How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?

Granite Countertops Prices

Slab granite countertop prices range from $50 to $200 per square foot installed, with most homeowners spending $80 to $110 per square foot or between $2,185 and $4,280 total for an average sized kitchen. Your total cost will depend on the size, thickness, level, and type of granite installed. Granite is a popular choice among homeowners and comes in many different colors, designs, and patterns to choose from for every budget.

Table Of Contents

1. Granite Countertops Prices
• Cost Per Square Foot
• Cost To Install
2. Average Granite Prices
• By Color, Design, & Pattern
3. Granite Countertops Cost Estimator
• By Room & Surface
• Cost Breakdown
4. Slab Vs. Tile Overlay Vs. Modular
5. Granite Texture Options
6. Granite Vs. Marble Vs. Quartz
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Finding Your Granite Countertop Installer
9. Countertop Installers Near Me

Granite Countertop Cost Per Square Foot

Granite countertops cost between $80 to $110 per square foot on average which includes materials, labor, and installation. On the low-end, you can expect to spend $50 to $70 per square foot whereas the high-end prices start at $140 per square foot and up. Prices are highly dependant on the type of granite selected, its size, level, and thickness. Other factors include the finishing texture applied and any special edging features.

When considering natural stone for your countertop installation, granite is becoming as valued as marble countertops, and having it installed will increase the resale value of homes for many owners.

Return to Top

Cost To Install Granite Countertops

The total cost of installation for granite countertops is $2,185 to $4,280 in a medium-sized kitchen with 27 square feet of counter space. Depending on the level of granite you select, you will likely spend between $50 and $200 per square foot for both materials and labor or an average of $93 per square foot installed.

Granite Installation Cost Breakdown

Your countertops should be a minimum of 24 inches deep to provide ample space and overhang. An average kitchen countertop surface is 160 inches wide and 24 inches deep, which comes out to around 27 square feet of space. Here are the average installation costs for that amount of countertop space:

The installation cost generally doesn’t include edging, polishing, or backsplash. When thinking about the design for your countertops, the simpler the design, the lower the cost. When complexity is introduced to the design, the cost will spike because of the difficult nature of working with granite.

Labor Cost To Install Granite Countertops

The labor costs to install granite countertops range from $15 to $45 per square foot which includes fabrication, debris disposal, sink cutouts, and more. Delivery of the slab typically adds $170 or so to your labor costs and many times is included in the price.

Cost to Replace or Remove Granite Countertops

The average cost of removal and disposal is existing countertops is $4 to $7 per square foot with most homeowners spending between $100 and $200 total. The price depends on the type of counters being removed and the size. Be wary of trying to remove the countertops yourself to save money, as you can easily damage your cabinets.

Return to Top

Average Granite Prices

Granite slabs are priced from $39 to $160 per square foot with most homeowners spending between $45 and $65 per square foot on average. Other options include granite tile which costs $6 to $10 per square, and modular granite at $15 to $40 per square foot which are both made from recycled pieces of a slab.

Granite Slab Prices Per Square Foot

Granite slab prices range from $39 to $160 or more depending on its level. Granite suppliers usually categorize their granite stock into groups by number or letter based on their look rather than their quality. The most plentiful, readily available granite falls into level 1 or A. Ultimately you could say there are three levels of granite based on patterns, grains, and colors.

Many of the more exotic slabs of granite are hard to find and more fragile, hence the higher cost. Although we price the granite in the table above per square foot, most stone yards require you to buy it by the slab. Most kitchens will need two slabs.

Slabs quarried in countries with high labor rates and the additional high shipping costs associated with granite fall into higher levels. Sourcing granite from within the US will result in a lower cost of materials for your project. Imported granite is roughly 30% more than domestic because of the high shipping costs associated with its weight. ^[1]

Return to Top

Granite Prices by Color, Design, and Pattern

On average, the cost you end up paying for the granite of your choice will depend on a combination of its color, design, and pattern.

• Colors: White, gray, pink, red, yellow, brown, black
• Patterns: solid surface, speckled, and marbled
• Finishes: Leathered, honed, or glossy
• Edges: Straight, eased, beveled, bullnose, or rounded

The variety of colors and patterns that you can see in granite slab countertops come from the presence of the minerals biotite, muscovite, and pyroxene.

• Biotite is usually either black, brown, or green, depending on the levels of iron also present.
• Muscovite is quite transparent, but has hints of green, yellow, brown, and rose.
• Pyroxene is either light or dark green, dark brown, or black.

Granite Countertops Colors

Granite comes in a wide variety of colors. Lighter colors like green, beige, and white are more common and easier to cut. Darker granite will be roughly $10 more per square foot than the lighter shades because of quarrying costs and the hardness of the stone. Less common colors for granite will cost more because they are rare, i.e., purple, blue, and red granite. ^[2]

Level 1 Granite Colors

Level 2 Granite Colors

Level 3 Granite Colors

White Granite Countertops

White granite has perhaps the cleanest look among all the choices of granite colors. Most white granite falls in the medium- to a high-priced range of $52 to $70 per square foot. Choose from many, including Colonial White, Aspen White, River White, White Ice, and Alaska White.

Return to Top

Granite Countertops Cost Estimator

The cost of granite countertops will depend on the size of different sections of your home. Here is a cost estimator based on the materials and installation costs of $60 to $120 per square foot for counters, and $15 to $30 per square foot for flooring.

Calculating Granite Countertop Costs

Here is a complete breakdown when calculating the costs of your new countertops that represents $93 per square foot installed total.

Granite Countertop Edges

Most consumers elect for simple rounded or flat edges. When requesting quotes, check to see what additional costs are applicable for a different finish when deviating from the standard. There are many ways your contractor or granite provider can finish out the ends and corners of your countertop. Some of the basic ones are:

• Straight – straight end, sharp edges
• Eased – tiny curves on the corner, add $6/LF
• Bevel – straight angular cuts of 45 degrees on the corners, add $8/LF for a ½” beveled edge
• Bullnose – rounded corners, add $23/LF for a full bullnose edge and $11/LF for a half edge
• Rounded Corners – add $34 for each corner

Cost Of Granite Backsplash

The 4”–6” granite backsplash is a great way to continue the clean look of the granite countertops. It will cost an additional $14 per linear foot to seam and edge it. If you want to add tile above it to modernize it a bit, you can float the tile wall out, so it aligns with the edge of the backsplash.

Granite Material Calculator

To calculate how many square feet of countertop you need, measure the linear footage of your current countertop and add 1 ½” overhang at each end. Counters usually measure 25” or 25 5/16” deep, so make sure you have the right depth for your cabinets and the overhang. If you measure in inches, divide them by 12 to get the linear feet.

Return to Top

Granite Slab Vs. Tile Overlay Vs. Modular

You can purchase granite countertops in three different styles which are: slab, tile, and modular. Out of these three options, slab granite is the most expensive, whereas tile granite is the cheapest. Prices vary drastically because of the different quality levels of each type discussed below:

Granite Tile Countertop Cost

Granite tile costs 75% to 80% less than slab granite. Instead of getting a custom slab of granite as your countertop surface, you could select granite tile which costs between $6 to $10/SF. These tiles are created from leftovers of previous cuts from slabs.

One downside of tile overlays is that they are not as heat-resistant as slab granite is. However, they are non-porous and don't require any sealing. With slabs running an average of 425 square feet, these cuts from the remnants will result in tiles from 15–30 square feet.

To further reduce the cost (marginally), you can have them glued down running flush instead of with the more traditional grout between tiles. Grout will be an additional expense for a tiled granite countertop, and it will cost a little more if you want a color added to the grout to blend in with the color of the granite tiles.

Modular Granite

Modular Granite costs 33%–45% less than granite block. Modular granite is a larger leftover from cutting granite slabs from granite rock. These pieces will generally cost between $15 and $40/SF, and because they are larger than the granite tiles, they will be quicker to install and have fewer joins. Additionally, many suppliers supply the modular granite already sealed so you won’t need sealant.

Return to Top

Granite Texture

Generally, people will choose from one of three custom finishes on their countertops—from a more muted finish to a high shine. The additional finish costs another $1.50+ per square foot.

• Leathered Granite – This finish is created by pushing brushes with diamond tips across the granite surface. It results in a pebble-like textured look which resembles the surface of leather. Leathered granite will be less porous than regular granite and hides smears, fingerprints, water spots, and food crumbs. Leathered stone countertops will need to be sealed to help prevent the stone pores from absorbing stains. Leathering dark-colored granite will show off the texture best and reveal a high-end finish.
• Honed Granite – Honed granite is created by pushing brushes with diamond tips across the granite surface, but the polishing wheels are covered with abrasive pads which are stopped before the slab becomes genuinely polished. The resulting effect gives granite a matte or satin appearance, but it still feels smooth. Honed granite presents a more natural look than polished stone. This muted finish is subtle and doesn’t allow the color of the granite to come through the same way a polished slab would unless you add a color enhancer. Because the process leaves the granite more porous than a polished surface, it is recommended that you reseal the surface every few months.
• Glossy Polished Granite – Polished granite is deemed the top of the range, and the most elegant, when it comes to finishes. In addition to the shine and reflective nature the polishing process delivers, there is a richness to the colors that the other methods cannot match. It is the least porous finish, but it does a poor job of masking any imperfections in the stone. Polished granite is super scratch, stain, and bacteria resistant because the process seals the pores of the stone. Even though it takes longer to produce polished granite compared to honed, it’s typically cheaper because its popularity guarantees most vendors will order it in large quantities, which in turn lowers the per unit purchase price from their suppliers.

Return to Top

Comparing Granite Countertops to Other Stone Options

Below is the cost difference between granite and other popular stone countertop options.

Pros And Cons Of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are the go-to choice for many homeowners that offers many colors, options in finishes, and thermal shock strength. If you want natural stone, granite is the way to go, but it’s high maintenance. It must be sealed every 4–5 years because it’s porous, and it can stain. It’s also susceptible to corrosive cleaners.

Quartz Countertops Vs. Granite Cost

Quartz countertops cost similar to granite and are gaining more popularity year by year. Low-grade quartz countertop costs $50 to $60 per square foot, mid-grade costs $60 to $80 per square foot, and high-grade is priced at $80 to $100 or more per square foot. It exceeds granite when it comes to the strength of the materials, fire resistance, flexural strength, and impact resistance. Also, quartz requires less maintenance, is nonporous and has stronger chemical resistance.

Marble Vs. Granite Cost

When it comes to marble and granite, marble costs more to install and stains more easily, and granite is becoming cheaper by the day. Marble countertops cost between $60 to $100 per square foot for both materials and professional installation. On the plus side, marble has extreme durability, will brighten your kitchen, are easy to clean, and are great for cooking.

Return to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Are Granite Countertops?

The average cost for granite countertops is $2,500 for 158 inches of granite countertop frontage. Hiring a granite countertop pro, you will likely spend between $50–$200 per SF, with most homeowners spending approx. $93 per SF installed.

Where Can I Buy Cheap Granite Countertops?

Most home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's offer a minimal supply when buying granite. Direct granite sales companies in your area will probably be the best place for finding cheap granite. Because they are local, you can avoid the shipping costs too. Sourcing granite from within the US will also result in a lower cost of materials for your project. You’ll need to pay about $700 to finish it out for your countertop though.

How Much Do Granite Fabricators Cost Per Square Foot For Cutting Granite?

Granite transformation costs depend on the thickness of the granite and its hardness, but on average, granite fabricators will charge $8–$36 to transform a slab into a cut, edged, and finished countertop.

Why Is Granite So Expensive?

Slab granite countertops can cost a lot because it has to be quarried, shipped to the US, cut, finished, edged, delivered, and installed. Every stage of the process costs more in labor and shipping costs, and because of its weight, slabs can fall and crack, making them unusable. That wastage is also factored into business costs.

What Is The Most Inexpensive Type Of Granite For A Countertop?

Granite tile costs 75%–80% less than granite block. Priced between $6–$10, these 15–30 SF tiles are created from leftovers of previous cuts from slabs. Modular granite costs 33%–45% less than granite block. These pieces will generally cost between $15 and $40 per square foot. Of regular slab, Uba Tuba granite is usually the cheapest at $39–$44/SF.

What Is The Most Expensive Type Of Granite?

The most expensive granite is the one which is the rarest in color and pattern. It will also be the most difficult to acquire because of its rarity.

Return to Top

Finding Your Granite Countertop Installer

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro Near You

For the physically active individual, or those with a few reliable, helpful friends, doing your granite countertop installation yourself is “possible,” but it is not for the faint-hearted. Even with a helpful crew of friends, lifting granite with your bare hands is not an easy task. It requires a few items like an A-frame, moving blankets, moving straps, carrying clamps, and gloves that provide grip.

You could save 23% to 32% as a DIY project; however, if you or one of your friends drops the granite and it cracks, the expense of replacing it far exceeds your savings, not to mention the potential for injury in working with stone this heavy.

How to Get the Best Price on Your Granite Kitchen Countertops

Direct granite sales companies in your area will probably be the cheapest place for finding cheap granite. Many of them get certain types of granite delivered in bulk and are willing to give deals on bundles—if you buy the granite from them and also have them fabricate it. Because they are local, you can avoid the shipping costs too. Sourcing granite from within the US will also result in a lower cost of materials for your project. Imported granite is roughly 30% more than domestic because of the high shipping costs associated with its weight.

The most common granite has a thickness of 1 ¼” or 3 cm, and the second most common is ¾” or 2cm. If you choose the ¾” granite slab, it will be a less expensive project overall.

Getting a Quote from a Countertop Fabricator

A countertop fabricator is a person who takes the slab from the stone yard and cuts it to your exact requirements before finishing, edging, and delivering it. Choose at least three fabricators near you and have them come out to measure your counter space for a quote. They will direct you to stone yards they work with to choose your slab(s), and then they’ll come up with your quote based on the slab price and your desired custom work.

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted granite installers:

Get free estimates