How Much Is the Cost of Granite Countertops?
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Homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchen may be considering installing granite countertops. The typical cost of granite countertops ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, with the national average at $3,250.
Highlights
- The cost of granite countertops typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, while the national average cost is $3,250.
- Some of the factors affecting the total cost of granite countertops include the granite quality, color, cut, rarity, source, and texture; the countertop size and style; the edge design; labor and delivery fees; the installation location; and the number of cutouts.
- Granite countertops have numerous benefits, including durability; sustainability; aesthetic appeal; resistance to heat, scratches, dirt, bacteria, and stains; and a high return on investment.
- Professional installation is recommended for granite countertops due to the material’s weight. In addition, a professional can install the countertops correctly without inadvertently causing damage or sustaining an injury.
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The natural look of granite countertops adds warmth and character to any kitchen. Granite countertops can also improve the resale value of a home. When considering the cost to install granite countertops, it helps for homeowners to know the additional considerations and price factors that go into the granite countertop installation cost. But how much do granite countertops cost? According to HomeAdvisor and Angi, granite countertops cost between $2,000 and $4,500, with the national average at $3,250. Slabs of material usually cost approximately $40 to $60 per square foot, and labor runs from $35 to $85 an hour. The pattern, color, texture, and quality of the granite will determine the final price. The total price for the project can vary from the national average due to the size of the project, the number of countertops that are needed, kitchen or bathroom configuration, and the selected materials. Granite countertops may cost more than other kitchen countertop materials, but they more than make up for the price with durability, value, and appeal. To find the best kitchen counters for their budget, homeowners can search online for “granite countertops near me.”
Factors in Calculating the Cost of Granite Countertops
The cost of countertops depends heavily on the material, and calculating the average cost of granite countertops depends on several factors. Prices can differ from the national average of $3,250 due to area labor costs and the granite’s size, quality, color, cut, rarity, and texture. Other considerations for homeowners to keep in mind include the source of the granite, the type of countertop and edge design a homeowner chooses, the installation location, and additional charges for delivery and cutouts.
Countertop Size and Granite Quality
Granite slabs cost between $40 and $60 per square foot. If a homeowner decides on higher-quality granite with rare stones, the cost can be $75 to $100 or more per square foot. In addition, the thicker the slab, the more expensive it will be.
Granite comes in a variety of grades that determine the quality. The lowest grade has simple patterned slabs that are ⅜ inch thick and come in the most common gray, green, and white colors. Mid-grade granite has slabs that are ¾ inch thick and comes in more vibrant colors with interesting patterns. High-grade granite has thicker slabs, vivid colors, and elaborate patterns. One type of granite can have different color variations and include different stones. The more common stones are on the lower end of the price range, while rarer stones will significantly increase the price. The following table shows granite countertops cost per square foot for the different levels of granite.
Granite Color and Cut
Basic granite slabs cost between $40 and $60 per square foot. The price jumps up to $75 to $100 per square foot for rare colors, stones, and patterns. Prices vary according to color, which can range from white to gray to green to blue. Patterns can be mottled, swirled, and streaked with different inclusion stones. The different colors of granite and their costs are described in detail in a section below.
Granite countertops are cut to order, and some colors are more challenging to cut than others. This can raise the overall price, which is commonly added to the price of labor.
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Granite Rarity and Source
The rarer the granite, the higher the price. Rare colors are usually found in higher-end granite, and the price reflects the scarcity. Blue granite is the rarest of all the granite options and is the most expensive. The granite quarry’s location also affects the price. It typically costs more to ship granite from a long distance than from a local quarry. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that the costs to quarry and process granite in the United States are higher than in other countries. To keep costs down, homeowners can see if there are quarries close to them by searching online for “granite near me.”
Granite Texture
There are three types of granite texture for countertops: polished, honed, and leathered. Depending on the texture a homeowner desires for their countertops, there may be an additional fee. The table below shows the additional cost per square foot for different finishes.
| Granite Texture | Additional Cost per Square Foot (Labor and Materials) |
| Honed | $10 to $20 |
| Leathered | $15 to $25 |
| Polished | None |
- Honed. Honed granite countertops add $10 to $20 per square foot to the overall price due to the challenging installation process. Honed countertops have a matte finish, require regular sealant applications, and are prone to staining.
- Leathered. Leathered countertops cost an additional $15 to $25 per square foot due to the low availability and unique texture. This process produces a textured finish with small ridges and pits on the surface. This type of texturing is commonly done on black and other dark-colored granite as lighter granite countertop colors are not strong enough to endure the process. Countertops with a high mica content or soft stones cannot be leathered. Leathered granite is stain resistant, but it’s prone to scratching.
- Polished. All granite countertops start with a glossy finish. The polished texture is the most common and is available at no additional cost. Polished countertops require minimal maintenance over the years and are typically the least expensive option.
Countertop Style
Most granite countertops are slab countertops, but there are two other options for homeowners who are interested in including granite in their kitchen differently: tile or modular countertops. Each countertop style and its average cost is shown in the table below.
| Countertop Style | Cost per Square Foot |
| Modular | $25 to $40 |
| Slab | $40 to $60 |
| Tile | $5 to $15 |
- Modular. Homeowners can expect to pay around $25 to $40 per square foot for modular granite countertops. These polished sections are thinner than granite slabs and require reinforcement. The pattern of modular countertops may not match from piece to piece, and they also need to be grouted and sealed to prevent stains.
- Slab. A slab of granite typically costs between $40 and $60 per square foot. This is the most common type of granite countertop.
- Tile. Granite tile countertops cost between $5 and $15 per square foot. Granite tiles typically come with a polished texture, and honing or leathering isn’t available. The tiles are usually 12-inch squares that need to be grouted and sealed to avoid stains.
Edge Design
There are several options when it comes to the edge design of a granite countertop. The most common designs are square or eased, and these come at no additional cost. However, there are several alternatives that homeowners can choose for an extra cost. The different types of countertop edge designs and their costs are listed below.
| Edge Design | Cost per Linear Foot |
| Bevel | $10 to $12 |
| Cole Smith | $36 to $40 |
| Double bevel | $36 to $40 |
| Dupont | $20 to $25 |
| Dupont square | $36 to $40 |
| French cove | $30 to $35 |
| Full bullnose | $10 to $12 |
| Half bullnose | $10 to $12 |
| Miter | $20 to $25 |
| Ogee | $20 to $25 |
| Quirk | $20 to $25 |
Labor and Delivery Fees
Granite countertops installation cost can run from $35 to $85 per hour, depending on the labor cost in the homeowner’s area. The total labor cost can increase, depending on how many countertops are installed, the countertop material, and the size of the project. For an average-size kitchen counter of 24 inches by 180 inches, homeowners can expect to pay $600 to $1,500 for labor. Installing a kitchen counter can sometimes take up to 20 hours, and a bathroom installation is usually less than 10 hours. Labor costs typically include delivery fees, but homeowners will want to ask their granite countertops installation team to be certain.
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Installation Location
The room in which the granite countertops are installed can have an effect on the total price. Installing granite countertops in a kitchen will almost always cost more than installing granite in a bathroom simply because a kitchen usually has much more countertop space. On average, it costs $1,200 to $6,000 to install granite kitchen countertops, while the cost to install granite countertops in a bathroom is between $250 and $2,500.
Cutouts
It costs about $100 per sink cutout in a granite countertop. This charge is in addition to the sink installation and cost, which can run up to $400. If a homeowner is interested in a cooktop mounted under the countertop, that cutout can run them $200. Again, this price is in addition to the cost and installation of the cooktop, which can commonly cost $650. Additional cutouts for hardware and plumbing will increase the overall cost of granite countertops. Learning how to cut granite is difficult and most homeowners will want to leave this task to a professional.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for the cost of granite countertops, homeowners will often have additional price factors and considerations to keep in mind. These can include old countertop removal, plumbing modifications, special countertop treatments, enhancements, improvements, and repairs.
Existing Countertop Removal
Most granite countertop professionals include removing the old countertop at no additional cost, but homeowners will want to ask to make sure. Some contractors may charge extra if the old countertop is unusually heavy or proves especially difficult to remove. Homeowners who choose granite tile may be able to keep their existing countertops and install the tile on top, saving money on old countertop removal. If the existing countertop does need to be removed, it can cost between $100 and $200.
Plumbing Modifications
When installing countertops, the contractor may need to disconnect and reconnect the sink plumbing. In some cases, new plumbing lines may need to be installed, such as if the sink’s location will change. If any plumbing work or modifications are required, homeowners can expect to pay between $40 and $150 per hour depending on the plumber’s skill and experience level.
Special Treatments
Stain-prevention treatments are available for porous granite countertops that are susceptible to staining. Sealing is usually done when the countertops are installed; it costs between $93 and $200, or an average of $140, to seal 120 square feet of granite countertop. Some types of granite need to be sealed every year, while other treatments can last as long as 10 to 15 years. Homeowners will want to ask their granite countertop professional whether their countertop requires sealing, and if so, how often treatments are needed. While it may be possible for a homeowner to learn how to seal granite countertops themselves using one of the best granite sealers, they may prefer to leave it to the pros to ensure the job is done properly.
Enhancements and Improvements
A granite backsplash isn’t a necessity, but it can provide extra protection for the wall. A 4-inch backsplash is priced by the linear foot, and it usually costs between $10 and $15 to install. Additional enhancements can be stain protection or under-the-counter cooktop installation. Some common enhancements and their costs are listed below.
| Enhancement | Cost |
| Backsplash installation | $10 to $15 per linear foot |
| Cooktop installation | $650 |
| Sink installation | $400 |
| Stone sealer | $20 per bottle |
Repairs
Any repairs to the cabinets that the granite countertops will sit on will need to be completed before installation. The base cabinets need to be sturdy and strong enough to support the weight of the granite. If walls are damaged and need repairs, it will add to the overall cost of the project.
Types of Granite Countertops
There are many different choices when it comes to granite countertops. The easiest way to examine the different types is by color. There are six main color options for granite countertops, including black, blue, gold, gray, green, and white. Each color includes several options with different designs and at different price points. What follows is pricing and color information on the main types of granite countertops.
| Type of Granite Countertop | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
| Black | $40 to $75 |
| Blue | $70 to $100 |
| Gold | $40 to $75 |
| Gray | $40 to $60 |
| Green | $40 to $60 |
| White | $40 to $60 |
Black Granite
Black granite countertops are unique in that the stone isn’t actually granite; it’s gabbro. Gabbro is one of the hardest and most durable stones, which makes for a solid countertop. A bonus is that black countertops don’t need any special treatment or sealing. They can run between $40 to $75 per square foot and up to $300 per square foot for high-quality black granite. The different types of black granite and their costs are explained below.
| Type of Granite Countertop | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
| Absolute Black | $40 to $80 |
| Altair | $200 to $300 |
| Black Galaxy | $40 to $80 |
| Black Pearl | $40 to $50 |
- Absolute Black granite is pure gabbro—hard, dense, and durable, with a rich black surface and little color variation.
- Altair granite is the priciest option. It features copper and white swirls across the black background, with each slab being slightly unique due to color variation.
- Black Galaxy granite has small flecks of mica and feldspar on its surface to give it the look of a sparkling galaxy.
- Black Pearl granite