Granite countertops are the gold standard for all homes.
But did you know that the cost of granite counters can vary tremendously?
If you want to make your dream kitchen or bathroom without breaking the bank, then learning about the factors influencing granite countertop costs is essential.
Knowing about these cost contributors will help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Here’s the complete guide on how much investment is required when buying a granite countertop and how to reduce the cost.
The Actual Cost of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are pricey. Expect to pay between $2250 to $4500.
The labor cost for installing granite countertops ranges from $35 to $85 per hour, and slab prices range from $45 to $80 per square foot.
The color, type, and texture of the granite slab can drastically increase the total price.
Generally, normal granite slabs are around $40 per square foot, while rarer pieces run as high as $100 per square foot.
And the cost to professionally seal the granite countertop is an extra $170 to $350.
Here are the costs of some of the common granite countertops.
| Granite Countertops | Cost |
|---|---|
| White | $30 to $78 per square foot |
| Alaska White | $40 per square foot |
| High-quality White | $400 per square foot |
| Silver Cloud | $55 per square foot |
| Black | $40 to $80 per square foot |
| Absolute Black | $40 per square foot |
| Black Galaxy | $70 per square foot |
| High-quality Black | $300 per square foot |
| Gray | $30 to $50 per square foot |
| High-end Gray | $200 per square foot |
| Blue | $70 to $100 per square foot |
| Blue Pearl | $50 and $100 per square foot |
| River Blue | $70 and $100 per square foot |
| Blue Louise | $100 per square foot |
| Blue Bahia | $120 to $200 per square foot |
| Red | $65 to $80 per square foot |
| Green | $40 to $120 per square foot |
| High-end Green | $250 per square foot |
| Gold | $30 to $90 per square foot |
| High-end Gold | $240 per square foot |
| Crema Bordeaux | $80 per square foot |
| Solarius | $60 per square foot |
| Ubatuba | $60 per square foot |
| Van Gogh | $300 to $400 per square foot |
Factors that Affect Granite Countertop Cost
Granite is a natural stone prized for its beauty and durability.
It’s widely used in homes and commercial properties around the world, and its cost is determined by a few factors.
Color, texture, and type all play a role in the price of your granite slab.
Here are the 10 factors that affect granite countertop cost.
1. Type of Granite
Granite countertops come in various types. But what really defines their cost is the grade and color of the granite.
High-grade granite has distinctive patterns and vibrant or rare colors.
It’s usually quarried in the Mediterranean and costs over $100 per square foot installed.
For those looking for a less expensive option, there’s commercial-grade granite from India, Brazil, and Canada.
This type of granite comes in gray, black, or white shades and starts at $30 per square foot installed.
Mid-range options that fall between high-grade and commercial-grade cost between $40 to $70 per square foot installed.
They offer a balance between price tag and aesthetics for those who want quality but don’t want to spend too much.
Related: 5 Steps Used To Make Granite Countertops
2. Color and Texture
White, black, and grey are common and more affordable granite countertop colors.
Exotic hues such as red come at a higher price. Yet, some whites and blacks with intricate designs can also get pricey.
The eventual price usually depends on the color and type of the granite.
Rare colors stand out more. So they come with a higher price tag.
Among them, blue granite is the rarest. This makes it the most expensive option.
The cheapest choices among granite countertops are white, green, or grey, costing $40 to $60 per square foot.
For rare colors with remarkable patterns, you will have to shell out up to $150 to $200 per square foot.
In addition to the shade, texture also impacts the cost of granite countertops.
These textures include honed, polished, and leathered options for your granite countertop.
3. Finish
Polished granite is a popular finish for kitchen countertops due to its affordability.
It adds a beautiful shine and doesn’t break the bank.
Honed finishes are also stylish and often the deciding factor between polished and leathered.
Leathered granite countertops offer a rustic feel but come at a higher cost. They aren’t as widely available.
In short, there are three granite finish options, and you should choose the one that suits your taste the best.
4. Countertop Size
Size has the biggest influence on the price of the granite countertop.
The larger the countertop space, the more expensive the countertop.
A standard American kitchen has about 30 square feet of countertop space.
But in bigger houses, up to 50 or 60 square feet is common.
An average granite countertop of these sizes can range from $1200 to $4500.
Anything exceeding those sizes may cost $6000 or more.
So if you have a large kitchen, plan accordingly. Make sure you look at all the options before purchasing a new countertop.
5. Granite Source
The location from where granite is sourced affects its cost.
Shipping from distant quarries costs more than those closer to you.
With logistics and processing fees varying based on location, try to purchase from nearby sources to reduce transportation and labor costs.
6. Granite Slab or Tile
If you are looking for a stunning kitchen countertop, a granite slab is an ideal choice, but it’s expensive.
Expect to spend at least $40 to $70 per square foot.
However, if you want an attractive countertop on a tight budget, look at granite tiles.
They are cheaper ($5 per square foot) and DIY-friendly.
However, they will have visible grout lines that require periodic sealing.
For an in-between option, consider modular granite that costs $25 to $40 per square foot.
These mini-slabs offer fewer seams than tiles while still keeping costs low.
7. Edge Profile
Granite countertops also vary in price based on their edge profiles.
Edge options for granite countertops include straight, bevel, bullnose, ogee, eased, etc.
Each of these edges has a unique look and feel. So pick an edge style that works best with your design.
Styled edges add $10 to $40 per linear foot, while honed or leathered finish adds $10 to $25 per square foot.
Squared edges with a glossy or polished finish are included in the cost of the granite.
But you will have to pay extra for other finishes like matte and rounded or intricate edges.
8. Number of Cutouts
A countertop cutout is a hole in the countertop for sink or cooktop installation.
The cutout’s cost varies with the size, shape, and type of the granite countertop.
For a basic sink cutout, the average cost is $200 but can range from $100 to $500, depending on the complexity.
An additional fee will apply for sink installation.
More than one cutout also increases the cost of granite countertops significantly.
So it’s important that you determine the number of cutouts before purchasing the granite.
9. Installation
The labor cost for installing a granite countertop varies from $35 to $85 per hour.
However, this range depends on the labor costs in your area.
Kitchen counter installations usually take up to 20 hours, and bathroom installations typically require less than 10 hours.
So to install an average-sized kitchen counter of 24 inches by 180 inches, you can expect labor charges from $600 to $1500.
Sometimes removal of the old countertop is included in the labor cost but check beforehand.
Additional fees can apply if the old countertop is heavy or difficult to remove.
Homeowners often opt for professional installation because it’s a complex project requiring specialized tools and expertise.
However, those comfortable with the DIY route can save some money.
But remember that granite slabs are very heavy and can cause damage if handled incorrectly.
Doing it yourself requires extreme caution and at least two people.
So make sure you have the necessary knowledge and help before attempting to install the granite countertop yourself.
10. Additional Costs
While budgeting for granite countertops, there are some additional costs that you need to consider.
These include special treatments, enhancements, and repairs.
Talking about treatments, the granite countertops need to be sealed since they are prone to staining.
It’s typically done when the granite countertops are first installed, often at no extra charge.
However, the countertops must be sealed every year after that.
Coming to enhancements, granite backsplash isn’t required but provides protection to walls.
Installation of a 4-inch backsplash costs $10 to $15 per linear foot.
Other than that, an under-the-counter cooktop can be added as an enhancement to the granite countertop.
Regarding repairs, they add more costs to the project.
So any necessary repairs to the cabinets that support the granite must be completed prior to installation.
The base cabinets must be sturdy and strong enough to bear the weight of the granite.
Further Reading: How to Repair Granite Countertop Damages? | Differences Between Granite and Marble Countertops
How to Reduce the Cost of Granite Countertops?
Granite countertops can be costly.
Choosing the least expensive option is one way to save, but there are other ways to bring down the cost of your granite countertops without giving up quality.
Here are a few ways to reduce the cost of granite countertops:
- A great tactic is to buy the granite slab locally from a quarry or stone yard, which also provides installation services. Transport costs are much cheaper for short distances rather than long ones.
- Get multiple quotes and look for companies that fabricate as well as install the counters.
- Go for a polished finish instead of honed or leathered textures for added cost savings.
- Opt for thin-cut granite slabs, such as 3/8 inch or 3/4 inch thick, rather than 1-1/4 inch thick slabs.
- If your contractor is going to charge extra to remove the old countertop, consider doing it yourself.
- White, gray, beige, and green granites are more common and less expensive than blue and red options. So these colors will be easier on your wallet.
- Additionally, consider buying remnants if you need a smaller area covered with granite.
