The Cost of Granite Countertops

The beauty, hardness and utility of granite makes it a highly desirable material for countertops in home design. In addition to its natural strength, granite is a beautiful stone that adds color and warmth to a room. Though the cost to add granite countertops to any new kitchen or remodel can be quite high, they remain the premiere choice in many new and remodeled homes.

The price of granite countertops ranges from $60 to $120 a square foot, which may or may not include the cost of installation. Discount granite can be found for as little as $30 per foot, not including installation. The premium cost is not in the stone itself, but rather in the costs related to transportation and installation.

The stone industry remains unregulated, which can make it confusing. Every entity that handles the granite, from the quarry to the supplier and fabricator, can establish their own pricing based on the demand in the local market. Dealers who provide full service, so that a homeowner doesn't have to do the shopping or planning, will add a markup of up to 50%.

Granite suppliers will typically have three or four groupings (or "tiers") of granite to choose from. The first tier will consist of the premium products that sell for the highest price. Stones are grouped based on several criteria including the country of origin, color, veins or patterns, thickness of the slab, amount of soft minerals in the stone, and current fashion trends. Some granite colors exhibit ""movement"", or a distinctive pattern within the color. The combination of color and movement also affect the final price of granite countertops.

Granite from lower tiers has the same beauty and utility as the slabs in the upper groupings. Additionally, stones in a lower tier could be harder than stones in a first tier, so it pays to get out and look around. A lower tier could also be referred to as "commercial grade." Typically the commercial grades have a large number of "pits" that have been filled in. The presence of softer minerals may require additional cabinet supports or penetrating sealant, which adds to the final price of granite countertops.

Cheaper, thinner cut stone may be a little less than two centimeters instead of a recommended three, in which case the installer would laminate it to plywood backing for additional stability. Discount granite suppliers will typically deal with a thinner cut stone; many suppliers now carry stones that are intentionally cut thin and laminated at the quarry. It is now common for stone that originates in Asia or India to be cut thin and fabricated prior to shipping. Pre-fabrication does create a lower cost product with less waste being shipped to the supplier. In addition, the fabrication is done in countries with much lower wages, saving on the labor costs at the final destination.

The price of granite countertops is greatly affected by the number of seams and cuts that will have to be made in the stone slabs. Discuss how the cuts will be made when the installer or fabricator makes their preliminary measurements for the template. Another thing to question are the hidden costs of wasted material. Depending on the length of countertops being installed, there will be at least three square feet of waste by the time the fabricator is finished. The cost of wasted material is paid by the homeowner.

Shopping for granite countertops doesn't have to be frustrating. Focus on finding a reputable supplier and installer who are willing to answer all your questions. Despite the fact that labor expenses are the largest price of granite countertops, this is one project that needs to be left to the professionals. The oversized sheets are extremely delicate and must be precisely cut. Failure to properly set a granite countertop could create an expensive mistake for a do-it-yourself homeowner.

Granite Countertops provides detailed information on granite kitchen and tile countertops, advice on installing and cleaning granite countertops, information on price and locations to purchase discount granite counter tops, and more. Granite Countertops is the sister site of Kitchen Sinks Web.

---

A Look at Picnic Gift Baskets

Picnic gift baskets are a great gift for just about... Read More

Decorative Wall Painting Techniques

Do your walls seem dull and uninviting? Do you long... Read More

Decorating on a Budget - 15 Easy Steps

Many years ago I was told that the least expensive... Read More

Candle Holders Add Flair To Your Home Decor!

Candle holders are an essential accessory for candles. The first... Read More

Add A Splash Of Color To Your Bathroom With A New Shower Curtain!

If your bathroom is looking a bit tired, but you... Read More

Putting Passion Back Into Home Decorating

For most people, they can count the times they redecorate... Read More

Using Color To Change The Size Of Your Bedroom

Did you ever wish your bedroom was bigger or smaller?... Read More

Ambient Orb or Mathmos Color Bubble

The Mathmos Color Bubble is made by Mathmos - the... Read More

How to Buy Discount Roman Shades

Roman shades adorn windows to block the sun or to... Read More

Trash or Treasure: Assessing Your Possessions

One personal junk is another personal treasure. Never is that... Read More

Purchasing Framed Art For Your Home or Office - a Novel Way to Decorate

Framed art is an ideal compliment to any room of... Read More

Decorating Your Kitchen With Antique Plates

Antique plates can add whimsy and interest to your décor.... Read More

Wood Mini Blinds

Wood blinds offer nature's rich, subtle colors and unique textures.... Read More

Add Summer To Your Home

Here's a decorating challenge just for fun in this hot... Read More

Tips on Budget Decorating

Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in... Read More

Tabriz Persian Rugs

Tabriz are one of the most popular Persian rugs. Tabriz... Read More

What to Look for in Bathroom Vanity Tops

Bathroom vanity tops offer many options to the discerning customer.... Read More

Decorate Your Home with Shabby Chic

Are you ready to redecorate but have a limited budget?... Read More

Decorating Kids Bedrooms - Get Them involved!

I believe kids are born creative. Unfortunately living life usually... Read More

A Guide to Wedgwood China

It all came about due to a cry from English... Read More

The Arts & Crafts Movement for Beginners

If you like clean, simple, oak furnishings, you're likely an... Read More

Installing Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors can be secured using various installation methods such... Read More

Furniture Slipcovers ? The Cheap and Easy Way to Give Your Furniture a Makeover

Are you tired of the look of your furniture? Do... Read More

Have You Considered These Space-Saving Bed Designs To Maximize Your Interior Decorating Space?

Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most... Read More

How to Decorate Spaces for People

When it comes to decorating your home, forget about the... Read More

Dont Hire Someone to Steal Your Joy: Decorate Your Home Yourself!

In researching what makes people happy, I discovered that "Planning"... Read More

Buying Parsons Chairs - What You Need to Know

Parsons chairs are commonly seen in homes around the dining... Read More

What are Water Softeners?

Soap scum. Stiff clothing. Clogged pipes. No matter what you... Read More

Jazz Up Your Room With Folding Screen Room Dividers

Using a room divider or folding screen can be a... Read More

The Value of Antique Wood Stoves

Antique wood stoves provide decoration and can still be used... Read More

A Look at Shower Curtain Rods

Shower curtain rods give you a unique opportunity to showcase... Read More

Goose Down Comforters ? Warm, Cozy, and Lightweight

Who wouldn't want a goose down comforter and a pretty... Read More

Oriental Area Rugs - Know Before You Buy an Oriental Rug

Did you know that you can usually tell the country... Read More