When estimating the cost of renovations, homeowners tend to look closely at their countertops. Among a gigantic catalog of materials we have nowadays, it’s no wonder that natural stones stick out the most – but many still doubt their cost-benefit in the long run. Granite, in particular, has been in the spotlight for some time now, even though considered a luxury during past decades. Faced with growing popularity, though, one can question: are granite countertops expensive?
Well, keep reading this article to find out the answer – you’ll be surprised. Also, in case you’re still trying to decide whether granite is worth your resources, check out our definitive guide on granite countertops to know all their benefits.
Are granite countertops expensive?
Contrary to popular belief, granite countertops are not expensive. Sure, they might cost a little more than your usual hardwood, but it’s no longer considered a luxurious piece of furniture like before. They are accessible, elegant, and long-lasting.
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Compared to its counterparts – like marble, onyx and quartzite – granite goes along with anything, really, allowing for creative designs and custom cabinetry. That’s why so many kitchen islands and bathroom vanities benefit from it. It’s a good investment that doesn’t present future maintenance worries, requiring nothing beyond basic care.
The three Main costs
That said, the overall price depends on a few things. When we’re talking about the cost of a countertop, there are three separate properties that we have to consider: material costs, labor costs, and installation costs. Combine all those and you get yourself the cost of granite countertops.
Material costs usually range at about $40 to $60 per square foot. Of course, that will rely heavily on the kind of granite you’re getting, its thickness, and age. As you might expect, colors and textures are often tied to quality, so rarer models can go upwards of $200 per square foot.
Labor costs are related to handwork: slabs have to be cut into shape, polished, and finished in order to make the countertop. Add transportation services and special countertop finishes on top of that, it’s not a small budget. Nevertheless, it is essential that you contract a professional team for this job, especially if you’re a beginner.
Installation costs are more or less the same. You see, granite is a heavy material – the bigger it is, the heavier it gets. That’s where qualified experts come in again. Installation price per hour usually ranges between $35 to $85 per hour, but it may vary from one business to another. Also, granite is a porous material – so sealing it is the best way to avoid cracks and fissures from appearing in the future. Sealing materials tend to be quite cheap, but with the price of labor it may add about $5 to $10 per square foot.
Total costs
To wrap it all up, let’s do a quick review with an example. The average kitchen countertop has a surface area of about 30 square feet, which usually amounts to a price range of $1.900 to $3.300, considering labor and installation.
So, are granite countertops expensive? After this brief article, we hope we’ve answered that question for you. Granite countertops are not as expensive as many people think they are – and their price is justified by their durability, easy maintenance, and beauty. No other material can beat natural stones in those regards.
Get your granite countertop at the best price!
Eagle Stones have been serving clients in Sarasota and surrounding counties for years. In case you’re searching for the perfect granite, don’t hesitate to check out our online catalog and get a free quote from one of our agents today.
In fact, if you live nearby, why not give us a call as soon as possible? We’ll give you a hand on whatever countertop project you have! We’ll be waiting for you.
