Reviewed & Approved on July 28, 2020 by Cati O'Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor.
Written by HomeAdvisor.
Granite Countertop Cost
Expect to pay $2,000 to $4,500, or $3,250 on average, for granite countertops. The stone slabs cost $40 to $60 per square foot while base labor runs $35 to $85 per hour. The color, pattern and texture of the stone slabs can drive up the final price.
On This Page:
- Granite Countertops Cost Estimator
- Granite Countertops Price
- Granite Cost Per Square Foot
- Pricing by Color & Pattern
- By Texture
- Cost to Install Granite Countertops
- Granite Tile or Overlay Cost Per Square Foot
- Cost to Replace Countertops with Granite
- Granite Calculator
- Granite vs. Other Stone Options
- DIY vs. Hire a Granite Countertop Pro
- FAQs
Granite Countertops Price
The cost of installing a granite countertop in the bathroom or kitchen ranges from $300 to over $3,400. Basic materials cost anywhere between $150 and $1,800. Labor adds $100 to $1,600 more. The total can increase from there depending on the number of countertops installed, selected materials and scope of the project.
| Type | Average Size in Inches | Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Small Kitchen Counter | 24x72 | $750 - $1,350 |
| Average-Sized Counter | 24x180 | $1,800 - $3,300 |
| Small Kitchen Island | 40x40 | $650 - $1,200 |
| Average Kitchen Island | 36x78 | $1,200 - $2,100 |
| Small Bathroom Vanity Top | 22x30 | $300 - $500 |
| Large Vanity Top | 22x72 | $700 - $1,200 |
| Bar Top | 16x36 | $300 - $500 |
| Table | 36x48 | $750 - $1,300 |
| Bathroom Flooring (Tile) | 60x96 | $550 - $1,250 |
| Kitchen Flooring (Tile) | 120x120 | $1,300 - $3,100 |
*Costs include delivery, fabrication and debris disposal at $20 to $45 per square foot for slabs and $10 to $20 per square foot for tile.
Kitchen Granite Countertop Cost
An average-sized kitchen countertop, usually 24 by 180 inches, costs $1,800 to $3,300 for labor and materials. Smaller counters, up to 24 by 72 inches, range from $750 to $1,350 each.
| Type & Size (in Inches) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Average-Sized (24"x180") | $1,800 - $3,300 |
| Smaller Counters (24"x72") | $750 - $1,350 |
| Average Kitchen Island (36"x78") | $1,00 - $2,100 |
| Small Island (40"x40") | $650 - $1,200 |
| Bar Top (16"x36") | +$300 - $500 |
Granite Bathroom Countertops Cost
Countertops for a large 22 by 72 inch bathroom vanity run $700 to $1,200 installed. Small bathroom vanity tops, up to 22 by 30 inch, cost $300 to $500 for labor and materials.
Granite Table Top Cost
If you want a table top, it will cost $750 to $1,300. This price covers a 36 by 48 inch table made using basic hardwood materials for the legs and frame. Bigger-sized tables, as well as ones made using high-end hardwoods such as walnut and mahogany, can add considerably cost.
When buying basic slabs for kitchen and bathroom countertops, expect to pay $40 to $60 per square foot. Rare colors and patterns, such as Blue Louise or Typhoon Bordeaux, are even more with square foot prices at $65 to $100. Tile is much cheaper than slabs at $5 to $15 per square foot, while remnants are in the $10 to $35 price range. For each square foot of modular veneer you need, expect prices around $25 to $40.
| Level | Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| 1 | $40 - $50 |
| 2 | $50 - $60 |
| 3 | $55 - $65 |
| 4 | $65 - $75 |
| 5 | $75 - $100 |
Compare Quotes For Your Granite Countertop
Basic slabs cost $40 to $60 per square foot. For rare colors and patterns, however, expect prices in the $75 to $100 range. The slabs come in nearly every color, ranging from simple white hues to rare blue tones. They also have unique swirls, streaks, and mottled patterns from inclusions such as mica, quartz, and even garnet. Prices vary with the difference in color and pattern found in each stone slab.
| Color | Per Square Foot | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| White | $40 - $60 | Alaska White $40 Alpinus $40 River White $50 Thunder White $50 Aspen White $60 |
| Green | $40 - $60 | Typhoon Green $40 Peacock Green $40 Ubatuba $60 Verde Fantastico $60 |
| Gray | $40 - $60 | Gray Mist $40 Steel Gray $40 Silver Cloud $55 Silver Waves $60 |
| Black | $40 - $75 | Absolute Black $40 Black Pearl $40 Via Lactea $40 Black Galaxy $70 Titanium $75 |
| Gold | $40 - $75 | Santa Cecilia $40 Giallo Napoli $40 Solaris $60 Niagara Gold $75 |
| Red | $65 - $80 | Typhoon Bordeaux $65 River Bordeaux $65 Red Dragon $70 Crema Bordeaux $80 |
| Blue | $70 - $100 | Blue Eyes $70 Blue Pearl $90 Blue Louise $100 Blue Bahia $100 |
Average Cost of Granite Countertops by Texture
Across all available textures, these countertops range from $2,000 to $4,500 installed. Since they have a basic glossy finish, polished slabs are at the lowest end of the price range. This finish allows you to save on countertop maintenance costs through the years.
Honed are a bit more expensive due to their matte finish and demanding installation procedures. Leathered sit at the top of the price range due to their unique texture and low availability. Both of these options need a lot more maintenance than polished slabs to stay in great condition.
| Texture | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Leathered | Expensive | Natural texture makes colors more vivid Stain resistant but scratches easily Low availability; often special order |
| Honed | Moderate | Matte finish for a natural appearance Needs regular sealant applications Has a porous surface that stains easily |
| Polished | Standard | Reflective, glossy finish Low maintenance Widely available and reasonably priced |
Cost to Install Granite Countertops
The labor rate for natural stone countertop installs is $35 to $85 per hour. For an average sized kitchen counter, you will pay $600 to $1,500 for labor alone. To put a large vanity top in the bathroom, countertop installers in your area charge $250 to $500. Kitchen counter installs can take up to 20 hours, while bathroom vanities require fewer than 10 hours. Across all projects, this per hour rate includes delivery, fabrication and disposal fees.
Granite Fabrication Cost
Installers typically wrap the fabrication costs into their rate of $35 to $85 per hour. To properly fit the countertops, they may need to cut the slabs to fit and cut out the sink area. They may also finish the edging, polish the surface and apply sealant.
Compare Quotes From Stone Countertop Installers
Granite Tile or Overlay Countertop Cost Per Square Foot
Granite tile costs $5 to $15 per square foot, while modular pieces run closer to $25 to $40. Both these options are more affordable than slabs, though they do not have the same seamless appearance. These materials are easily installed over existing countertops, however. Without the need for demo, labor hours and disposal fees decrease.
| Format | Per Square Foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Slab | $40 - $60 | Solid piece of stone up to seven feet long Heavy and hard to maneuver Not viable as a DIY project |
| Modular | $25 - $40 | Mini slabs that fit together as one Fewer seams than tile, more than slabs Has DIY potential but requires two people |
| Tile | $5 - $15 | Small square pieces with grout in between Frequently installed over existing counter Affordable and DIY friendly |
Cost to Replace Countertops with Granite
When replacing countertops with natural stone slabs, expect to pay the full price of $2,000 to $4,500. The total includes labor at $35 to $85 per hour plus the stone, which runs $40 to $60 per square foot. The labor price includes material disposal fees, fabrication and delivery of the new countertop. Removal of the existing countertop may tack a couple extra hours on the final bill, depending on its complexity.
Get a Quote From a Granite Contractor
Granite Calculator
To buy enough granite for your kitchen or bathroom, you will need to calculate the square footage. In order to do so, you must measure the depth and length of the area you wish to cover.
Find the depth by running a tape measure from back to front of your countertops. Then, add 1.5 inches to the total to account for the overhanging edge. After that, measure from end to end to find the length.
Input those figures in this equation to find out how much material you need:
[(depth in inches + 1.5 inches) x length in inches] ÷ 144 = Square Footage Needed
Example (from above): (25.5 inches x 72 inches) ÷ 144 = 12.75 Square Feet
Of all the stone countertop options, granite offers the best mix of looks, value and durability. Other popular options on the market today include quartz, marble and soapstone.
To decide among all the varieties, reflect on which ones will elevate the appearance of the space best. Then, consider which ones best fit your installation and maintenance budget.
If you are unsure if a particular type of natural stone is the right choice for your home, contact a countertop contractor to weigh your options. They will go over the pros and cons of each option, helping you see how each would work in your household.
| Material | Per Square Foot | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Granite | $40 - $60 | $2,000 - $3,000 |
| Corian | $40 - $70 | $2,000 - $3,500 |
| Marble | $40 - $200 | $2,000 - $10,000 |
| Quartz | $50 - $100 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Silestone Quartz | $50 - $100 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Slate | $50 - $100 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Caesarstone | $55 - $75 | $2,750 - $3,700 |
| Soapstone | $70 - $120 | $3,500 - $6,000 |
DIY vs. Hire a Granite Countertop Pro
Installing natural stone countertops is rarely DIY-worthy, especially when working with stone slabs. These slabs can weigh several hundred pounds each, making them extremely difficult to maneuver on your own. In addition, they are easily damaged while cutting out the sink, completing the edging and polishing the surface. If you are using veneer or tile, however, then DIY is much more viable.
Overall, it is often best to hire a countertop expert to handle this project for you. They will use their skills and expertise to prepare the material, fit it on the cabinetry and complete all the finishing touches. They also have the specialty tools required for all those steps and helpers available to assist in moving the heavy slabs.
When your countertops need resealing, you can also hire an expert to complete the necessary steps. Just reach out to a granite restoration expert near you to discuss their services.
What is the cheapest color of granite?
At $40 to $60 per square foot, white, green, and gray are the cheapest colors. Within these color options, the least expensive ones have minimal streaks, swirls, and other patterns. The inclusions are still present, just a lot more subtle than in pricier pieces. On the other end of the spectrum, you will find red and blue hues. These pieces tend to have interesting patterns and lots of inclusions.
Is granite or quartz more expensive?
With most pieces running $50 to $200 per square foot, quartz countertops costs are higher than granite. Rare colors, which range from $70 to $100 for each square foot, are an exception. For a basic granite countertop install, expect to pay $2,000 to $4,500, while quartz costs $2,500 to $5,000.
How can you tell the quality of granite?
Granite comes in a wide range of grades that indicate its quality. At the lowest grade, the slab is only 3/8 inch thick, has a plain pattern, and comes in basic colors, like white, green and gray. Mid-grade stone is a bit thicker at 3/4 inch, and boasts brighter colors and interesting patterns. The highest grades are much thicker, and have vivid tones and complex patterns. Rare colors are most common at the higher grades, though it is possible to find veneer and tile in those tones.
How much does Granite Transformations cost per square foot?
Granite Transformations charges $40 to $80 per square foot plus labor. Their labor rate pushes the cost up to $100 to $130 for each square foot, depending on the project details. Their countertops and craftsmanship come with a lifetime limited warranty.
The company only installs veneer pieces that go right over the existing countertops. This saves money on demo and disposal plus takes much less time to complete. They do not sell the modular pieces separately for DIY projects, nor do they allow you to measure your own countertops.
Why is granite so expensive?
Granite is so expensive because it is a natural stone that comes from deep in the earth. Before it becomes your countertop, this material is dug out of a quarry, cut into thick slabs and transported across long distances. All this takes a lot of time, money and labor, driving up the price considerably.
Since the slabs are so big and heavy, they are challenging to store as well. The retailers must keep them in secure areas, manned by skilled individuals who can use powerful equipment to move them around.
What is the most inexpensive type of granite for a countertop?
At $5 to $15 per square foot, tiles are the most inexpensive type of granite for a countertop. Modular pieces are nearly as affordable with their square foot price of $25 to $40. When it comes to slabs, ones in white, gray and green tones are the cheapest at $40 to $60 per square foot.
What is the most expensive type of granite?
Ranging from $70 to $100 for each square foot, slabs in blue tones are the most expensive. Red tones are nearly as much at $65 to 80 per square foot.
How much does it cost to cut granite?
Although it can cost $300 to $500 to cut this stone, installers include granite fabrication services in their labor rate. They will trim it to size, round or bevel the edges, and cut out the sink, for example, during the install. If you are attempting a DIY install, then you will need to pay full price for fabrication.
