Are you building your own custom home or remodeling your kitchen? That’s really exciting!
You’re probably looking for an easy way to add a bit of class to your home, and one way to do that instantly is with granite countertops.
Though some experts say that they’re in the decline on the market, people seem to still be purchasing and having them installed regularly.
Granite countertops cost a lot of money at times and can eat up budgets.
In this article, we’ll talk about the cost of granite countertops and what you can do to still get that beautiful countertop while saving some serious cash.
How Much Are Granite Countertops Slabs?
Granite slab countertops are relatively popular but are often the most expensive option. They can cost you anywhere between $40 to $60 per square foot, on average.
For installation, many homeowners pay between $100 and $200 per square foot. This can run you a bill of up to $4,000 for the entire kitchen, which is the average most people spend on granite.
What Do Granite Countertops Cost by Color?
The cost of granite countertops can vary extremely by their color and texture. In this section, we’ll talk about color and the differences in price.
White granite is the most popular and is available in a wide range of price points. Depending on the cut you’re after, you’ll be spending anywhere from $40 per square foot to $60 per square foot.
This type of granite is plentiful, making it a more economical choice. Rarer types of granite are much more expensive, as we’ll discuss.
Blue Louise granite is the most expensive type. You can find some slabs up on eBay retailing for as much as $8,500. This is due to the fact that it is extremely rare and exotic looking, with a beautiful blue and other colors swirl design reminiscent of the ocean.
Just to buy a Blue Louise, you would be looking at spending anywhere from $70 to $100 per square foot, not including installation. Not only is it rare, but it also has a complex quarrying process that makes it all the more expensive.
Other options for colors include black, red, gold, green , and steel grey.
Like Blue Louise, red granite is also fairly exotic and rare. Although it won’t set you back as much as a Blue Louise, you’ll still be spending $65 or more per square foot.
Green and black are the least expensive, with options ranging as low as $20 or $25 per square foot. These are the more common sorts of granite, meaning they won’t set you back as much.
Gold and steel grey start at about $40 per square foot. Steel grey is relatively soft and easier for manufacturers to cut, which is why its price range falls somewhere in the median.
Does Granite Texture Affect Cost?
Yes, not only will the color of the granite make the price increase or decrease, but so will the texture. Granite with a leather-look is the most expensive choice, so opting against this choice will save you some cash.
People splash out on leathered granites because they won’t stain as easily, meaning they feel they’ve gotten their money’s worth.
However, leather granite can be difficult to clean and can scratch easily, making the extra money you spent on it a bad return investment.
Honed granite is a medium-priced texture, that is in between the lowest and highest options. With a matte finish, it does stain a bit easier than the leather look and can be very difficult to clean. Experts rate this as a high maintenance type.
Glossy or polished granite is the cheapest. It is widely available and is maintained much more easily than the other choices. You can clean it easily, and it’s highly reflective. For some people that can be a plus, for others that’s a minus.
Cutting Costs with Granite Tiles or Modular
When people think of installing new granite countertops, they often think of installing a slab of granite. You don’t need to do this to achieve the look you’re going for, and you can cut the cost in half, or even further, by going for granite tiles or modular granite.
Granite slabs are very heavy and cover the entire countertops. They often require removal of the previous countertop before placing it.
This is fine for individuals who want to redo their countertops completely and can be a good investment for those who are looking to resell their homes.
But, if you’re looking to cut the price with the same look, you can purchase granite tiles. While granite slabs are $20 to $65 per square foot or more, granite tiles are only $5 to $15 per square foot.
Granite tiles can be installed over the existing countertop, making it easier to do as an at-home project. This also cuts the cost and labor down tremendously if you’re looking to hire someone to do it for you. However, in the end, you will be left with seams and possible grout in between, which could be a potential issue.
Modular slabs, or mini-slabs, are an in-between option. They give the same look as a full granite countertop without the grout in between. They are $25 to $40 per square foot and do not have as many seams as the tile version.
You can install modular slabs yourself, though the project will take at least two people.
Which Granite Countertop Should I Choose?
As you can see, the granite countertops costs depend widely on the style you’d like to have in your home, how you install it, and the rarity of the granite itself. But you can clearly find a granite countertop that will fit almost any budget, from DIY home projects to those that require a professional contractor.
For more on all things countertops, visit our blog.
