How Much do Granite Countertops Cost in 2024?

Granite countertops have been a favorite option among natural and engineered stones due to their amazing durability, versatility, and beauty. It raises the property value, is easy to clean, and can be used in many areas of the home to fit your needs. However, the cost of the granite slabs is understandably one of the most important factors to take into consideration.

When it comes to the price of granite countertops or other granite fixtures in our home, it is hard to give a definitive answer as there are so many factors that affect the final price tag. In this guide, we will delve further into all of the attributes that influence the cost of granite countertops and help you make the final decision for your home.

Quality or Grade of the Granite

The quality of the granite is arguably the primary factor that changes the price. Granite is available in a wide range of qualities and the higher you go in quality, the price will rise along with it. Higher-quality slabs will typically possess fewer imperfections and will be less porous. The less porous structure means that it will be denser and stronger, less susceptible to stains or scratches.

Lower quality might have a less consistent appearance and can require more frequent sealing to lengthen its lifespan. However, this doesn’t mean that more affordable options for granite countertops are going to be unreliable or weak. Granite countertops will rejuvenate your home regardless of their cost.

Color and Pattern

The appearance of the slab will also highly influence the cost of the countertops. Colors that are considered to be rare will be more pricey compared to ones that can be commonly found. For example, slabs with no veins or patterns at all are extremely rare and show the impeccable purity of the stone.

These slabs will be much more costly and they can be harder to come by. On the other end of the spectrum, granite with intricate veining can also be more expensive, or the presence of rare colors such as bright blue or red can also hike up the price.

Thickness and size

Granite countertops are generally cut in standard thicknesses. Most commonly, granite slabs will be cut in 2 or 3-cm thicknesses to accommodate the most amount of kitchens. As you can imagine, the thicker the slab, the more costly it will be. The additional material and weight mean that fewer slabs will be cut from a single block of granite.

Moreover, thicker granite slabs will be harder to fabricate, fit, and install in homes. In other words, thicker slabs will be more costly to the supplier as well because of the material and labor costs. However, they will also be more durable and bring a substantial, upscale look into your home. Therefore you can also consider a thicker slab of granite as a more long-lasting and durable investment.

Similarly, the size of the slab will significantly affect the final price. Bigger slabs will cost more due to the material cost and they will be harder to ship and install in your home due to the size.

Moreover, they might require even more labor as seams might be needed during the installation if the countertops are too big to install in one piece, adding more costs and labor. Irregular shapes or unusual corners will further drive up the fabrication expanse as they require special expertise and time.

Edge Profiles and Other Additions

The edge profile is the shape of the edge of the countertops. Depending on the shape you want to achieve, the cost will vary. Straight edges will be much cheaper to fabricate than ornate edges that take a lot of expertise and specialty tools.

Intricate designs take time and skill to achieve, therefore the cost of implementing these beautiful designs to your countertops is going to be more than a simple slanted edge profile design.

Other additions to the design such as intricate cutouts for the sinks to faucets, decorative backsplashes, or special finishes on the countertops such as leathering or honing will also add to the cost. These features will enhance the overall beauty of the countertops and create a seamless finish with the rest of the kitchen.

Installation

The installation costs are often overlooked when the price of countertops is considered. However, the skill and expertise of the installation are as important as the quality of the stone itself. Even the most high-quality stone won’t be able to last for a long time if it isn’t installed correctly.

For example, unstable application will cause any pressure to be unevenly distributed and the countertop will be more prone to cracks or even breaking. Therefore, this is one of the most important factors to take into consideration and to invest wisely. 

Location and suppliers

The location where the slab is quarried will increase or decrease the price of the countertops. For slabs that are quarried in locations that are close to where they are sold and installed, the shipping and transportation costs will be lower resulting in lower costs overall.

Moreover, depending on the location, the overhead costs will also differ from supplier to supplier. For example, an imported slab from overseas with a rare color or pattern will be more costly than a local slab that can be easily shipped to your house.

Maintenance and Guarantees

While the cost of maintenance doesn’t affect the cost you will have to pay upfront, it should still be considered because it can add up over time. To preserve the natural beauty and durability of the stone, proper sealing and regular maintenance are necessary. The better you take care of the stone, the longer your investment will last. When budgeting, don’t forget to factor in the costs of maintenance services and products.

Moreover, certain suppliers might offer guarantees after the installation is complete. This gives the homeowners peace of mind knowing that any problem that might come up will be resolved by the supplier. You should inquire if the supplier you are working with offers any warranty before deciding to purchase.

In short, granite countertops are an amazing investment that will add to the beauty and durability of your house for years to come. However, depending on the additions and details, they might be costly. Paragon Exotic Stones offers a wide range of granite options and they have a wide selection of different price points. Their experience in the industry ensures that they will match you up with the perfect stone that will satisfy all of the aesthetic and functional needs of your home while staying loyal to your budget. If you are interested in any of their products or services, visit their website and reach out to their expert customer care team.