Granite Countertops

The Benchmark of Quality Counters Doesn't Have to Cost a Small Fortune

If you're thinking of granite for your kitchen or bathroom countertops, you've probably done a bit of research and found that the only negative with granite is its high price. While all-natural granite is among the most expensive countertop materials on the market, there are ways to ease the sting of sticker shock. This buying guide explains how to cut granite countertop costs in addition to what you can expect from the finished product.

Reasons to Install Granite Countertops

Sure, granite is beautiful...but this stone has a lot more going for it than looks. Other reasons to use it for your countertop project include the following:

• Rock Solid: Despite its elegant appearance, granite is one of the strongest and most durable counter materials. Hot pots and pans won't damage granite, and as long as you take care to properly seal and treat it, the material resists scratches, chips, cracks, and scuffs extremely well.
• Naturally Unique: Every granite countertop is one-of-a-kind due to the naturally occurring colors found in the stone. These colors - which include black, white, grey, blue, green, and red - are crafted by Mother Nature over millions of years and vary from batch to batch, so no two granite countertops are exactly alike.

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• Value: When evaluating the cost of granite countertops, it's important to also consider their value. As one of the most-wanted products in home improvement, granite can as much as double the value of a kitchen or bathroom. And even if you have no plans to sell your home, you can feel good about granite knowing that it will last a lifetime and never go out of style.

Making Granite Affordable

Use the tactics below to get new granite countertops at a price you can afford.

• Choose a Standard Quality Product: The term "low quality" doesn't really apply to granite. Still, some products are more expensive than others, especially those that are rare, imported, and have complex veining. Avoid them and you'll also be avoiding high costs.
• Use Remnant Granite: Remnant granite is the stone that's left over from slabs cut for granite counters, tiles, and other projects. It can be difficult (but not impossible) to find pieces large enough for countertop slabs, and they may not be the exact color you're looking for. With some flexibility and patience, however, you can score granite suitable for smaller projects at a fraction of the cost of an original granite slab.
• Seamed Granite: Part of the reason for granite's high cost is the need to cut and shape it into a single slab. By having the granite cut into smaller squares and installed like tiles, labor, and therefore money, is saved.

Granite Countertop Costs

The actual price of granite countertops may vary depending on the type and amount of materials selected, the local economy, the complexity of the installation, and other factors.

• The average national cost to install granite countertops is just under $5,000. Of course, depending on the scope of the job (i.e. whether granite is installed on a single island or in the entire kitchen), you could potentially pay as little as $1,500 to $3,000 and as much as $10,000 to $15,000 or more.
• Expressed another way, granite slab counters cost at least $50 per square foot installed, and possibly up to $200 per square foot installed.

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Receive complimentary granite counter quotes from prescreened and licensed professionals in your area. Compare countertop contractors and costs to find the best services at the best price. Get started now to save time and money on your project!