Factors That Affect Granite Countertop Prices

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The price for new countertops varies based on granite type, installation complexity, and other factors.

Granite Type
The cost of granite countertops depends on the type of granite you choose. All granite is a type of igneous rock, but it comes in various grades and colors.

High-quality granite features distinctive patterns and vibrant or rare colors and may be quarried in the Mediterranean. High-end options can cost more than $100 per square foot installed.

Less expensive, commercial-grade granite typically comes in gray, black, or white and has been quarried in India, Brazil, or Canada. These budget options start at $30 per square foot installed.

Mid-grade granite falls between these two in both cost and aesthetics. Mid-range options range from $40 to $70 per square foot installed.

Countertop Size
Countertop size will have the biggest impact on price. The larger the countertop space in your home, the more expensive it will be to replace it with new countertop material.

In modern American kitchens, the average countertop space is about 30 square feet. This number varies widely, according to a home's floor plan. Larger homes often include more countertop space.

Assuming you own a larger-than-average kitchen, your granite countertop could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,500. A smaller countertop can cost as little as $1,200, while a truly expansive one can cost more than $6,000.

Countertop Thickness
In general, the thicker the countertop, the higher the price. That's because thinner granite is usually considered a lower quality stone. While you can purchase other countertop materials in three sizes, granite comes in sheets either 2 centimeters (cm) or 3 cm thick.

Countertops that look like a thick slab of granite are typically not as thick as they appear. These granite counters are created by using a feather miter to fashion a dramatic edge. For these impressive pieces, it's all about the edge profile.

Edge Profile
The cost of granite countertops also varies depending on your chosen edge profile. Typical edge profiles are straight, bevel, bullnose, ogee, eased, and custom. Each option has a unique look and feel, so choosing the one that best fits your style is essential.

If your existing countertop features a small or thin-edge profile, installing granite countertops with a deeper edge can be tempting. This rarely works because the edge impacts the drawer fronts in the cabinetry below your countertops. If you want your kitchen counter to look like a granite slab, talk with your installer about your options before investing in the materials.

Number of Cutouts
A countertop cutout is a hole cut into the countertop to accommodate a sink or cooktop. The cutout cost will depend on the size and shape of the hole and the countertop material.

The more cutouts you have in your granite countertop, the more expensive it will be. The average cost for a basic sink cutout is $200, but it can range from $100 to $500. This charge comes on top of the fee for sink installation.

Installation
When you start budgeting for your kitchen remodel, material costs are only one consideration. The price of installation for your countertops can double your final cost. You may save on labor costs if you install your kitchen countertops yourself.

A complex installation could put the job out of the average homeowner's ability. At a minimum, you will have to remove the existing countertops, dispose of them properly, cut your new granite countertops, install them, and craft the edges and corners.

Keywrods: Granite Countertops

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