might include the slab only — not installation — while others include installation in the square-foot price.
Troy Hansen, owner of Hansen’s Custom Countertop Services of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, whose granite countertops start around $60, says homeowners should ask what’s included in the square-foot price.
In addition to materials, ask if the cost of countertop installation includes charges for tear out, edging and sealing, sink and outlet cutouts, plumbing and other modifications. Depending on the style, custom edging can raise the square-foot price to $175.
Carol King, owner of Indianapolis Granite & Marble in Indianapolis says her granite countertops average around $42 per square foot, and increase to $60 with installation.
King recommends customers view a variety of slabs to see what characteristics they prefer. "I've had customers say, 'Just go pick me one.' I said, 'No, I do not pick your stone. You have to live with it.'"
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Granite countertops provide an attractive and authentic look. Because granite is a natural stone, it brings a unique touch to the home. Granite comes in a variety of colors and pattern options. In addition, the material is perfectly suited for countertop applications due to its high heat and scratch resistance.
Once you install a granite countertop, you can be sure it is there to stay for a long time to come.
Granite countertops can be installed as either slab, tile or modular granite. Granite slabs are convenient options for covering a large space with few seams. A granite slab can be as large as seven feet long (rarely larger) and they are often thick and durable.
Granite tiles allow for an easier installation process because they can be installed on top of an existing countertop. They can add an appealing look to the kitchen at an affordable cost.
However, granite tiles will require grout to be placed in-between so that they hold together. Modular granite consists of slabs that are larger than tiles, therefore needing fewer seams. They are also quite easy to install.
Analyzing the Cost
Slab granite can cost about $50 to $60 per square foot. The higher cost is due to the thicker and larger slabs that are necessary during installation. Granite tiles cost between $10 to $40 and they work well for kitchens that have a modern look or a simpler layout.
Once the slab has been chosen, it’s time to consider labor costs. Labor can lie anywhere between $300 to $500, with other installation materials costing $400 to $600. Edging options can also influence the overall installation cost, adding about $200 to $300.
Granite is a porous rock that can get stained over time. Its igneous nature allows for veins that can be penetrated by water particles. Therefore, adding a sealant material is important to prevent countertops from becoming damaged. In most cases, a high quality sealant can last as long as five years, making the countertop quite durable.
The unique veining patterns of granite can also influence the cost of each individual slab. The various patterns and designs available will vary the edging, finish, and cost. Select from various shades of white, blue, red, and black, in addition to patterns of marble, solid and specks. Include about $200 to $300 for the seams of each slab of granite you intend to use.
Editor's note: This article includes additional Angie's List staff reporting.
