What Is the Average Cost of Granite Countertops? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,000 - $4,000
On average, granite countertops cost $3,250, but prices can range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the type of granite, size of the countertops, and even the color and texture.
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.
- Average
- $3,250
- Low end
- $500
- high end
- $9,000
Average Cost of Granite Countertops by Square Foot
On average, a countertop granite slab runs between $40 and $60 per square foot.
| Project Size and Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Average Size Kitchen (24 x 180) | $1,900–$3,300 |
| Small Counter (24 x 72) | $750–$1,400 |
| Kitchen Island (36 x 78) | $1,000–$2,100 |
| Small Kitchen Island (40 x 40) | $650–$1,200 |
| Bar Top (16 x 36) | $300–$600 |
Factors Affecting the Cost of Granite Countertops
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.
Granite Material
We know that for granite, the average price per square foot runs between $40 and $60. We’ve compiled a list of countertop materials regularly used in home improvement projects. Here’s what you can expect to pay for granite and other popular countertop materials:
| Countertop Material | Average Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Slab of Granite | $40–$100 |
| Granite Tile | $5–$15 |
| Quartz | $15–$70 |
| Quartzite | $55–$75 |
| Marble | $15–$190 |
| Concrete | $50–$100 |
| Butcher Block | $55 |
| Soapstone | $20–$70 |
| Stainless Steel | $50–$250 |
| Slate | $30–$90 |
Type of Granite
Granite countertops may vary based on the type you get—and there are many types of granite countertops and colors to consider. 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 than rare granite types, like blue Louise.
There are many types of granite, and availability depends on supply, but let’s look at the costs of some very popular picks. Remember, names aren’t always consistent from brand to brand, but granites like these are typically universal.
| Types of Granite | Average Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Alaska White | $35 |
| Ubatuba | $30–$60 |
| Silver Cloud | $35–$40 |
| Absolute Black | $45–$60 |
| Black Galaxy | $50–$70 |
| Blue Louise | $70–$100 |
| Crema Bordeaux | $80 |
| Solarius | $60 |
| Bianco Antico | $45–$75 |
| Baltic Brown | $8 |
| New Venetian Gold | $45 |
| Costa Esmeralda | $70 |
| New Caledonia | $45 |
| Giallo Ornamental | $50–$55 |
| St. Cecilia | $40 |
Color and Rarity
Darker granite usually has a higher hardness level and 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. Levels note the rarity of 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 |
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 granite price.
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 foot.
Ogee and Dupont edges: These types of edges feature a stylish rounded (ogee) or squared (Dupont) divet and cost about $20 to $25 more per linear foot.
French cove edges: For a French farmhouse kitchen, consider this option for $30 to $35 per linear foot.
Cole Smith edges: One of the most intricate edge options, this stylish design costs up to $40 per linear foot.
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 of Granite Countertop Installation
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 must 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.
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 not 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 cookstation, 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
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.
Sealing
Many types of granite require sealing after installation. Sealing granite countertops helps increase sheen, protect from spills, and prevent small types of surface damage. If a professional countertop installer offers sealing as part of their installation package, it can add an extra $100 or more to the overall cost.
Warranties
Warranties offer extended protection for your granite and replacement in case of certain types of damage. This coverage may be especially important when dealing with granite slabs, which are more likely to crack during installation or encounter other issues. These warranties typically cost a few hundred extra dollars.
How to Save on the Cost of Granite Countertops
Granite installation quickly gets expensive, especially with more high-end types of granite, but there are cost-cutting options.
Choose a less expensive type of granite
Pick up your granite in-store to save on delivery
Go for granite tiles over slabs
Choose thinner granite
DIY old countertop removal
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 cost you more in repairs.
On the other hand, granite tile and modular pieces have the potential for DIY work if you're up for the job. You’ll save about $35 to $85 per hour on labor costs, usually about $1,500 for the project. We still recommend hiring a professional fabricator to properly measure and cut your pieces. You may also need to hire an electrician when working around electrical outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 the durability and the cost of installing countertops in mind.
Quartz is more durable than granite, so it should last longer. However, it does have one weakness: It can be damaged by extreme heat, so exercise caution with cooking pans. Granite is durable, but it’s also porous, which invites stains when liquids are left sitting on a countertop. With this in mind, clean up spills promptly and reseal the countertops every year. Beyond that, granite can be damaged by a high-impact blow.
Yes, granite countertops can increase a home’s value and help you recover up to 25% of the installation cost. A total kitchen remodel that includes granite countertops offers a high return on investment due to granite’s timeless appeal, durability, and low maintenance requirements.