Granite countertops can be pricey. You still want them, but are worried about the cost. You know it is probably worth the price because of its many benefits, such as durability, heat resistance, uniqueness and beauty. Granite also has a classic look that will stand the test of time. It will make your kitchen or bathroom stunning for years to come, and you may never have to replace them at all. However, budget constraints are a reality, so you need to work with it.
The average cost of granite countertops can vary greatly. You can expect to pay between $45 and $200 per square foot if you choose a slab, and between $5 and $15 per square foot for tiles. Big difference there, we know, but granite tiles will not give you the smooth, sleek, seamless look of granite slabs. If that is what you want, then you have to look elsewhere to bring down your costs. Here are eight factors that can greatly affect the cost of granite countertops.
Supplier
If you get your granite countertops via big box stores, you can be sure you will pay top dollar for the slab itself as well as installation costs. Big box stores are convenient, but they will always be more expensive than granite specialists will be. Big box stores also have a very limited stock of granite slabs, so that narrows down your options. Finally, big box stores will outsource all the labor required for the fabrication and installation of your granite countertops. Your best bet is to find a granite specialist such as KNC Granite if you are in the Virginia, Maryland, and DC area. KNC has a showroom in Lanham, Maryland with hundreds of granite slabs in a climate-controlled gallery. You can get granite slabs for as little as $34.99 per square foot, installation included. KNC does everything for you in-house, from fabrication to installation.
Location
You can save a bit of change if you choose a local supplier to provide you with the stone as well as fabricate and install your granite counters. It will cut down on transportation costs, which translates to lower overall cost. You can get the stone from a stone yard and have someone else do the fabrication and installation, but this often costs more than having one company do everything for you.
Thickness
Granite slabs for the home usually come in 2-cm or 3-cm thicknesses, and thicker slabs are more expensive. You can safely choose 2-cm slabs if you put in enough support or the area is small enough to avoid uneven loads.
Quality
Granite stones come in several quality grades. You want only good quality stone for your countertops, so going for the lower grades is not an option for you. However, it is not necessary to get the top grade, either. Choose the middle ground to get the best of both worlds: good quality on a budget. Ask your granite specialist for recommendations.
Size
If you only need to cover a small area, like a kitchen island, you may be able to get a bargain with remnant stone. Most granite specialists will have granite left over from previous projects, and may offer them at lower prices per square foot than what you would pay by choosing from whole slabs. In either case, you only pay for the granite you use, so you will not have to pay extra for anything you don’t use.
Color
Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, but some are more common than others are. You can choose an exotic color such as blue for your granite countertops, but you will pay a considerably amount more for them because they are rare. You should also know that brown and red granite tends to be more expensive not because they are exotic or rare, but because they are harder to fabricate than slabs in other colors. Choose common colors like white, beige, and green that are easier to cut to drive down the price per square foot.
Edge
It may escape your notice, but granite counters have an edge. It can range from simple to ornate, and they get there through fabrication. The granite specialist will give you options for the edge profile, but the price will vary depending on what you choose. In most cases, you can get simple edge profiles without additional charge. Choose one and ask how much it will cost you extra, and take it from there. In general, it is best to go for the simplest edge, the square edge, if you are on a budget.
Finish
The most popular finish for granite countertops is polished, and it is often the least expensive upon purchase. Of course, you may have to pay more for periodic sealing, but that is usually not the case with granite. Other finishes like a leathered finish may cost you a bit more, though. Ask your granite specialist for the costs associated with the different finishes before choosing one, just to be on the safe side.
Conclusion
Granite countertops are worth the expense because of its many excellent qualities. You can keep your costs down by considering these eight factors. However, you can make your life much easier by consulting with expert granite specialists such as KNC Granite. KNC Granite has a large array of granite slabs from which to choose. You can check actual slabs at our showroom in Lanham, Maryland and we will walk you through how we can meet your budget and still give you quality granite countertops for your home.
We do not only supply top-quality granite stones, however. We are experts at fabricating and installing kitchen counters or bathroom vanities. And also we specialize in kitchen remodeling and bathroom upgrade projects, delivering on time and on budget.
Aside from natural stones, we carry some of the top brands of engineered stone, including Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI, all of which come with manufacturer warranties. Give us a call or email us for your free in-home consultation and quote.