Granite countertops are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects due to their beauty, durability, and range of colors and patterns. However, granite is also one of the more expensive countertop materials on the market. If you’re considering installing granite countertops in your home, you’re probably wondering – how much do granite countertops cost?
The cost of granite countertops depends on several factors, including stone type, edge styles, thickness, and the overall size and number of countertops needed. On average, expect to pay $40-$100 per square foot installed for granite countertops. Most granite jobs fall within the $3,000 to $5,000 range. However, the final price can be significantly higher or lower depending on your specific project requirements.
Understanding what impacts the price of granite can help you budget and set realistic expectations for your remodeling project. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs associated with granite countertops and provide example price ranges for materials, fabrication, installation, and more.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Granite Countertops
Several key factors determine the overall price you’ll pay for granite countertops. These include:
Stone Type and Color
Granite comes in a diverse range of natural colors, patterns, and mineral compositions. The most common and affordable granite options cost between $40-$60 per square foot. More exotic, rare granites can cost $80-$100 per square foot.
Popular granite colors like white, black, and gray tend to fall on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. Multi-colored slabs with unique veining and patterns also command top dollar.
The lowest cost granite slabs are those with consistent background colors and more subtle veining in tan, brown, and green hues. Having flexibility on stone type and color can help reduce material costs.
Edge Styles
The edge of your granite countertop can be finished in different ways, each with their own stylistic and functional benefits. More complex edges require additional fabrication time and increase costs.
- Straight/square edge: A simple 90-degree angle. Costs $5-$10 per linear foot.
- Bullnose: A rounded, polished edge. Costs $12-$18 per linear foot.
- Bevel: A sloped edge that creates a shadow line. Costs $15-$25 per linear foot.
- Ogee: An elegant S-shaped profile. Costs $18-$30 per linear foot.
- Full bullnose: The full top edge is rounded over. Costs $25+ per linear foot.
Thickness
Granite countertops come in standard thicknesses of 2 cm, 3 cm, and 4 cm. 2 cm granite starts around $40 per square foot while 3 cm runs $60-$70 and 4 cm $80+. Going with a thinner edge profile (2 cm vs 3 cm) can trim material costs by 25% or more.
Size and Layout
The total square footage of your project directly impacts costs. Larger, expansive surfaces like kitchen island countertops will command a higher price due to requiring more material. Complex designs with multiple seams, cutouts for sinks, and intricate edge profiles also drive up fabrication costs.
Smaller countertop installations like in a powder room or wet bar start around $500 while a large kitchen can easily exceed $5,000 just for materials and installation. Get multiple quotes to size up potential price differences.
Additional Add-Ons
Upgrades like integrated sinks, backsplashes, laminated edges, and exotic material inlays can enhance the look of natural stone but also boost costs. Having a good sense of which add-ons provide the most value can prevent “upgrade creep.”
Granite Countertop Cost Breakdown
Now that we’ve covered the major factors impacting price, let’s examine the typical cost breakdown for a granite installation. We’ll look at estimated price ranges for the slab material, fabrication, installation, and other services.
Material Costs
The granite slabs themselves account for 50-60% of your total project investment. Material costs are quoted in price per square foot, with $40-$60/sq. ft. being an average range. As covered earlier, rare granite varieties can cost up to $100/sq. ft. or more.
For a 30 sq. ft. countertop installation quoted at $50/sq. ft., you’ll pay $1,500 just for the slab material. Take measurements of your existing countertops to estimate the square footage you’ll need. Leave an additional 5-10% for cutting flexibility and potential breakage.
Fabrication
Fabricating a countertop involves cutting your selected granite slab to precise specifications, finishing the edges, and creating seamless joints. Expect to pay $30-$60 per linear foot for fabrication. The final price depends on edge profiles, sink cutouts, and other custom details.
For example, a 10 ft. long countertop with a bullnose edge may cost around $400 to fabricate. Fabrication typically takes 1-2 weeks. Some contractors offer expedited fabrication for an additional fee.
Installation
Professional installation ensures your countertops are securely anchored and properly aligned. Installation costs range from $150-$250 per hour. A typical kitchen countertop installation takes 2-3 hours, so expect to pay $300-$750 for installation labor.
Some contractors charge flat rate installation fees instead of hourly. Be sure to get a written estimate specifying timeline and expected installation costs.
Templating
Templating is the process of creating a precise model of your existing cabinets and countertops so the new slabs can be cut to fit correctly. Charges range from $1-$5 per linear foot for templating services.
Sink Cutouts
Cutting your granite to accommodate sink basins costs around $75-$150 per sink. Undermount sinks usually cost more than top mount. Sink cutouts add 1-2 days to fabrication lead times.
Seams
Seams may be necessary if your countertops exceed the dimensions of standard slab sizes. You’ll pay around $50 per seam to align and polish the joints. Proper sealing prevents moisture penetration.
Backsplashes and Additional Installs
Installing a 4-inch granite backsplash costs around $25 per linear foot. Integrating additional pieces like kitchen islands can cost $300-$500 each depending on sizing and fabrication needs.
Transportation, Delivery, and Taxes
Have the quoted price breakdown include associated fees for shipping your slab and disposal of old countertops. Factor sales tax into budget estimates as well.
Cost to Install Granite Countertops by Room
To give you a better idea of real-world costs, here are price ranges for installing granite countertops in various rooms based on typical sizing:
- Small Bathroom (25 sq. ft.): $1,000 – $1,500
- Large Bathroom (40 sq. ft.): $1,600 – $2,400
- Powder Room (8 sq. ft.): $500 – $800
- Kitchen (50 sq. ft.): $2,000 – $3,000
- Large Kitchen (75+ sq. ft.): $3,000 – $5,000
- Wet Bar (15 sq. ft.): $600 – $900
- Laundry Room (12 sq. ft.): $500 – $800
As you can see, kitchen countertop installations are generally the most expensive given their larger size. Expect to invest at least $3,000 for larger kitchen makeovers.
How to Get the Best Price on Granite Countertops
Here are tips for getting the most competitive deal on your granite countertop installation:
- Get quotes from 3-4 different countertop suppliers. Compare materials, fabrication, and installation pricing.
- Consider lower cost granite varieties like Delicatus, Ubatuba, and Kashmir Gold.
- Ask about discounts for providing your own sink and faucet.
- Inspect the slabs in-person to avoid unwanted surprise veins or colors.
- Standardize edge profiles – limit ornate edges to key focal areas only.
- Go with a 2 cm thickness if durability isn’t a top concern.
- Purchase remnants or b-grade granite for DIY projects or smaller surfaces.
- Provide accurate measurements and templating to minimize cuts and sink placement errors.
- Schedule your project during slower seasons – prices increase in the busier spring and summer.
- Use a contractor that handles everything from measurement to installation. Design-build firms often offer package deals.
With some savvy negotiating and design choices, you can install beautiful granite in your home while sticking to your budget and expectations. Just be sure to factor in all costs upfront – don’t let hidden fees derail your plans!
Granite Countertop Price Calculator
Use the calculator below to estimate your total estimated price. Enter details like project size, stone type, edge profile, and other details to see cost breakdowns for materials, fabrication, installation, and total project investment.
[Embed granite countertop price calculator]
FAQs: Most Common Granite Countertop Questions
Looking for more details on the costs, considerations, and trade-offs of installing granite? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long do granite countertops last?
With proper care and maintenance, granite countertops can last 50+ years. The dense compressed stone is highly resistant to scratching, staining, and etching. Avoid exposing the surface to strong acids or sitting hot pans directly on the stone.
What is the most affordable granite?
Some of the most budget-friendly granites include Delta Dawn, Ubatuba, Delicatus, and Santa Cecilia. These tend to cost between $30-$50 per square foot. Going with a standard thickness of 2cm instead of 3cm also helps reduce material costs.
Is granite cheaper than quartz?
Quartz (engineered stone) often costs $10-$20 less per square foot compared to natural granite. However, quartz requires more frequent sealing and lacks the variation and natural patters of real stone. Overall costs for installation are comparable.
Can you get cheap granite remnants?
Granite suppliers often sell remnant pieces from past jobs at 50-75% off retail prices. Great option for small countertops like bathrooms. Selection is limited to whatever leftover slabs are in stock.
Is granite cheaper than marble?
Yes, marble is rarer than granite so it demands a higher price of $70-$150 per square foot installed. However, marble stains and etches more easily, requiring greater care and maintenance. Granite is more durable for everyday use.
Does Lowe’s or Home Depot install countertops?
Big box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot sell materials and offer installation services through third-party affiliates. Independent fabricators usually offer better workmanship and prices. Get multiple bids.
What is the most expensive granite?
Some rare, high-end granites like Blue Bahia, Iconic Black, and Nebula Bordeaux can cost over $100 per square foot. Expect to pay top dollar for unique colors and dramatic veining patterns.
How thick should granite countertops be?
While 2 cm granite provides cost savings, 3 cm is recommended for optimal durability and to minimize cracking or warping. Go with 4 cm thickness for heavily used surfaces like flooring or commercial installations.
Can you install granite over existing countertops?
In some cases, granite can be installed over existing laminate or tile countertops to save on demolition costs. The substrate must be in good condition and able to support the heavy weight of stone slabs.
The Bottom Line
While granite countertops require a considerable upfront investment, their classic elegance and longevity enhance a home’s functionality and resale value for decades to come. Following the guidance in this article will help you maximize your budget while achieving the high-end look of natural stone surfaces.
Be sure to get multiple quotes and inspect potential slabs firsthand where possible. Cutting costs on corners like thickness and edge details also prevents your price from spiraling out of control. With careful planning and smart material choices, installing new granite can be a realistic and worthwhile upgrade that you’ll enjoy for years.