Granite Countertops – What Do They Cost?
For years, granite has reigned as the most popular and luxurious material for kitchen worktops. Due to its heat resistance, durability, and beautiful patterns and colours, it has maintained its place as a unique natural stone that will last a lifetime.
With this lasting promise, however, can come a hefty price tag. How much does granite actually cost?
Read on to find out how much granite worktops cost and if they are worth the overall price.
Overview
Granite is a natural stone that is found in quarries all over the world. It is 100 percent natural and is available in a variety of colours and patterns. As it is not manufactured, granite does not have a ton of vibrant colour choices, but rather those naturally found such as tan, brown, off-white, peach, and grey.
Granite is popular due to its durable nature as well as its strong resistance to heat, stains, and its ability to resist watermarks. It is a great choice for families with young children as it is difficult to scratch or crack with normal usege and is easy to clean with a mild soap or household cleaner. Although granite can be stained if a spill is left sitting for long periods of time, it is virtually indestructible and is a solid material.
Price of Granite
Granite is a gorgeous stone in its natural state, with no two pieces having identical patterns or colours. Because of this, it can come with a big price tag, although the overall cost has decreased throughout the years. The cost of granite varies greatly, depending on the type of granite you buy as well as where you buy it from.
Another factor that can increase the price range of the type of granite you buy depends on how thick of a slab you purchase. Granite slabs are typically 1 ¼ inches thick, but you can reduce the cost by getting a piece that is ¾ of an inch.
On average, granite slabs range from between €40 to €186 per square foot, plus the cost of installation. With the price of the granite material included, it could cost anywhere between €1,800 and €4,100 to have a granite worktop installed. Note that all costs will vary depending on your vendor, and this is only an indicator!
Factors to Consider
As you research different vendors, you may find that getting a slab of granite is still too costly for your budget. If you want the look of granite at a reduced cost, you could consider getting granite tiles instead of a big slab. On average, you can find granite tiles for €9 to €36 per square foot, which is a big price change from whole slabs. While the cost of granite tile might sound appealing, it is important to note:
- Tiles require grout which had to match exactly and be resealed on a regular basis
- There must be a hidden countertop beneath the tiles
- The grout requires additional maintenance to ensure food and bacteria is removed
- Granite tiles can look cheap in a high-end kitchen
How to Price Each with Vendors
As you begin to look at different vendors to determine where to buy your granite, it is important to be aware of the benefits, as well as the disadvantages, to the various options.
Home supply stores
- Offer a limited supply
- Have around 30 styles of granite to choose from
- Don’t personally install the slab but rather they outsource it, leaving you with another person to deal with
Local fabricators
- Offer a wider variety
- Can have hundreds of options of unique granite colours and patterns
- Have contractors on-hand which is convenient and simple
No matter where you choose to get your granite, one thing is for sure: it will be a beautiful stand-out in your kitchen that will last for an entire lifetime. Due to its heat resistance, durability, and breathtaking patterns, choosing granite for your worktop will be well worth the investment.