Granite countertops are one of the top options in the home improvement industry due to their amazing durability and longevity. It is a very versatile choice due to the wide range of color and pattern possibilities it offers. Moreover, it can be used in various areas of the home such as kitchen countertops or backsplashes.
One of the most important questions about granite is how much it will cost. It is very hard to give a single answer to that question as there are so many deciding factors. The cost of the countertops will heavily depend on the quality of the stone and how much customization you want.
Keep reading to find out more about all of the factors that influence the cost of granite countertops.
Factors Influencing Cost
Many factors will influence the cost of the slab itself such as its quality and thickness. When deciding on a slab always consider your budget and pay close attention to which options will meet the needs of your house the best.
Quality of Granite
As granite is a natural stone, not all slabs will be created equally. Its quality will significantly affect the price tag of the granite slab. Higher quality versions will support a higher tag but the style will have fewer imperfections, a luxurious appearance, and rare color and pattern combinations.
If you are operating within a certain budget, you might want to explore the beauty of mid-range options. They offer amazing versatility and functionality alongside beauty.
Moreover, the cost of the granite slab will depend on where it is quarried and whether it is local. For example, a slab that is quarried across the world will have a lot of shipping costs whereas one that is closer will be more affordable.
Thickness and size
The thickness of the slab is another impactful factor and it wields a lot of influence on the cost. Thicker slabs will cost more as they are harder to quarry, ship, fabricate, and install. These thick slabs require a lot of expertise and equipment to properly handle. Therefore, the final cost will be higher compared to thinner alternatives.
Furthermore, the size of the slab will further add to the cost. Bigger areas require a solid slab of granite, and similarly to the thickness factor, bigger slabs are harder to work with and install while requiring a lot of care not to cause any harm to the slab.
Thicker slabs will have a more robust and substantial look that expresses luxury. On the other hand, they are extremely heavy, therefore some cabinets might not be able to safely carry them or they might require reinforcements. Therefore, slabs with average thickness will be a safe and uncomplicated option while being more affordable.
Edge Profiles
The edge profile of your countertops plays an important role in the overall design and aesthetic of your kitchen. Depending on the design you want, the cost of the countertops will differ.
If you want countertops with intricate and ornate details, that will cost more due to the skill it requires. Edge profiles such as straight edge or half bevel are much easier to perform compared to more ornate alternatives such as Ogee or Cave Dupont.
These will be even harder to achieve considering granite is an incredibly hard and strong stone which makes it hard to carve and work on in such a detailed manner. If you want to achieve a traditional appearance you can consider edge profiles that reflect the aesthetic while being a bit more minimal as a cost-saving measure.
Color and Pattern Choices
Granite is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Its most common and widely available colors are light neutrals such as beige, white, or cream. These elegant base colors are usually adorned with light gray or brown veins that give the slab a sophisticated appearance.
Slabs that support such neutral and widely available colors and patterns will be more affordable rather than the more exotic and hard-to-find colors such as bright reds or blues.
Moreover, slabs with very little or no vein at all on them are very rare to find, thus costing more than patterned ones.
Installation Costs
The cost of the slab isn’t the only cost of countertop renovation. You should also consider the labor cost while budgeting for the renovations.
Labor Charges
To install the gorgeous slab you have picked for your home, skill, and experience are a must. Correctly measuring, cutting, fabricating, and installing the countertops takes a lot of attention to detail and know-how, which will contribute to the overall cost of the countertops.
The labor costs aren’t only for the act of installing the slab, it is the insurance of long-lasting and durable countertops that will stand the test of time. Incorrectly done installation can cause the countertop to crack and need to be replaced in a short amount of time. By investing in good installation, you are also investing in your future.
Additional Costs
Customizing the countertops will add to the labor costs. For example, sink cutouts or custom design features will add to the overall cost. When planning for your countertops and deciding on the design, you should consider the costs and try to strike a balance between your budget and your ideal countertop design.
Maintenance Costs
The costs associated with granite countertops aren’t finished after they are installed. As granite is a natural stone, it has a porous surface that needs to be regularly sealed.
The slab being porous means that there are tiny holes all over it that can house bacteria and dirt and because these holes are so small they are impossible to fully clean. If dirt and food particles seep into the stone they can cause staining, discoloration, bacteria, and even mold.
Therefore the countertops need to be resealed regularly so that the sealant can act as a barrier between the stone and the outside world. This makes the granite countertops highly resistant to staining and, therefore easy to clean.
Most professionals advise that the countertops should be resealed once a year however, if you notice that the shine of the countertops has faded and they look dull it might be a sign that the sealant has worn off and the countertops need to be resealed even if it hasn’t been a year.
Keystone Marble and Granite has more than 250 options across the stones they offer. They are a leading supplier in the industry with their experience and meticulous work. Their amazing designers will help you through all of the steps of the renovation, from helping you pick the right colors to installing the countertops in your home.
