Over the past two decades, few kitchen features have become more in-demand than granite countertops. Introduced in the 1980s as an alternative to marble, granite countertops became easier to cut and ship in the 21st century, making them a mainstay in kitchens around the world.
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen for a modern look or constructing a home from the ground up, you’ll find that not only are granite countertops relatively affordable, they’re also practical.
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According to Angi, the labor and material price tag to install granite countertops today, on average, is $3,250. But the cost of granite ranges greatly, depending on the variety of the rocky substance, and the form it comes in — anywhere from $5 to $60 per square foot. Figure on an additional $35 and $85 per hour, at least, for professional fabrication and installation.
Let’s look at the costs for different types of granite countertops — both for the rock itself and for the labor to install it — along with the factors that influence granite prices, and some options for financing the project.
Granite countertops are made up of natural minerals, like quartz and feldspar. They are sourced from natural granite stone that comes from quarries around the planet, and then cut in various ways.
TILE: Tiled granite countertops involve placing square pieces of granite on the counter surface. They are the most affordable option and provide a basic visual appeal. However, the visible seams resulting from the grout work used to connect the tiles are a drawback. $5-$15 $20-$60 MODULAR: Modular granite is larger than tiled granite and consists of mini-slabs. It is commonly used for backsplashes and smaller surfaces like edges and corners. This option is favored by DIYers as it offers a compromise between cost and the granite aesthetic, although it is thinner and some seams are visible. $25-$40 $20-$90 SLAB: Slab granite is the traditional and most luxurious form of granite used for countertops. It involves large pieces of granite that are cut and fabricated off-site and then delivered to your home. Due to their weight, slabs typically require professional installation, which contributes to the higher price. $40-$60 $75-$135
Along with the way the granite is cut, several other criteria will affect what you pay for granite countertops, including:
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Granite is a natural stone — and a versatile one. “Because they are made from different types of minerals, granite countertops come in a variety of colors that can suit most people’s needs,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi.
Additionally, granite is a durable and hard material that resists heat, scratches and stains when sealed properly. It’s built to withstand daily use, is low-maintenance and is less prone to crack or chip compared to other materials.
Also, as natural countertop substances go, granite is relatively affordable, if not exactly economical.
While the cost of granite isn’t cheap, it can be more affordable than other countertop materials. Here’s a breakdown of some alternatives, according to Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi.
Material Pros and cons Cost per square foot installed* *Source: Fixr.com Quartz Man-made from natural rock mixed with resins, quartz countertops are durable, easy to maintain and highly customizable. $40-$100 Quartzite Not to be confused with man-made quartz, this is 100% natural stone. Available in a rainbow of colors, it creates countertops that are dense, durable and stain-resistant. But quartzite tends to be one of the most expensive countertop materials. $80 – $210 Solid surface Also known as manufactured stone, solid surface countertops are an affordable and aesthetically pleasing option. However, these countertops are not heat-resistant and don’t often have a great resale value. $70-$130 Concrete Concrete countertops are extremely durable and customizable. But they are also expensive and prone to cracking. $55-$175 Marble Marble countertops are unmatched when it comes to beauty. However, they tend to absorb liquids and stain easily. $70-$230 Wood Wood and butcher-block countertops are a great affordable option. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to seal your wood countertops regularly to prevent water damage. $30-$280 Soapstone Soapstone countertops are beautiful and nonporous, but they also damage more easily than other types of countertops. $70-$120 Stainless steel Stainless steel countertops are nonporous and easy to clean. However, they also show fingerprints and scratch easily. $50-$250 Ceramic tile Ceramic tile countertops aren’t the most popular option for kitchens, but they are affordable, heat-resistant and easy to repair. Prices can vary significantly depending on the tiles you choose
While it’s possible to attempt a DIY installation of granite countertops in your kitchen, bathroom or elsewhere to save money on labor costs, it’s not recommended.
“You should always hire a professional to install your granite countertops,” advises Micetich. “Granite is very heavy, with most slabs weighing hundreds of pounds. It also requires specialized equipment and skills to install properly. If you install granite countertops incorrectly, you will probably need to do costly repairs down the road.”
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Your mileage may vary when it comes to the final price tag on installed granite countertops. And it’s easy to overlook some of the other factors that can influence the total cost.
“Expect to pay $4 to $7 per square foot to remove your old countertops,” says Micetich. “Also, budget an extra $100 per sink for sink cutouts. In addition, while some contractors include free delivery, others charge a separate delivery fee between $150 and $200.”
Cristina Miguelez, a home remodeling specialist with Fixr, says standard edging and polishing of the countertops are typically included in your installation price, “but be prepared to pay extra if you are looking for decorative edges or a specific finish.” If you want your slab to have styled edges, budget an extra $10 to $40 per linear foot, per Micetich. Some detailed edge profiles, such as beveled or bullnose, in particular cost extra.
Additionally, anticipate forking over more for exotic varieties. Veined granite (versus the traditional flecked type) in particular is having a moment, and since it’s rarer, it can cost a lot more — up to $400 per square foot (material plus to install), according to Fixr. Also, if you want to install a matching granite backsplash, that will add to your overall tab.
Need to borrow money to finance the cost of your snazzy new granite countertops? Ponder these popular options:
Granite countertops can be a fantastic choice if you are seeking a durable, heat resistant and easy-to-clean countertop material. Just remember that granite isn’t completely maintenance-free – it will need to be re-sealed regularly.
Additionally, when considering which granite countertop to select and where to purchase it from, take the time to explore several showrooms showcasing a diverse range of granite slabs and obtain multiple price quotes. Pay close attention to the color and pattern options as well.
To get a better sense of how the granite will appear in your kitchen, bring home some samples to see how it plays in different lights and with your fixtures.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
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