How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for granite countertop installation is $3,250. Most homeowners spend $2,000 to $4,000, with the cost driven by the granite type and rarity, project size, and installation complexity. Budget for other potential factors, such as removal, disposal, and plumbing alterations, to better prepare for your new countertop project.

Granite Countertops: What Determines the Price?

Most granite countertop projects cost $2,000 to $4,000, with an average of $3,250, though small installations can come in under $500. The granite type and slab size are the primary drivers of where your project lands in that range. High-end granite for a large counter can push the total beyond $9,000.

Granite Countertops Cost by Square Foot: Size Pricing

Granite countertop slabs average $40 to $60 per square foot, with your total cost rising or falling based on the size and layout of the surface being covered.

Costs vary significantly by project type, so here is a breakdown of typical prices by size and application:

Granite Countertops Material Costs: Which Option Fits Your Budget?

Granite runs $40 to $60 per square foot on average, making it more affordable than marble and stainless steel but pricier than options like certain quartz and slate varieties. Rarer or higher-quality granite can reach $100 per square foot, so the type you select has a meaningful impact on your material budget.

The table below shows how granite compares with other common countertop materials by price per square foot:

Granite Countertops Cost by Type: What to Expect

Granite prices range from $30 per square foot for widely available varieties like Ubatuba to $100 per square foot or more for rarer options like Blue Louise, with sourcing difficulty being the key factor separating budget-friendly from premium choices.

The table below details typical costs by granite type so you can compare options before committing to a material:

What Are Additional Cost Factors for Granite Countertops?

When you hire a local granite countertop installer, your estimate typically splits into two components: material costs based on square footage and a labor charge. Beyond those core line items, several additional factors can affect your final bill, and costs depend on which services and upgrades your project requires.

Below are common additional factors to consider:

• Labor: $35 per square foot

• Removal and disposal of old countertop: $4–$7 per square foot

• Color and rarity: $10 per square foot extra when choosing darker granite countertops over lighter granite countertops

• Honed finish: $10–$20 more per square foot

• Leathered finish: $15–$25 more per square foot

• Style of countertop edges: $10–$40 per linear foot for upgraded edges, such as rounded edge or French cove

• Slab delivery: $150–$200, if not included in labor fees

• Sink cut-out: $100

• Sink installation: $420

• Cooktop cut-out: $200 each

• Plumbing alterations: $350–$2,000

• Caulking over granite seams: $1.25–$4 per linear foot

• Painting over granite seams: $6–$15 per square foot

• Granite sealing: $100 or more

• Warranty: $300 or more 

How to Save on the Cost of Granite Countertops

Granite installation quickly gets expensive, especially with more high-end types of granite, but there are cost-cutting options.

• Choose a less expensive type of granite, such as St. Cecilia or Ubatuba, to potentially save 25% to 40% over higher-end options.

• Pick up your granite in-store to save on delivery, which often costs $150 to $200 .

• Go for granite tiles ( $5 to $15 per square foot ) over slabs ( $40 to $100 per square foot ).

• Choose thinner granite, which will save material costs ( $40 to $60 per square foot ).

• DIY old countertop removal for a savings of $4 to $7 per square foot , but note that it might be heavy.

Is Granite a Popular Countertop Material?

Are you wondering about the most common countertop materials? Based on the responses of 8,100 Angi customers, 44.6% of homeowners prefer granite, while 29.3% opt for quartz. Granite is valued for its natural beauty and heat resistance, while quartz is prized for its durability, low maintenance, and wide range of color options.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

It's usually best to hire a local granite countertop installation pro , especially if you want a seamless finish. That said, you might be able to DIY in some cases, which will save about $35 to $85 per hour on labor costs. This equates to around $1,500 total for the project.

Here's when you should hire a pro:

• You want a large slab of uninterrupted granite on your counter. Slabs run several hundred pounds, and they can crack or shatter if mishandled

• You're unsure how to do the job. Incorrect granite countertop sealing , grouting, or leveling can cost you more in repairs—and they likely won't result in a flawless finish.

• You want a warranty that covers defects and installation issues, safeguarding your investment in the long run.

• Your countertop layout involves complex cuts.

• You need to dispose of existing heavy countertops.

• The installation requires fitting around sinks, appliances, or backsplashes.

You might DIY in the following situations:

• You're working with granite tile and modular pieces.

• You have prior experience with similar projects.

• You can get specialized equipment for cutting, sanding, and sealing.

• The project is small, such as a bathroom vanity or a small kitchen island.

• You're willing to accept an end result that's not flawless.

• You have help available to assist with lifting and positioning materials safely.

Whether you choose DIY or hire a pro, we recommend hiring a professional fabricator to properly measure and cut your granite pieces.