When looking at countertop materials, granite always comes into the conversation, but what is the true cost of granite countertops, especially when there are different styles, cuts, and textures? What is the attraction to this popular countertop material, anyway? Here is a rundown of the appeal and costs of granite countertops.
Appeal of Granite
Granite’s appeal seems to never dwindle. It looks marvelously classic while it increases the value of your home. Whether you use it for kitchen or bathroom countertops or other places in your home, the changes granite creates are stunning. It’s a 100 percent natural stone that’s fade, heat, and scratch-resistant and is a heavy, dense and tough stone. It’s available in many colors, patterns, and a variety of selections. You’ll see granite with veining, swishing, and patching. Any granite piece works well indoors or outdoors. Think of bathroom vanity tops, tub surrounds, islands, or even around a fireplace. There won’t be trouble finding what works for any area of your home. The beauty of granite, its superior strength, and its durability are unmatched.
Granite Countertop Costs
The true cost of granite can be a deciding factor in whether you use it for kitchen or bathroom countertops. In looking at granite companies nearby your home, you can get a pretty good idea of the cost of using granite. With the many and varied granite products companies offer, you want to make the right choice.
Overall Costs
A granite slab costs between $40 and $80 a square foot with a total price for materials and installation at anywhere from $2,250 to $4,500. A basic, more generic slab will cost $40 and up. For more exclusive and high-end pieces, you’ll pay $75 to $100 a square foot. With comparative prices with other stone materials, such as marble, the cost will be $75-$250 a square foot, while costs for quartz are $55 a square foot. Concrete comes in at $70 per square foot and butcher block at $70. With these figures, you can make comparisons and determine what material suits your budget. You also need to remember that granite requires sealing and that expenses for that procedure range from $170 to $350, which is added into the price per square foot.
Other Information
With the installation of more affordable granite options, there will be templating or measurements that are taken on-site that include both fabrication and installation of the countertops through a straight edge approach. There are granite materials that work well with this method and offer a consistent look.
Cost Impacts
Certain attributes of granite, such as its color, texture, and type, will determine its overall cost at installation. Here is a breakdown of its costs.
Granite Color
Granite colors that are less expensive and average $40-$60 per square foot include black, gray, white, and green as they are more available, though more distinctive white and black granite can be considerably more expensive. It just depends on the distinction in patterns. Unusual and limited colors such as patterns in red can run as high as $150 to $200 a square foot. Prices will most always depend on the color, pattern, and type of granite you choose.
Granite Texture
The texture of granite can influence its price. Textures include finishes such as polished, honed, and leathered granite.
Granite Finishes
Of the different finishes used with granite, polished granite is the most favored of the three. Polished granite brings a mirror-like effect to granite. Honed finishes are also trendy as they are a matte finish without the shine. Honed finishes are softer and give a more natural feel to granite. Of the three finishes, the polished look is more in demand, so it’s less costly than the other two. Leathered granite is the most costly of the three because it’s not readily available; however, the leathered look brings a rustic appearance to a kitchen, plus it’s resistant to stains and hides smudges and other spots much better than polished granite.
Granite Slab, Tiles, and Modular Formations
Granite is available in slabs that are perfect for kitchen countertops. Slabs can run anywhere from $40-$70 a square foot, so they are pricey and not as budget-friendly as granite tiles. The tiles are less expensive than granite slabs and though it’s hard to compare them to a granite slab; they do work on a tight budget. Tiles start from $5 a square foot. They are also handy for do-it-yourself installations and are affordable. You also need to know that there will be grout lines present that will require sealing at the three-year mark and their appearance isn’t as elegant as a granite slab. You can eliminate some of the seamings with modular granite that is in the $25 to $40 a square foot price range. They are actually mini-slabs that are smaller granite slabs that are somewhere in the middle, as the size goes.
Granite Installation
Installing your own granite slab, tiles, or modular pieces can be a tough job. It’s a heavy material that’s not fragile, though the slab, tiles, and modular pieces should be handled carefully to prevent chipping or breakage. You can injure yourself or anyone working with you, so cautionary measures are the key. It’s best to have at least two people working with you to handle the heavier material and place it properly. You want to be sure that you are skilled enough to do the work before you place a slab or do tile work. Having to stop in the middle of the installation is not your intention, so be prepared to call in experts to help with the work if you can’t complete it entirely on your own.
Deciding on whether to use granite for countertops in your home can be a daunting decision. If you have general questions about what you should choose and the overall cost of installation, contact us at 215-396-7393. We are experts and will walk you through the process of finding the best options for your project, as well as answer any questions you may have.
