Cost of Granite Countertops
Granite Countertop Cost
One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is "how much are granite countertops?" The answer can be both simple and complex. The simple answer is listed below (Click here for the quick and simple answer) but a more exact figure depends on several factors including: material selected, material yield, number of slabs needed, project location in relation to the fabricator, and supply/demand.
Rare stones, also referred to as exotic stones, are expensive, harder to fabricate, harder to install, and produce more waste than more common, standard stones. Stones such as Ubatuba and Bainbrook Brown can usually be purchased for between $25 per square foot and $50 per square foot. The reason for such a large price range for the same materials is usually the fabricators method of advertising. Some fabricators prefer to lure their customers in with low square footage prices like $25 per square foot and then charge additional fees and labor charges to reach the actual selling price; other fabricators prefer to give a more straightforward price such as $50 per square foot for the same material, but the price is all-inclusive.
Timing is also very important. Stone prices (and remodeling prices in general) will be more less expensive in the summer months than they will be a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving or Christmas. This is largely due to supply and demand. If you plan ahead and complete your project before the holiday season then you can save a lot of money.
Material yield is an important factor in your countertop prices. If you prefer specific part of several slabs, then expect to pay a premium in order to cover the fabricator's additional waste. Waste is a large part of the cost of stone countertops. Having to purchase a whole new slab in order to cover a few extra feet can increase your cost significantly to cover the cost of the additional slab.
Fabrication quality and installation quality also play a big part in the cost of granite countertops, quartz, countertops, etc. Not all fabricators and installers are alike. The service range offered by fabricators ranges from a basic builder-grade installation to a custom, high-end installation. The difference in installation quality can include seam detail, sink mounting techniques, leveling, proper shimming, and warranty.
The service side of a fabrication business is also extremely important to consider. Some companies will call you when they are on their way while others will leave you hanging and never let you know when they
will be at your home.
Tip: Generally, if you have trouble reaching a fabricator before they ever begin your project then you can most likely expect to have an even more difficult time getting in touch with them after they have received your deposit; if you can't get in touch with the fabricator after they have received your deposit then good luck with trying to reach them for warranty work after you are paid in full.
Quick Answer
"How much are granite countertops"
Small Kitchen: $2,000-$3,000
Medium Kitchen: $3,000-$6,000
Large Kitchen: $6,000-$8,000
Huge Kitchen: $10k+
