The Cost of Granite Countertops

Whether for their beauty, stability, or endurance, we all want them. That's right, granite countertops. Each slab, unique in its appearance, adds character to any kitchen. Granite countertops are a major investment and before making such a purchase you need to do your homework. Four major considerations regarding granite countertops price include slab quality, slab thickness, number of cuts for the final piece and installation. We want to help you find the lowest cost of granite countertops that are available.

Slab Quality

Slab quality is often directly correlated to which "tier", generally of three or four, the slab belongs to. This is determined by the thickness of the slab, the country of origin, the patterns and the ratio of hard to soft materials in the slab. Certain color and stone patterns are rare. The rarer a piece is the higher in tier ranking it will be placed. The fact that granite slabs used for countertops are made by nature means that no two slabs of granite will be identical.

Number of Cuts

Besides the total square footage of your finished product, you are also charged a "cut charge." The number of cuts and cut-outs (for sinks and countertop ranges) rack up the charges. That is why it is important to select slabs large enough to accommodate the largest piece. The goal is to have as few seems as possible. For this reason, it is cost worthy to have the fabricators measure and template your new countertop themselves. While some fabricators include the cut charges in with the cost of granite countertops per square foot, others tack it on as an extra and that extra generally runs around $275 per cut out.

Slab Thickness

A slab thickness of three centimeters is recommended throughout the granite countertop industry. The strength of these slabs lend to their ability to be mounted directly onto the countertop frames without extra support. Thinner slabs measuring, two centimeters in thickness, are reinforced with plywood laminated directly to the back or underside. The decrease in thickness translates to a decrease in the cost of transportation and overall cost.

Installation

Unless you are a professional granite countertop installer, it pays to hire a profession installer for this project. These slabs, until mounted properly, can be cracked or broken with on false move. Not only do they have specific tools needed for the job, but they also have on-the-job experience. Be sure to hire installers which warranty their installation. This will reduce your headaches and hassles down the line.

Things to Remember

Each consideration makes a difference with regards to the final granite countertops price. It can mean the difference between $30 per square foot and $100 per square foot and even higher (especially if you choose a very rare slab of granite). These slabs are not do it yourself friendly; so, again, make sure to select reputable fabricators and installers for your project. While there are many ways to save money renovating your home, saving money with the granite fabricators and installers is not suggested. As with any investment, do your homework and shop around before making a decision.