How much do granite countertops cost?
How much do granite countertops cost?
$80 – $150 cost per square foot installed
$2,400 – $6,000 average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)
Average granite countertops cost
Granite countertops cost $80 to $150 per square foot installed on average but can go as low as $50 per square foot or as high as $250+ per square foot, depending on the size, thickness, grade, and finishes. Granite slab countertops for a typical kitchen cost $2,400 to $6,000 with installation.
| Kitchen size | Countertops square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (70 – 99 SF) | 20 – 30 | $1,600 – $4,500 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $2,400 – $6,000 |
| Large kitchen (200+ SF) | 40 – 60+ | $3,200 – $9,000+ |
Granite countertops cost per square foot
Granite prices depend on the slab grade, thickness, and color or pattern. Low-grade granite is the cheapest, thinnest, and has simple designs in the most abundantly available colors. High-grade granite slabs cost the most due to their unique colors and patterns in limited availability.
| Granite level | Cost per square foot installed | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1: Low-grade (A) | $50 –$80 | Basic colors; simple design |
| Level 2: Mid-grade (B) | $80 – $150 | More color and pattern options |
| Level 3 and up: High-grade / Exotic (C, D, E, F) | $150 – $250 | Vivid colors and unique patterns |
Pricing of granite countertops installed by location
The following table shows the average installed cost for granite countertops or floor tiles in various areas of the home.
| Surface | Size (inches) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen counter (each) | 24 x 100 | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| Average kitchen counter (each) | 24 x 160 | $2,100 – $4,000 |
| Kitchen island | 36 x 78 | $1,600 – $2,900 |
| Small kitchen island | 40 x 40 | $890 – $1,700 |
| Bathroom vanity top | 20 x 36 | $400 – $750 |
| Bar top | 16 x 36 | $320 – $600 |
| Bathroom tile flooring | 60 x 96 | $600 – $1,200 |
| Kitchen tile flooring | 120 x 120 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Cost to install granite countertops
| Item | Average cost | Average cost (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Granite slab materials | $40 – $100 per square foot | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Granite slab delivery | $150 – $200+ each | $300 – $400+ |
| Labor to fabricate & install | $10 – $50 per square foot | $300 – $2,000 |
| Removing existing counters | $7 – $14 per square foot | $200 – $560 |
| Sink or cooktop cut-out | $100 – $300 each | $100 – $300+ |
| Faucet or outlet cut-out | $0 – $60 each | $0 – $60+ |
| Slab edging & polishing | $0 – $40 per linear foot | $0 – $1,000 |
Many factors affect the cost of countertop replacement, including:
Granite type – Thick, high-grade slabs cost more than thin, builders grade granite.
Granite source – Purchasing granite from a local quarry costs less than buying from a distant location with extra shipping and delivery fees.
Slab edging – Most fabricators offer a free standard or straight edge and charge extra for edges requiring more skill to fabricate, like ogee and bullnose.
Slab polishing – Polished granite is the standard finish. Honed and leathered finishes typically cost more.
Backsplash – Backsplash installation costs $10 to $34 per square foot when continuing the granite material up the wall. Most backsplashes extend 4" to 6" high.
Sealing – Sealing granite costs $200 to $350 per treatment and is essential to prevent staining and prolong the countertop's life. Resealing frequency ranges from 2 to 4 times per year to once every 10+ years, depending on the granite type.
Warranty – Some companies offer extended protection plans for $300 to $500+ to cover accidental damage and issues not typically covered under the standard warranty.
Labor cost to fabricate and install granite
The labor cost to fabricate and install granite ranges from $10 to $50+ per square foot—or 20% to 50% of the total cost—depending on the material grade, number of slabs, and job complexity. In general, the more expensive the slab, the higher the fabrication and installation costs.
Contractors billing by the hour typically charge $30 to $85 per hour for countertop installation. Additional labor costs may include:
Plumbing – Plumbers charge $40 to $150 per hour to disconnect and reconnect the sink plumbing.
Underlayment & reinforcement – Some countertop installations require an underlayment, cabinet reinforcement, or both:
Most slabs less than 1.25 inches (3 cm) thick require plywood underlayment (subtop) support to prevent cracking and cabinet reinforcement braces if the overhang exceeds 6 inches.
Slabs over 1.25 inches thick may need an underlayment in certain areas, like over a dishwasher where there is no cabinet for the slab to rest on.
Some cabinets require support brackets to handle the slab's weight and may need added support lengthier overhangs.
Leveling – Installers may need to add shims to level the cabinet surface for the countertop—common in older homes with uneven flooring.
Cost to cut granite for sink, cooktop, faucet, or outlets
Most fabricators charge by the cutout to turn a granite slab into a finished countertop, depending on each cutout's size, shape, and difficulty. Some cutouts require edging and polishing, such as undermount sink holes, while others don't need as much detail as the edges will be covered by an appliance or fixture.
| Cutout type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Sink cutout | $100 – $300 |
| Cooktop cutout | $120 – $400 |
| Electrical outlet cutout | $20 – $60 |
| Faucet cutouts | $20 – $60 |
New sink installation costs $330 to $1,300, depending on the type and features.
A cooktop stove costs $400 to $1,300 for the unit alone. Installation adds $150 to $370.
Some fabricators include faucet cutouts for free with the slab purchase.
Cost to remove & replace granite countertops
The average cost to remove and dispose of existing countertops is $7 to $14 per square foot, depending on the size and material, with most homeowners spending $100 to $250+. Some companies include old countertop removal in a replacement estimate, so be sure to check with your installer.
Granite prices by level, color, & pattern
Granite slab prices by level
Granite slabs come in six levels or grades, depending on the supplier. A slab's grade is based on several factors, including color, pattern, and thickness.
| Granite level | Material price per square foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1: Basic (A) | $40 –$50 |
|
| Level 2: Medium (B) | $50 – $60 |
|
| Level 3 and up: Exotic (C, D, E, F) | $60 –$100+ |
|
*Not including installation.
Slab of granite cost by color
Granite slabs in basic whites, grays, browns, and blacks are typically more abundant and fall at the low end of the price range, while rare colors like red, blue, and purple cost the most.
Basic and premium options are available in almost every color range, with prices depending on the pattern's availability. Simple designs that are widely available cost the least, while rare and unusual patterns fetch the highest prices.
Uba tuba—a mixture of dark greens, blacks, and golds—is a popular budget-friendly choice costing $30 to $50+ per square foot before installation.
Van Gogh granite is one of the costliest choices at $300 to $400 per square foot, its surface resembling the painter's famous work, "Starry Night", with breathtaking swirls of blue, green, gold, and white.
| Color | Average material price per square foot* | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| White | $30 – $70 |
|
| Green | $30 – $60 |
|
| Gray | $30 –$60 |
|
| Brown | $30 – $50 |
|
| Black | $30 – $80 |
|
| Gold | $30 – $90 |
|
| Red | $65 –$80 |
|
| Blue | $50 – $100+ |
|
*Not including installation.
Choose a widely available color from a local quarry for the best price on granite countertops.
Slab vs. tile vs. modular granite prices
Granite slabs cost $40 to $100+ per square foot before fabrication and installation. Granite tiles cost significantly less at $6 to $15 per square foot but do not look as seamless and are not ideal for countertops because the extra grout lines require more maintenance.
Modular granite pieces cost $25 to $40 per square foot and are smaller, mini slabs. These pieces allow for fewer seams than granite tiles at a cheaper price than full slab countertops.
| Granite type | Average material cost per square foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tile granite | $6 – $15 |
|
| Modular granite | $25 – $40 |
|
| Slab granite | $40 – $100+ |
|
| Prefab granite | $20 – $80+ |
|
Granite kitchen countertops edges
The most common granite countertop edges are straight, eased, half bullnose, and beveled. Fabricators typically include one or more of these options in the base price. Fancier edges that require more time to create can increase the cost by $5 to $40+ per square foot.
| Edge type | Additional cost per linear foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Straight / squared | $0 – $5 |
|
| Eased | $0 – $12 |
|
| Bevel | $8 – $16 |
|
| Double bevel | $36 – $40 |
|
| Bullnose & half bullnose | $15 – $46 (full)$12 – $22 (half) |
|
| Ogee | $15 – $25 |
|
| Rounded corners | $50 – $140 each |
|
| Waterfall | $40 – $100+ per square foot |
|
Granite material finishes & textures
The three most common granite countertop finishes are polished, leathered, and honed:
Polished – Glossy polished granite is smooth, reflective, and easy to clean. It's also the least porous option, making it the most scratch-, stain-, and bacteria-resistant finish. Polished granite is the most popular for kitchens and typically the least expensive.
Leathered – Leathered granite has a textured, rustic finish that hides fingerprints, crumbs, and stains better than polished granite. The cracking and pitting texture resembling aged leather is created by moving diamond tipped brushes across the surface.
Honed – Honed granite has a low-gloss, matte finish, with a more natural aesthetic than polished granite and more texture than leathered granite. Honed granite colors are also more muted. Due to its higher porosity, honed granite stains more easily and requires more frequent sealing.
Cost of granite countertops vs. other stone options
The average cost for granite countertops is $80 to $150 per square foot with installation, while other stone countertops cost $50 to $300+ per square foot installed, depending in the material.
Engineered stone like quartz cost often costs slightly more than granite due to its more involved manufacturing and production process.
| Countertop material | Installed cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Caesarstone countertops cost | $50 – $100 |
| Concrete countertops cost | $50 – $150 |
| Labradorite countertops cost | $200 – $300+ |
| Limestone countertops cost | $70 – $150 |
| Marble countertops cost | $40 – $150 |
| Onyx countertops cost | $50 – $200 |
| Quartz countertops cost | $50 – $200 |
| Quartzite countertops cost | $65 – $150 |
| Silestone countertops cost | $60 – $140 |
| Soapstone countertops cost | $60 – $130 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest granite countertop?
The cheapest granite countertop uses granite tiles, costing $6 to $15 per square foot for the tile alone—75% to 80% less than granite slabs. Modular granite countertops, using small slabs and fewer grout lines than tile, are the next cheapest at $25 to $40 per square foot before installation.
The cheapest full slab granite countertops are typically tan, brown, or black slabs—the most widely available colors—made from level 1 granite and often with very speckled and "busy" looking designs.
Buying directly from a local granite supplier can save you 15% to 25% vs. buying through a remodeling contractor or interior designer.
Why are granite countertops so expensive?
Granite countertops are expensive because they are made of hard, heavy, natural stone that must be extracted from a quarry using special equipment, transported, cut into slabs, and fabricated to fit your space. Each piece is unique. Prices vary based on color, origin, availability, and desirability.
How much does Granite Transformations cost?
Granite Transformations costs $100 to $130 per square foot installed, depending on the project size. The company installs a thin granite overlay—a mixture of crushed quartz, granite, recycled glass, and polymer resin—directly over your existing countertops. The overlay is nonporous and never needs sealing.
While Granite Transformations prices are as high as some real granite slab countertops, the company promotes the environmental benefit and reduced stress of installations that need no demolition or disposal. Residential installation comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
How long does it take to install granite countertops?
Installing granite countertops takes 2 hours to a full day or more, depending on the job size and complexity, number of slabs, and the crew size and experience level. Bathroom or small kitchen countertop installations with no unexpected issues typically take less than a day.
How long do granite countertops last?
Granite countertops last 100+ years when installed and maintained correctly. Granite is among the hardest and most durable countertop materials, and most chips are easily repaired. Sealing the countertops as directed and cleaning regularly with non-abrasive cleaner helps prolong the lifespan.
Confirm the sealing requirements of your specific granite countertop with your supplier. Some types of granite require sealing every 3 to 6 months, while others may only need it every 10 to 15 years.
Do granite countertops add value to a home?
Granite countertops add value to a home, especially when they are part of a kitchen or primary bathroom remodel, two major selling points on real estate listings. While granite countertops may not be the current hottest trend, the natural stone is durable, attractive, and does not depreciate.
Granite slab is more attractive to prospective home buyers than granite tile due to slab countertops' lower maintenance requirements and more cohesive look.
How big is a slab of granite and how much do I need?
A typical slab of granite is 6' to 10' long and 5' to 6' wide, or 30 to 60 square feet. How much you need depends on your project size. Most average-sized kitchens require more than one slab.
To calculate how many square feet of countertop you need:
Measure the length of your current countertop in inches.
Add 1 ½" overhang at each end.
Divide the total length by 12 to determine the linear feet.
Measure the countertop's depth. Counters usually measure 25" or 25 5/16" deep. Make sure you have the right depth for your cabinets and the overhang.
Multiply the linear feet x the depth to get the square footage needed.
Linear feet x depth = square footage of granite countertop needed
Where to buy granite countertops
You can buy granite countertops at big box stores like Lowe's and Home Depot, through local direct suppliers, or online. Local direct suppliers often have a wider selection, better quality, and may have lower prices and shorter lead times, depending on the location. Buying locally also avoids hefty shipping costs.
Most big box stores subcontract the installation to local granite installers. While going through a major chain may increase the cost, they typically resolve issues more quickly if problems occur.
Getting estimates from granite countertop installers
When selecting local countertop installers, make sure to:
Get 3 to 5 detailed estimates with similar granite quality to compare.
Look for a National Stone Institute (NSI) accredited contractor or firm specializing in granite countertop installation.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a portfolio of previous granite counter installations.
Ask for local references with contact information.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid hiring the company with the lowest bid as an extremely cheap price may indicate lower quality granite or labor.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the installation starts.
Don't make the final payment until the work is complete, and never pay in full before the project begins.
Questions to ask
Asking the right questions can help you select the best contractor for your granite countertop installation:
What experience do you have installing granite countertops?
Are you NSI-accredited?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What does the estimate include?
Do you do the fabrication and installation?
Where can I view the available slabs?
How thick should the slab be for my installation?
Can I choose what part of the slab you use for my countertop?
Are my cabinets sufficient to support the weight of the countertop?
What additional costs might come up during the installation?
How long will the installation take?
Does this installation require a permit, and do you handle the permitting process?
Do you also handle the plumbing?
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?
How long is the warranty and what does it cover?