Call nowGranite is the go-to material choice for kitchen counters or bathroom counters. That’s because it’s easy to maintain, can increase the value of your home, and comes in stunning styles and patterns. If you have the budget, this natural stone can elevate your living space and provide a timeless look you can cherish for years to come.
You may be wondering: What exactly drives the cost of granite installation and fabrication? Here’s a breakdown:
What’s the Average Cost of Granite Per Square Foot?
The square footage of the countertop is arguably one of the most crucial pricing factors. On average, granite costs anywhere between $50 to $200 per square foot. Some more popular granite countertops can even be higher than $200 per square foot. The good news is that granite is the happy middle ground for countertops. Most granite averages around $45 per square foot. While marble averages at $75, quartz is around $60, and Corian is around $35.
What Is Granite Fabrication, and What Does It Cost?
Stone fabrication helps you choose the perfect materials for your project. Granite professionals come to your home, measure the dimensions and decide how much stone will be needed to complete your custom granite project.
Then, they go out to find the perfect match for you. Fabricators look for blemishes, fissures, scratches, and seams that may take away from the perfection of your granite countertops. They’re looking for an absolutely perfect match for your home to ensure the quality and look are what you need.
Fabrication also involves cutting the slab of granite to fit your countertops or bathroom perfectly. This adds to the cost of labor, which can add anywhere from $100- $1,600 for your project.
What’s the Average Cost of Granite Countertop Installation?
When we think of installation, we think of everything: The material, the labor, and the installation process. You can expect to pay around $35 to $85 an hour for stone countertop installation. The materials can cost between $150 to $1,800, depending on the style of granite and square footage needed for your project. If you have a larger kitchen or need more granite than usual, you can expect it to cost anywhere between $2,185 to $4,280.
Reasons Granite Differs in Price
Type of Granite
There are well over 300 different styles of granite, and certain granite styles are more popular than others. High-end and more desirable looks tend to have a higher price tag.
Here’s how those combinations can vary:
- Color: White, gray, pink, red, yellow, brown, or black
- Finishes: Leathered, glossy, or honed
- Edge: Straight, eased, beveled, bullnose, or round
- Pattern: Solid, speckled, or marbled
Quality
Granite comes in a range of grades that dictate its quality. At the lowest grade, the slab is only 3/8 inches thick. It typically has a plain pattern and comes in white, green, black, or gray. Mid-grade stone is around 3/4 inches in thickness and the granite has brighter hues and compelling patterns.
The highest grades are much thicker than the mid-grade and have striking tones and complex patterns. If you’re looking for a rare color combination or pattern for your kitchen counter, or bathroom counter, these are often considered higher grades because it’s harder to find and in high demand.
Durability
Granite is an igneous rock formed deep inside of the earth. With granite, you can expect countertops that will last a lifetime if you take care of them properly. This stone is durable and is less prone to chipping and cracking.
It’s important to note that since granite is a natural rock and comes from a combination of different minerals, it also varies in durability. For example, if the custom granite contains more quartz and feldspar is tougher and less resistant to damage. This will impact the price per square footage of your granite of choice.
Availability
The quality, durability, and price can also vary by location. Since granite is considered an all-natural rock, it’s typically harder to obtain and manufacture. Countries from all over the world manufacture granite, and shipping it around the world can also raise the price significantly.
Project
Kitchen counters aren’t the only thing that looks good with custom granite. Outdoor grill areas, tables, bathrooms, and pool areas are all other popular choices for granite. However, these choices also have different price tags for the granite, labor, and cost.
If you’re looking to add granite to a different area in your home, it’s always important to reach out for an estimate for your granite renovation project.
Add-ons
Some individuals are looking for extra add-ons to their kitchen countertops, such as a backsplash, edge treatments, or a thicker-looking granite countertop. A backsplash can cost anywhere between $10 to $15 per linear foot. Depending on the style of the edge treatments, you can expect to pay between $20 to $40 per linear foot.
If you choose a thicker granite countertop, you’ll need to invest in hardware to reinforce your cabinets. Adding reinforcing beams or steel braces can help your cabinets support the weight of the granite tops. An installation professional will be able to go over your options for reinforcements and let you know if it’s necessary for your project.
Upgrade Your Granite Countertops With Affordable Granite Concepts
When it comes to granite installation, it’s all about perfection. No matter your project, you deserve a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
At Affordable Granite Concepts, our granite installation professionals proudly never leave a project until it’s perfect. They’re there to help you with everything from choosing the perfect style for you to granite fabrication and installation.
