What Determines the Price of Granite Countertops?

Granite is highly sought after by homeowners as a countertop material in kitchens and bathrooms. This is because of its aesthetic value and durability. If you have chosen to incorporate granite into your home, you need to understand the factors that potentially affect the price of the countertops. The Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold® discuss a few of these key factors.

Size of the Slab

A granite countertop comprised of few large pieces will cost more due to the seamless finishing. The large sections also provide a consistent pattern and color, unlike small pieces. Purchasing small pieces of granite will cost less. However, note that these small pieces result in more seams and require a professional to install them creatively. Width and thickness also affects the price of granite. Thicker granite costs more because it is strong and provides more material to work on.

Color and Design

Granite countertops are available in natural and rare colors. Those with natural colors such as green, beige, and brown tend to be easily available and typically cost less. However, rare granite colors like blue, red, and purple tend to cost more. Blue Bahia is an example of exotic granite from Brazil that, due to its color, costs up to $100 per square foot. Rare granite colors, if available in your state, may cost less unlike when you import them from another country. The design also results in increased prices. For instance, a green piece with metallic flecks may cost as much as a blue granite countertop with a simple design.

Grade

Based on the variations in the natural porosity and patterns, granite exists in Commercial, Premium, and Exotic grades. These categories define the strength, durability, and appearance of the granite. High-grade granite has superior features such as stain and scratch resistance and costs more compared to low-grade granite.

Origin

The country of origin of the granite can affect the countertop’s value. The United States, aside from importing, also produces granite domestically, making its cost lower within states. China exports cheap granite, which is attributed to the low labor costs and quality. On the other hand, Brazil and Italy have slabs that cost a little more than what you might find in the U.S.

Availability

Availability refers to the application of the law of supply and demand in the granite market. With high demand, the granite costs more, and with less demand, it costs less. In addition, the distance between the quarry and warehouse influences the price, with longer distances resulting in additional transportation costs.

Fabrication

To attain the desired beauty from your granite countertops, investing in proper fabrication is necessary. This includes perfect edge placements, finishes, and blending the seams for a high-quality look. By paying for professionals to do fabrication, you’re sure to be satisfied by your granite countertops. After you’ve had your granite countertops installed, it’s important to care for them properly. You can start by purchasing a granite polishing kit that contains many of the products you’ll need to keep your counters looking shiny and new. At Granite Gold®, all our products are safe to use on granite, marble, slate, travertine, and other types of natural stone. If you’d like to learn more about our stone-safe products, give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE.