Figuring out the cost of an entire kitchen reno or new build requires many calculations, assumptions and research. Our in-depth kitchen cost calculator offers all that.
However, not every homeowner does a full kitchen reno. Often one is merely looking to upgrade countertops to granite and therefore need only research the cost of granite. If this is the case for you, you’re in the right place.
Below we put together a very simple granite countertops cost calculator that simplifies the calculation. Please note that it’s a simple calculator and relies on assumptions and doesn’t include calculations for every granite variable. Our calculator is intended to be a guide only – producing a very approximate cost.
Related To: How to Clean Granite Countertops | What is Faux Granite? | What Exactly is Slab Granite? | What are Granite Tiles? | What is Modular Granite? | Can You Paint Granite?
Granite Countertop Cost Calculator
Assumptions:
Our calculator is based on a variety of assumptions which include:
Cost per granite level. This can vary. We chose averages. The cost per levels are as follows:
- Tile: $13/sq. ft.
- Modular: $35/sq. ft.
- Level 1: $45/sq. ft.
- Level 2: $55/sq. ft.
- Level 3: $60/sq. ft.
- Level 4: $70/sq. ft.
- Level 5: $90/sq. ft.
Cost for professional installation was assumed at $40 USD per sq. ft.
Other cost considerations when choosing granite countertops include color, thickness and source. Installation costs can vary by company and region.
More resources:
We published a popular and very detailed guide to granite countertops here.
A great break down of the cost variables for granite is at Home Advisor.
Disclaimer: The above granite countertop cost calculator is intended only as a guide and produces only an approximate cost. There are many other variables that go into the cost of granite and the installation cost. Moreover, the calculator results is not a quote for services. It’s merely an online tool to help you get a very rough idea as to how much you may need to spend.
How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?
Adding granite countertops to your home is a wonderful way to increase your home’s overall value and give you an element of luxury. Granite is a popular natural stone that is commonly used in the kitchen or the bathroom. Whether you are taking on a kitchen remodel or a bathroom renovation, granite is the perfect countertop option, but it may set you back a few dollars.
Although beautiful and durable, granite can be more expensive than other countertop options to install in your home. Below, let’s examine granite countertops in more detail and take a look at types of granite and other granite alternatives.
Properties of Granite
Granite is a naturally occurring stone that can be cut, polished, and finished. It is a standard countertop for kitchens and bathrooms because of the beautiful properties of granite. Not only is granite a hard and solid surface, but it is mostly scratch, cut, and heat resistant too. Granite is only slightly porous, making it durable and long-lasting. With only minimal upkeep, it is possible to keep granite looking and feeling great for years to come.
Plus, granite is a beautiful stone with plenty of color varieties to choose from for your kitchen. Granite is available as white granite or black granite, and everything in between. Granite can be a mostly solid color or can have plenty of variation and veining with different colors. Granite can be a matte finish, or it can have a bit of sparkle. Plus, there are plenty of polishes and finishes to granite to give this beautiful and robust countertop a completely different look.
Types of Granite
Granite Grade
Often, granite will come in three different types or grades. The grade of the granite can help determine its color, durability, and cost. There are three primary grading levels, including low-grade granite, mid-grade granite, and high-grade granite.
These grades can indicate the coloration, detailed veining, thickness, amount of undesirable soft stones included in the slab, or even the country of origin for the granite. It follows that the low-grade granite options will be cheaper than the mid-grade granite, and the high-grade granite will be the most expensive option.
Leathered Granite
One of the newer options for granite countertops, leathered granite, offers a unique contemporary design style and look. Leather granite takes honed granite and applies a texture that makes the granite appear to be leathered or rippled.
This finishing technique is done with a diamond-tip drill bit gently dancing over the surface of the granite. This technique is commonly applied to solid color granite stones to make the stone appear made of leather. This finishing technique does not change the durability or the integrity of the granite.
Honed vs. Polished
Typically, granite can come in two different finishes. The most common type of granite found in a kitchen or bathroom is polished granite. This finish gives the surface of the granite a shiny and smooth texture that appears to be almost glossy.
The second type of finish is called a honed finish. This finish creates a smooth surface on the granite, but it does not give it a shiny appearance. Often, honed granite will have a satin finish, offering a solid matte texture.
Because honed granite requires less time and resources to create a finished product, this granite countertop typically costs less than a polished granite slab. Of course, the slab you choose, the finish, and the granite grade will also impact the overall price.
Slab Granite
The most common type of granite found in a kitchen or bathroom is a slab granite countertop. This means that the entire countertop is made of one, complete slab. The slab is quarried from the earth, cut to your exact dimensions, and finished to your specifications.
Slab granite is beautiful to look at and provides one cohesive look to your kitchen countertops. Unfortunately, purchasing granite as a slab comes with a cost. Slab granite is the most expensive type of granite you can choose. To quarry, cut, and finish the slab the process takes a great deal of time because there are many steps to the process with hefty logistics.
A slab can range in price depending on the granite’s grade and the country where the slab was mined. Plus, a slab can change price rather drastically depending on coloration, veining, and how much soft material is including in the slab itself.
How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?
Granite countertops are an excellent addition to your home but can also cost a pretty penny. The type, finish, and grade of granite are often the biggest factors when considering your countertops’ overall cost. There are, however, several additional features that can change the overall cost of your granite installation. Below let’s take a closer look at the finishes and additions that can change your countertops’ cost.
Edges
The edges of a granite countertop cannot be ignored, and often people will use the edges of their countertop to add a different style and dimension to their kitchen. Most granite countertops will come with a standard edge configuration that will be included with the granite countertops price. Although these edges are the standard, there are usually plenty of options to choose from. Standard edges for your granite countertops include an eased edge, a beveled edge, a bullnose edge, or a half-bullnose edge.
There are more advanced edges available that can help to give your countertops a finished and polished look. Mid-range and advanced edges will add a significant amount to your countertop price but can create a showstopper of a kitchen or bathroom. Typically advanced edges that can be added to your countertops include an ogee edge, a double bevel edge, a waterfall edge, and a pencil edge. While these are beautiful, they will increase the overall cost of your granite countertop addition.
Backsplash
A backsplash is a great way to give your kitchen a finished look and help protect your walls from splashes and staining. Many people choose to use tile to make a stylish countertop, but it is also possible to have a granite backsplash. People will often choose to continue the same granite countertop material onto the walls to create one continuous look. Of course, this look is stunning but will add more to the total cost of your granite counter. A granite countertop backsplash should be added to the total measured square feet in your kitchen.
Sink
A big surprise for many people replacing laminate countertop options with a granite option in their kitchen is a new sink cost. Many laminate counters work with a sink that lays over top of the counter. While this arrangement may have worked with your existing countertop, it will not work with a natural stone or granite countertop.
To accommodate the new granite countertop, an under-mount sink is necessary. This sink type will mount to the cabinet’s underside, giving the granite countertops one continuous piece that extends to the sink.
Remember that the granite will have to be cut to accommodate a hole for the sink, which sometimes adds a cost. Further, the actual sink is an additional cost. Expect to add about $500 to your granite countertop installation cost to accommodate a new under-mount sink.
Installation
Granite is a heavy, durable, and strong material. Each granite countertop is cut precisely for your home, and you should always use a professional to install a granite kitchen countertop. This service will require a special scheduled installation.
Many big box home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot will include the cost of granite installation with the granite countertop’s cost. When you order granite countertops from these locations, you will not have an additional installation fee.
However, many small and local granite fabricator shops do not have this same luxury and will often charge a separate installation fee. An installation fee will vary depending on the company and the size of the project. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $35 per square foot to install whole slab granite countertops.
Calculating Granite Countertop Cost
Granite is often priced as a square foot cost. This pricing model means that the bigger your kitchen or bathroom, the more the overall granite cost will be. Square feet can be measured by taking the width and multiplying it by the length. Move through your existing kitchen, measuring the countertops.
It can help to break the kitchen countertops into smaller rectangles that can be individually calculated and then added together. Once you have a total measured in inches, divide this number by 144 to give you your total number in square feet.
It is also important to remember to calculate the thickness of the counter. Granite countertops are usually 2 inches thick. Further, even if you choose not to use a granite backsplash, you will need to add about 3 to 4 inches of granite to the counter’s back lip. Adding these features is essential to give you an accurate and reliable number for the total square footage required to complete your kitchen.
If you have any angles in your kitchen, you can approximate these as a rectangle to save you from performing some complicated math. It is always best to err on the side of too much square footage and material, compared to not enough. Before purchasing your granite countertops, a professional will come to your home to get an exact measurement so that you can be sure your new countertops will have a perfect fit.
The cost of granite itself will vary depending on the color, quality, and size. Expect to pay between $40 and $60 per square foot for low-grade granite. High-grade granite typically starts at about $110 per square foot, but specialty colors and veining can cost you significantly more. Remember, too, that additional edge work and polishing can add more to your granite countertops price.
Saving Money
Installing granite countertops can be expensive, but there are ways to still get a beautiful, durable, natural stone in your kitchen without spending a fortune. Below, we have outlined some great ideas to help reduce overall costs and still give you beautiful stones without paying high granite countertop prices.
Modular Granite
One way to help reduce your granite countertops’ cost is to forego one continuous slab and opt for modular granite instead. Modular granite is still made of solid, natural granite stone. The difference, though, is that modular granite is made in one foot or 18-inch pieces. This not only makes the cost to mine the granite from the quarry cheaper, but it makes the installation more affordable and easier too.
Modular granite allows you to keep the same look, feel, and durability as natural slab granite, but the countertop simply has small seams and creases throughout your countertops where the various pieces were added together.
Modular granite is also much lighter compared to a traditional slab of granite. This smaller slab means that it may be used on cabinets that are not strong enough to support an entire granite slab. Plus, because the slabs are lighter and smaller, it can be a suitable DIY project for people with a moderate skill and experience level. Installing a modular granite countertop not only saves you the cost of materials but also can save you the installation cost of installing a complete granite slab countertop.
Granite Remnants
If you are remodeling a small kitchen or a bathroom, granite remnants may be the perfect option for you. Adding granite remnants to your home can help you significantly reduce the cost of adding granite countertops. Instead of pulling your slab of granite direct from the stone yard, you can have a brand-new countertop with the remnants left over from previous granite installations. This approach dramatically reduces the granite cost while still allowing you to get the look and finish you want.
Often, people who select a granite slab countertop will purchase the entire slab. This slab will allow them to cut and use the granite parts they like, highlighting a particular color pattern or variation. Whatever is not used from the initial counter installation is given back to the granite manufacturer to be resold as a granite remnant.
Purchasing a granite remnant is often much cheaper than buying an entire slab because there are minimal applications for such a small piece of granite. By opting for granite remnants, you may be able to purchase a high-grade granite piece at just a fraction of the cost. Granite remnants are often small, but this makes them perfect for bathroom countertops. Because granite remnants are just cut-offs from larger granite pieces, adding the edge work and details you would add to a full slab is still possible.
Granite Tile
If the cost of a slab of granite is too cost-prohibitive, consider a granite tile countertop. Granite tile countertops still allow you the look of granite but for a much lower price point. Instead of having one giant slab of granite installed in your kitchen, you can use smaller tile options. Granite tile is still made of granite and often carries the same properties and colorations as traditional granite slabs.
Adding granite tile to your kitchen or bath is also a great way to introduce several pattern options. Granite tile comes in many shapes, cuts, and sizes that allow you to customize your countertops’ look. Plus, granite tile’s affordability makes adding a matching or complementary backsplash both accessible and affordable.
Granite Alternatives
Granite is a natural stone that has been a popular countertop option for years. Adding granite is the perfect way to introduce natural, luxurious materials into your home and increase your home’s overall value. Granite is thick, strong, and durable, and traditional countertop material. If granite does not appeal to you, there are several granite alternative options.
Consider adding a marble countertop or soapstone countertops if you like the look of a natural stone countertop. These materials can still give you a look and feel of natural stone, with the same qualities granite has. Marble and soapstone come with unique coloration and veining that allows you to have a truly natural and beautiful element in your kitchen and bath. Compared to granite, both marble and soapstone are equally strong, durable, and heat resistant, allowing you to have a countertop installed that will last for years.
Engineered countertops are also a strong alternative to natural stone. Although made of stone pieces, a quartz countertop is technically an engineered stone. This countertop is made by crushing down individual pieces of quartz into dust size pieces. The manufacturer then recombines the pieces with a strong resin to create a durable yet natural-looking countertop. Other engineered options can include a concrete countertop or a traditional laminate countertop.
The cost of a marble countertop, quartz countertop, and soapstone countertops is about the same price as a mid to high-grade granite installation. Marble, soapstone, and quartz can give you a different look and texture that may be more appealing to people than granite. Usually, a laminate countertop or a concrete countertop will cost significantly less than a granite countertop installation.
FAQs
Deciding to renovate your kitchen or bath is a big decision and an exciting time to make your home exactly how you like. Granite countertops are not only strong and durable, but they add an element of luxury to your home. Deciding on granite countertops can be difficult, especially with so many options and such a range of price points.
Below, we have put together a list of some commonly asked questions surrounding granite countertops and the installed granite countertops cost to help you make an informed decision for your next renovation project.
How much will your granite countertops cost?
Many factors will influence the overall cost of your granite countertops in your kitchen or bath. Using mid-grade granite for an average-sized kitchen, expect to pay about $3,800 for a granite countertop and installation. Of course, the type of granite, finishes, and size of your kitchen may change this amount for new countertops.
What impacts the cost of granite countertops?
Your granite countertops’ overall cost can vary significantly depending on the type of granite and style of granite you want. The first determining factor for the overall cost is the type of granite used. Typically, granite will have three different grades, ranging from a low-grade to a high-grade.
Low-grade granite will cost as low as $40 per square foot, while high-grade granite can cost over $100 per square foot. The coloration, thickness, and country of origin can also impact the price and grade of granite.
Next, the size of your installation will determine the granite countertops cost. Granite is usually priced per square foot, so larger installations will cost more money, requiring more natural stone for the project.
Lastly, finishing and design details can drastically increase the cost of your granite countertops. Detailed edgework, additional thickness or backsplashes, and modified sink installation can add money to the total purchase and installation price. Further, there is usually a price difference between honed granite, polished granite, and leathered granite.
Before making your final purchase, most granite manufacturing companies or home improvement stores should be able to give you an estimated cost for the type of granite you choose, style finishes, and installation.
What are the benefits of granite countertops?
First, granite countertops are simply stunning. They offer a natural element in your home with all the varied patterning and coloration you can find from Mother Earth. Granite is a natural stone that is directly pulled from the quarry with a range of colors.
Choose black granite countertops, white granite countertops, or anything in between with granite slabs frequently featuring shades of green, red, purple, pink, or terracotta. Granite has natural veining in complementary colors, further allowing you to customize the look of your kitchen or bath countertops.
Next, granite is a strong and durable stone. This stone is nearly impossible to scratch, nick, or break, making it ideal for the kitchen. Cut marks from a knife or bangs and drops from heavy pots won’t typically damage granite’s hard surface. The thick stone also makes this a very heat-resistant material perfect for cooking in the kitchen.
Lastly, granite requires very little care and maintenance. This slab is a strong stone that will last for years if given the proper care. Although this is a mostly solid stone, granite will require sealing every few years. This process helps to prevent staining and moisture from penetrating the stone. The process to seal granite is quick and easy and will last for a long time. Granite sealer is commonly available at most hardware or home improvement stores.
How does texture impact the cost of granite?
Granite is available in several textures, giving the natural stone some variation and dimension. Textures can be changed to help give your granite a completely different look and style for several applications. The surface of the granite can impact the overall cost, though.
The cheapest type of granite texture is called honed granite. This texture gives the granite a smooth surface but does not overly polish the surface of the stone. Honed granite will look similar to a satin finish. This granite is often the cheapest because it requires less time and resources to give the stone the finish.
Polished granite will be slightly more expensive. This additional cost is because the process requires extra time and resources at the granite manufacturer to give the granite a shiny texture. Polished granite is glossy and highly reflective. The surface of the granite is smooth to the touch.
Lastly, a new trend in granite is called leathered granite. This texture makes the natural stone appear like it is a piece of hardened leather. The leathered granite effect is created using a diamond-tip blade that is moved across the granite’s surface. While the granite is not sharp or rough, this natural stone’s surface will have a rippled and wrinkled texture. This particular finish looks good on solid or matte granite slabs.
What are the disadvantages of granite countertops?
Granite is a popular stone for countertops that have been used for years. This stone is durable, beautiful, and has an incredible lifespan when properly maintained. There are, of course, some disadvantages to using granite for your countertops.
The most significant disadvantage that deters many people from using granite is the cost. This natural stone can be difficult to mine, time-consuming to finish, and labor-intensive to install in your home. Because of this, the price can easily exceed $100 per square foot for a high-grade granite. If you have a large kitchen with expansive countertops, this could easily become a prohibitive cost material.
Secondly, granite countertops do require a bit of maintenance and ongoing care to keep them looking and performing great compared to other natural stone options. Granite must be sealed every few years to prevent staining and moisture from entering the natural stone. Although the staining process is simple and relatively cheap, it is an extra maintenance step that other materials, like laminate or quartz countertops, do not require.
Lastly, granite is a very heavy stone. If you are remodeling your kitchen and plan to keep your existing kitchen cabinet arrangement, be sure to have a professional examine your cabinets. Many manufactured wood cabinets or older cabinets have a hard time handling the weight of a granite countertop.
The additional weight can easily damage your existing cabinets and possibly crack and damage your new granite. If your cabinets are not in great condition or are not strong enough to handle the weight of granite, you could be looking at a much more expensive kitchen remodel, requiring new cabinets as well.
Can I install a granite countertop myself?
Although the installation process may seem relatively simple, it is advised that only professionals should install a granite countertop. Granite is an incredibly heavy stone that can crack, break, or chip if it is handled incorrectly. Using a professional “granite guy” is the best way to ensure that your costly granite will make it onto your kitchen cabinet in one piece.
Further, because granite is so heavy, you must ensure that the granite countertop is level. This process often requires the use of shims and added reinforcements to make the countertops absolutely perfect. If the granite is not leveled correctly, this heavy stone can add undue stress and pressure to your cabinet tops, which can lead to damage.
Are granite countertops worth it?
The answer to this question really depends on what you are looking to get out of your kitchen. If you are looking for a durable, long-lasting, and beautiful stone, then yes, granite countertops may be worth the investment. Because of their durability and longevity, granite countertops are also a great way to increase your home’s overall value, adding some much-needed value into the kitchen.
Plus, granite countertops are natural stone and often feature neutral colors that work with several cabinet choices, paint colors, and textures. Granite countertops can easily survive several kitchen transformations working seamlessly with ongoing styles and updated looks.
