No kitchen is complete without a beautiful countertop. Even if you want to create or update your bathroom, countertops should be a part of your consideration as you decide how to increase both the function and beauty of the space.
But where do you start? How can you make sure that you find not just the right materials, but also work with professionals who can install it correctly? You might need help finding granite counter installers near you. In that case, enter your zip code to be connected today to local granite countertop services. Here's what you need to know.
Why Choose Granite over Other Materials?
When it comes to your kitchen or bathroom countertops, you have a variety of options. These options range widely both in terms of quality and cost, but granite tends to be a preferred option in American homes. There are a few reasons why:
- Granite and marble countertops are the only easily-available options consisting of natural stone, and both feature beautiful grains. However, granite is more heat-resistant and easier to clean than the softer marble stone.
- Many countertop options consist of synthetic materials. Here, you either have the option to go with a synthetic (and more customizable) version of granite, but it will often be more expensive. Alternatively, you can go with laminate, a cost-effective alternative that doesn't come close to the beauty of granite.
- Butcher block is affordable, but can easily be damaged and requires regular maintenance. Similarly, tile countertops feature more customizability, but come with the downside of grout that can easily stain or be damaged.
Granite, on the other hand, offers the best possible combination of style and function. A single installation typically lasts between 10 and 15 years, while the natural stone grain turns your countertop into a statement piece in your kitchen or bathroom.
Understanding the Different Types of Granite
Once you choose granite as your base material, it's time to decide on the style that matches both the room and your personal taste. Granite stone can range widely in color, from black to almost completely white with various brown, blue, and grey shades in between. Depending on the stones you choose, the grain will also differ significantly, from almost non-existent to marbled or speckled.
It's also important to point out that depending on the space for your countertop, you can choose between slab and tile options. The former is more expensive, but offers a more consistent and singular surface. The latter follows the cost-effectiveness of other tile countertops mentioned above, but also presents similar downsides.
Because you are working with natural stones, no two countertops will be exactly the same. That's why picking your exact slab of granite in a showroom or together with your countertop installer is crucial in making sure that your kitchen will perfectly match your preferences and your kitchen's style.
The Cost of Installing Granite Countertops
Ultimately, depending on the size of your surface, the cost of installing a granite countertop ranges from $2,000 to $4,500 and averages about $3,100. But when working with a countertop installer, it's important to understand how that cost breaks down:
- The slab, which will cost between $50 and $60 per square foot depending on its quality and your location.
- The labor, which will cost between $300 and $500
- Materials other than the granite itself are between $400 and $600.
- Edging and the seams, which ensure that your countertop fits perfectly into your space, will cost $200 to $300 each.
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