Estimating the Cost of Granite Countertops
When it comes to cost granite countertops are assumed to be at the higher end of the market. Granite countertops are typically crafted from large slabs of thick granite, natural stone with a distinct appearance. You can purchase granite in a variety of colors and grains, so it can fit into literally any kitchen design. You will often see granite in higher end homes, since granite prices are a bit too high for many homeowners with smaller, less expensive homes.
Saving on Granite Countertops will help your overall DIY budget whether you are shopping for Granite Countertops Fort Myers or anywhere for that matter.
While granite can be more expensive than other types of countertop materials, you should never assume outright that you cannot afford this material for your home. Many homeowners are able to work around the higher granite prices by using cheaper materials in areas of their home that are not used as often or are not as visible to others.
You can also reduce the cost of granite countertops by using granite tiles, rather than solid slabs of granite. Granite tiles are often used on floors, but they can be used as countertop materials when they are placed very close together to eliminate cracks. These tiles are not as expensive as solid pieces of granite, but they also tend to be thinner than solid slabs of the stone.
You can also save on granite countertops by shopping for the right installation service. Much of the expense comes from paying someone to put in your countertops. If you have the experience to do this yourself it will help, but most people have to pay someone for this service. Some installers will charge less than others, so your total project may be more affordable if you pay less for installation.
Are Granite Prices within Your Budget?
Even with those methods of reducing the cost of granite countertops, this is not going to be your cheapest option for new countertops. If you have to consider all of the following factors when estimating the price of granite for your kitchen or bathroom:
- Number of square feet to be covered
- Thickness of the granite selected
- Color and brand of the granite selected
- Cost of labor
The basic cost of granite countertop material is typically charged per square foot. You can find granite slabs of different thickness, so you will pay less for thinner slabs of lower quality. This is another way to get the countertop material you want, with the look of granite, at a slightly lower price. Just keep in mind the material is higher quality when it is cut thicker.
There may also be some variance in granite prices depending on the color of the marble. Different brands will have different price points, and different suppliers will have their own prices as well. In most cases, your contractor will source the granite and install it, so you may not know all of your options in terms of thickness and prices from different providers.
Modular granite is a third option, and it is a midpoint in terms of price between tiles and granite slabs. You should pay around $5 per tile, while prices for slabs can be $60 or more per square foot.