Cost and Price Of Granite Countertops

A large part of the popularity of granite countertops is due the cost-effectiveness involved; the material will last for the rest of your life. If you are on a budget, though, it's important to remember that while every decision made when choosing a granite countertop will determine the look of your kitchen, it will also affect the final bill. Size, color, material and cut are all influential factors for how much you will be paying. It's a good idea to know what you want to pay beforehand and then make decisions from there - starting with color. Eliminate higher-range color choices first. Not only will you have more money to spend on customizing the rest of the stone, it will make the often difficult process of choosing a color for your kitchen easier from the start.

Granite countertops are priced according to square foot, so it is wise to take measurements of your countertop space before looking in a store. Record the length and width and calculate the overall square footage. This should give you a good idea of how much you are willing to spend per foot on certain colors and guide your decision. When you sit down for a consultation this will be one of the first questions asked. Many granite countertop owners hired a kitchen remodeling contractor to handle the measurements and, with their budget in mind, offer the homeowners a number of choices.

The next question is what kind of material you want to use: tile, modular, or slab. Granite tile countertops are by far the most affordable option, with materials costing as little as 20% of what modular granite could cost per square foot. Choosing tile most likely means you are also choosing to install the countertop yourself, saving yourself the costs of a professional installation. Tiles are butted edge-to-edge and affixed with epoxy. Modular granite is the other option for DIY-ers. Choosing modular granite means that there will be considerably less seems that are narrower and less noticeable. It's a huge step up from tiles, can be done without professional installation, and often costs less than 50% of a slab job. Slab granite is the highest-end choice, since it has to be fabricated in a workshop outside of your home, transported, and professionally installed. However, it has no seems for the most elegant look available, as well as being the most sensible choice for a kitchen countertop.

Your choice of edge will also affect the price, although not as much as the first two variables. If you want a special effect all around the edges, though, the cost can pile up fairly quickly. Beveled edges tend to be the standard so any curve to the edge will cost extra. Also special cutouts, like for sinks or stoves, may cost extra when ordering a slab granite countertop. Since the character of the edge will change the personality of your countertop, it's important to have what kind of edges you want in mind before choosing between more expensive colors.

The last step in pricing a granite countertop is to schedule consolations with a handful of different granite showroom stores or granite countertop contractors to compare prices. If you take the time to schedule a consultation, rather than walking in, you will receive much more attention and come out with a better idea of the final cost. Make sure to bring your estimated countertop measurements. After getting a few preliminary quotes you should have a good idea of which companies offer the best value and make your decision accordingly.

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