The average cost of granite countertops is $3,250
While you can complete small granite installation projects for under $500, most projects range from $2,000 to $4,000, but the total depends on the amount of granite you need for your counters and the quality of granite you buy.
Countertops come up against a lot of pressure during the day, making granite a popular countertop material, and for a good reason. When properly installed and sealed, this natural stone is highly heat-resistant, tough against most chips and scratches, and rarely depreciates with time.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $3,250 | $4,000 |
Cost of Granite Countertops per Square Foot
Granite countertops are a common choice, no matter the style of your kitchen. It’s typically easy to clean, maintain, and most importantly, to whip up a massive family dinner.
When hiring a local granite countertop installer, your estimate will likely break down into two sections: the square foot of materials and an hourly rate for labor. On average, a slab of granite for countertops runs between $40 and $60 per square foot.
While all granite is technically one of a kind, some homeowners seek particularly rare textures, inclusions, and colors to match their counter-design vision. In general, granite countertops break down into five (or, for some companies, three) levels.
Levels note the rarity of marble's style and color. The higher the level, the more unique and valuable the stone. Here is how each level breaks down by price:
| Level | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Level one | $40 – $50 |
| Level two | $50 – $60 |
| Level three | $55 – $65 |
| Level four | $65 – $75 |
| Level five | $75 – $100 |
On top of this, expect to pay between $35 and $85 per hour for the labor on installation and fabrication—cutting the slabs to fit your unique counter. Depending on the size of your kitchen or bathroom countertops, total labor costs range from $600 to $1,500.
Granite Countertops Cost by Type
Granite countertops may vary based on the type you get. Do you want dark granite countertops with flecks of gold to complement your gold drawer and cabinet handles? Or are you looking for a bright white granite with swirling gray patterns to resemble marble for a chic, timeless look?
Common options, like ubatuba, are easier to source and, therefore, less expensive compared to rare granite types, like blue Louise.
Alaska White
For just the granite itself, Alaska white granite costs about $35 per square foot and is a more affordable option. It features white and warm gray tones, making it a versatile option for kitchens and bathrooms.
Ubatuba
Ubatuba is a popular granite that costs about $30 to $60 per square foot. It features a darker green color with gold and brown flecks that catch the light.
Silver Cloud
Resembling a mystical, foggy sky, silver cloud granite costs about $35 to $40 per square foot. This is a great option if you want granite countertops with a look similar to marble since this granite type features swirls of ivory and shades of gray.
Absolute Black
This striking granite costs about $45 to $60 per square foot and is ideal for making bold statements. True to its name, absolute black granite is solid black, making it a great choice for modern designs.
Black Galaxy
Black galaxy granite costs about $50 to $70 per square foot. This style features a dark black background and white speckles that look like stars.
Blue Louise
Incredibly rare and difficult to source, blue Louise granite costs about $70 to $100 per square foot, and that’s before installation costs. With blue, green, and red hues in swirling patterns, blue Louise granite is like having a work of art on your countertops.
Crema Bordeaux
While not as rare as blue Louise, crema Bordeaux is still an uncommon granite option and is priced as such at around $80 per square foot. This style has shades of red, pink, brown, and gold.
Solarius
Solarius granite costs about $60 per square foot. This type of granite is sourced from Brazil and has warm tones of yellow and brown.
Cost to Install Granite Countertops
When it’s time to revamp your dated kitchen into a place you can’t wait to cook with family, you may consider granite for a sleek new look. But when budgeting for your new counters, keep in mind that granite countertops cost more than just the price of the slabs or tiles.
If you hire a professional countertop installer for a seamless finish, you’ll need to budget for labor costs. Other installation costs to consider are removing old countertops, delivering heavy granite slabs to your home, and cutting slabs to fit around sinks and other obstacles.
Materials
Granite countertop installation costs about $40 to $60 per square foot for the materials. You can save money by opting for granite tiles, which cost about $5 to $15 per square foot for the materials. Another option is modular granite countertops, which range from around $25 to $40 per square foot.
Labor
Professional installation adds around $35 per square foot or $35 to $85 per hour. It’s best to budget for professional installation if you want seamless granite countertops. Improper installation by trying to DIY can cost more in materials if you make mistakes.
Slab Delivery
For most projects, slab delivery is included in the labor costs. Be sure to check your contract with the installation company for any delivery fees. Granite slabs are heavy, so delivery costs may cost $150 to $200 more if they aren’t included in the installation rate.
Sink Cut-Out
You’ll spend about $100 per sink cut-out in addition to the cost of granite countertop installation. If you’re remodeling, sink installation costs about $420. You may also consider cut-outs for a countertop cook station, which is about $200 per cooktop cut-out.
Edging and Polishing
Styled edges add around $10 to $40 per linear foot. Honed or leathered finishes add $10 to $25 per square foot. A glossy or polished finish and squared edges are included in the cost of the granite. But if you opt for a different finish, like a more natural, matte look, or rounded or intricate edges, you’ll spend more.
Removing Old Countertops
In order to be out with the old and in with the new, you’ll need to budget an extra $100 to $200 or around $4 to $7 per square foot for the installation crew to remove and dispose of your old countertops.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Granite Countertops?
While you want to find granite that matches your kitchen or bathroom aesthetic, keep in mind that everything from the color of the granite to its textures and finishes can impact the cost. Pay close attention to these factors if you’re looking to stick to a budget.
Color
Darker granite usually has a higher hardness level and comes with higher quarrying costs, meaning these hues will cost about $10 per square foot more than lighter granite countertops. Rarer colors will also increase the price.
Texture
The feel of the granite under your fingers seems like a small detail, but it can impact the cost. There are three common textures of granite with different price points:
Polished: This is the standard texture you’ll find for granite countertops, so a polished texture is one of the least-expensive options.
Honed: This granite texture maintains the natural look of the stone, but it is higher maintenance than polished and slightly more expensive at about $10–$20 more per sq. ft.
Leathered: For a natural finish that is durable against staining, consider leathered granite. This texture adds $15 to $25 per sq. ft.
Edges
Do you want squared-off counter edges, or do you prefer a rounded option because you have young kids running around the house? The edging of your countertops can also impact the cost. The more intricate the edges, the higher the cost will be.
Standard and square edges: Easy to manufacture, standard or squared-off countertop edges are typically included in the price of the granite.
Rounded edges: Rounded, also called bullnose, edges can make the kitchen a little safer for the kids. Half or full bullnose edges cost about an extra $10 per linear ft.
Ogee and Dupont edges: These types of edges feature a stylish rounded (ogee) or squared (Dupont) divet and cost about $20–$25 more per linear ft.
French cove edges: For a French farmhouse kitchen, consider this option for $30–$35 per linear ft.
Cole Smith edges: One of the most intricate edge options, this stylish design costs up to $40 per linear ft.
Your final total cost also comes down to where you live, the extent of the installation, and if you require extra work—like leveling your counters—in the process.
Cost to Install Granite Countertops: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you're dreaming of installing a large slab of uninterrupted granite on your counter, it's best to skip the DIY route. Large slabs run several hundred pounds, and incorrect granite countertop sealing, grouting, or leveling can end up costing you more in repairs down the line.
On the other hand, granite tile and modular pieces have the potential for DIY work if you're up for the job. Granite tiles range in price from $5 to $15 per square foot, while modular pieces cost between $25 to $40.
While you won't have the same clean look as a slab of granite, it is a way to shave some money off the overall price. You’ll save about $35 to $85 per hour on labor costs, which is usually about $1,500 total for the project. Also, remember to add the cost of grouting, mortar, sealer, and tools.
One last caveat: Even fitting tile and modular granite pieces to your sink requires advanced DIY skills. We still recommend hiring a professional fabricator to measure and cut your pieces properly. You may also need to hire an electrician when working around electrical outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Granite is a go-to material for those looking to incorporate that rare look of natural stone into their homes. And since it's less expensive and easier to care for than marble, this makes it a great choice for high-use countertops like those in the bathroom and the kitchen. It also holds up against scratches and nicks, comes in a wide variety of colors, and can add value to your home.
Before adding any heavy stone—natural or synthetic—to your home, check out the stability of what lies beneath. The base of your counter should be strong enough to hold this hefty stone and hold up against decades of use, so take care of countertop repairs beforehand.
Hire a contractor to check for leaks, water damage, and other inconsistencies in your cabinets, especially if it's made of a material like particle board.
There are many countertop options to consider instead of granite. Other natural stones include marble and quartz, or you could consider laminate countertops that mimic the look of granite for less. When choosing an alternative to granite, keep durability and the cost to install countertops in mind.
