How much does it cost to install a granite countertop?

Reviewed by Ryan Burden remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Granite is great for any countertop because of its durability, availability, and range of options. They cost more, but they make up for it in value, visual appeal, and decor. Granite is a natural stone containing varying amounts of minerals. It has a wide range of colors, patterns, and durability, resulting in a wide range of costs.

The national average range for granite countertops is between $2,500 and $5,000. The average homeowner pays $3,500 to install 30 sq.ft. of an average-grade stone countertop with an eased edge and no backsplash. This project’s low cost is $750 for a 30 sq.ft. granite tile countertop made with a common stone. The high cost is $8,000 for 30 sq.ft. of an exotic stone with a custom edge, two sink cutouts, and an undermounted cooktop.

Cost to Install Granite Countertops

Granite Countertops Cost per Square Foot

Granite countertops cost between $40 and $200 a square foot on average, with a few exotic stones costing up to $400 a square foot. There are many types, with some being common and less expensive. Some stones are rarer and less available, costing more.

These costs are only for the slabs. There are other costs impacting the project’s price, such as sink cutouts, edging, backsplashes, and labor.

Granite Countertop Cost by Location

Granite countertops are most commonly installed in kitchens, but this is not the only area where it can work. You can use them anywhere you have a countertop or table surface. After kitchens, bathrooms are the most common area to install granite countertops. Costs for bathroom installations are lower than kitchen installations because the bathroom vanity is much smaller than most kitchen cabinets.

Granite Bathroom Countertops

Granite countertops for bathrooms typically cost between $250 and $2,500. You can find readymade granite countertops, which have a sink attached and are pre-drilled for faucets. These are thinner, less costly, and easier to install. For larger vanities and ones with two sinks, curved fronts, or other specialty details, follow the same process for a kitchen. Your vanity is templated, and your stone is cut to measure and installed. This can lead to a much higher cost, depending on the stone and vanity.

Granite Kitchen Countertops

The cost of granite countertops for kitchens ranges from $1,200 to $6,000 on average. Costs can change, depending on the kitchen’s configuration, number of slabs, and the stone. The rarer the stone, the higher the costs. Likewise, the thicker the stone and the more you need, the higher the costs. Kitchen countertops are almost always cut to order. They have additional costs for fabrication and installation.

Granite Countertop Cost by Type

Most granite countertops sold and installed today are slab, which means they are large pieces of stone cut down to order. However, you can use granite in other ways for less expensive countertops, including tile and modular countertops.

Tile Granite Countertop

Granite tile countertops average $8 to $15 a square foot for materials. Granite tile countertops do not have as many options as other granite counters. There are fewer stones available in a tile form. Most are also polished, without honing or having another finish. Granite tiles are rarely sized other than 12-inches square. For a countertop that is typically 25-inches deep, you need two courses of tile and a 1-inch strip at the edge. You also need grout between the tiles that need frequent sealing to avoid stains.

Modular Granite Countertop

Modular granite countertops cost between $25 and $40 a square foot on average. Your choices with this countertop are also more limited. Most modular granite countertops are thinner than slabs, so they require reinforcement. Not all granites are available in this form, and those that are may not always have a uniform color between pieces. Most granites in this form are polished, without the option of honing or other finishes. While you need fewer grout lines than tile, you still need to care for some grout lines to prevent staining.

Granite Slab

Granite slabs range from $40 to $200 a square foot. This is the most common granite countertop. The slabs are extremely large, approximately 8 feet by 10 feet on average. You can choose the exact slab you want, which is not something you can do with the other methods. The slab is cut to measure your exact countertop specifications and can have any edge treatment or finish. Nearly all granites are available in slab form, so you have the most choices with this type.

Granite Countertops Cost by Color

Granite countertops come in many colors, shades, and patterns. Each color group can have a wide range of stones, from very common and inexpensive to rare, exotic, and costly.

When searching for granite, some stones go by many names. A granite may be classified as a specific color, but the piece may have a different color or tone. For example, some stones labeled “white” may be cream or gray. Even within one stone, you can find a range of costs depending on the quality and whether the particular slab has an unusual and desirable coloration. Below are average cost ranges for each color. Some stones fall below or above these averages.

Gray Granite Countertops

Not many countertops are classified as truly gray. Many white granites are gray but have a white undertone, so they are classified as white. The most common gray granites are also the least expensive. However, some exotic gray stones have brilliant colors and higher costs.

New Caledonia Granite Countertop

New Caledonia granite costs between $30 and $40 a square foot. New Caledonia is considered a “true” granite. Most countertops sold as granite are “commercial” or a group of stones containing some of the same minerals as granite, but New Caledonia is an igneous rock. It is made up of white, black, and gray flecks that blend for a solid gray countertop. This stone looks best polished because the high quartz content means it does not hone well.

Steel Gray Granite Countertop

Steel Gray granite countertops average $30 and $40 a square foot. This is another “true” granite. It is more uniform in color than New Caledonia. While the other is made up of many flecks, Steel Gray has a more solid hue. It does well honed or polished. This particular granite has a little variation between slabs and little-to-no veining.

Bianco Kinawa Granite Countertop

Bianco Kinawa ranges from $45 to $50 a square foot. This gray countertop has more movement and character than New Caledonia or Steel Gray. It has fluid veins and sometimes includes other colors or hues. It looks best polished but can also be leathered. This stone is not considered common nor premium. Still considered affordable, it costs slightly more than common materials.

Royal Gray Agate Granite

Royal Gray Agate countertops cost between $150 and $200 a square foot on average. This is an exotic stone. It is not true granite but a commercial one. It is made of cross-sections of enormous agates with rich gray and gold hues. It is meant to be polished to show off the stone’s slightly translucent glow. This stone has extreme color variation from piece to piece and within one piece. The pattern’s size also varies tremendously from slab to slab.

Gold/Brown Granite Countertops

Gold and brown granites have a lot of crossover. Some are classified as gold, brown, or a mix of the two, depending on the slab’s hue. Gold and brown countertops range from common to exotic. Gold countertops are very common, with most being dolomites rather than true granites.

Venetian Gold Granite Countertops

Venetian Gold granite costs between $30 and $40 a square foot on average. This is a light, creamy gold stone. It has a darker gold vein with flecks of dark brown, white, and cranberry. This stone is technically dolomite - a metamorphic rock. It is more likely to stain than true granite and must be regularly sealed with an impregnating sealer. This stone is sometimes called New Venetian Gold.

Giallo Ornamental Granite Countertops

Giallo Ornamental or Giallo Ornamentale averages $30 and $40 a square foot. This is also a light, creamy gold stone. It is slightly darker than Venetian Gold but has the same white, gold, brown, and cranberry flecks. It is also dolomite and requires sealing. This stone looks best polished because small pits and fissures are common. Honing or leathering exposes these marks.

Santa Cecilia Granite Countertops

Santa Cecilia granite ranges from $35 to $70 a square foot. Santa Cecilia can be broken into light and dark categories. Santa Cecilia Light is light and creamy gold, while Santa Cecilia Dark borders on brown. Both have brown, white, and cranberry flecks. This stone is also dolomite and requires sealing. It looks best polished because honing exposes small pits and natural fissures.

Coffee Granite Countertop

Coffee Brown granite costs between $50 and $60 a square foot. Coffee Brown is a rich gray/brown stone with a red/brown fractured fleck pattern. It may have splotches of gray, and some stones may be very dark brown with a broken pattern. Some slabs may also have flecks of white. This is one of the darkest granites that is not black. It is very durable and does not stain easily.

Cabernet Granite Countertop

Cabernet or Burgundy Cabernet averages $75 to $90 a square foot. This is a premium stone. Cabernet is a rich, dark golden brown. The background color is fairly uniform, with uneven and varied colored veining throughout. This stone looks best polished because it shows off the rich color. However, it can be honed because pits and fissures are rare.

Exotic Gold Granite Countertop

Exotic Gold Granite countertops range from $180 to $240 a square foot. Exotic Gold is an exotic stone. It ranges from creamy white to rich, bright gold with some dark brown. Rather than having veins or a tight color pattern like most granites, it has large sections and pieces of color. The high quartz and mica content give depth to feel like you see into the stone. It looks best polished.

White Granite Countertops

White granites are some of the most popular. Few are truly white, however. All have a white background, but most are shades of gray or brown. They also frequently have some red/cranberry-colored flecking or veining. Many white granites are weak and prone to staining because they are not true granites. White granites must be sealed and braced properly to avoid issues down the road.

Blue Nile 

Blue Nile granite countertops cost between $30 and $40 a square foot. Despite the name, Blue Nile granite is not blue. It is a white stone, but with a light, cream color. It has speckled brown veining on its surface. Some stones also have a light gray veining. Blue Nile is one of the least expensive white granites.

River White Granite Price

River White granite averages $45 to $50 a square foot. This stone is also frequently called New River White. It has a bright white background with a silver vein. Sprinkled throughout the stone is a bright red, cranberry fleck. With the way the silver veins undulate across the surface, this stone often resembles moving water. It is considered a good stone for those who want a neutral kitchen countertop.

Kashmir White Granite Price

Kashmir White granite ranges from $45 to $50 a square foot. Kashmir is one of the most well-known white granites. It has a fairly bright white background with speckled gray veins and black and cranberry flecks. Some of the black and red flecks are much larger in areas, giving the stone more color and interest. It is a more uniform stone than some, which makes it popular. Kashmir stains easily and must be kept well-sealed.

Viscon White Granite Price

Viscon White granite costs between $45 and $50 a square foot. Viscon is an Indian granite that is stain and scratch-resistant. It has a gray and white background that swirls with movement. Small flecks of black form additional thin veins on the surface. The stone’s white areas tend to be bright, making it a good complement for dark-color cabinets. Viscon looks closer to marble than some other granites.

Delicatus White Granite Price

Delicatus White granite averages $45 to $55 a square foot. Delicatus is a Brazilian stone with moderate maintenance needs. It has a white to cream-colored background. Large pieces of gray quartz, yellow feldspar, and mica are visible across or on the surface. This stone should be kept polished. Mica and quartz should not be well-honed because they leave the countertop looking dull.

White Galaxy Granite Price

White Galaxy granite costs between $50 and $60 a square foot. White Galaxy is an incredibly durable and low-maintenance Indian stone. It has a white-to-cream background with different colors in its veining. It is not uncommon to find green, silver, and taupe on the surface. You can also find clear quartz crystals with surface depth. White Galaxy looks best polished.

Colonial White Granite Price

Colonial White ranges from $55 to $65 a square foot. Colonial White is also an Indian stone. This stone has a pale gray background. Most Colonial White features small flecks of silver and black on the surface. The most sought after pieces have small cranberry-red flecks. This is a neutral stone with an overall soft color.

Alaska White 

Alaska White granite averages $68 to $78 a square foot. Alaska White is a Brazilian granite. It is predominantly gray, with sections of creamy off-white and black flecks. Sometimes there may be sections of the stone that are closer to yellow. The veins and color sections clump across the stone, giving it more movement and interest than many white stones. Alaska White stains easily and must be sealed regularly.

White Agate Light 

White Agate Light granite costs between $300 and $400 a square foot. This is an exotic stone with a brilliant white background. Rather than being a true granite, this is a conglomerate stone made up of many stones. They are cut in a cross-section so that the colors of each stone show against the white background. Golds, reds, and browns are common in this stone. It looks best polished so that the interior’s true colors shine through.

Green Granite Countertops

Green granites are very popular in kitchens. They get their color from the mineral serpentine, making them extremely durable and less likely to stain than other granites. Green granite ranges from dark to light green, depending on the other minerals.

Uba Tuba Granite Countertops

Uba Tuba granite ranges from $40 to $50 a square foot. Uba Tuba is a common and popular stone. It has a very dark green background, bordering on black in some lights. It contains flecks of white and gold, with some stones also having small flecks of turquoise. That makes this stone a good choice for pairing with a range of cabinet and backsplash colors. Uba Tuba should not be honed because of the mica on its surface.

Butterfly Granite Countertops

Butterfly granite costs between $40 and $50 a square foot. Butterfly is very similar to Uba Tuba in some ways. Its color is lighter and brighter, and the green sections are larger. Like Uba Tuba, it also contains white, gold, and small hints of turquoise. Butterfly also contains large pieces of mica on its surface. It should be polished rather than honed.

Green Pearl Granite Countertops

Green Pearl granite countertops average $50 to $75 a square foot. Green Pearl is a dark green countertop made up of many pieces of mica on its surface. These pieces give the countertop an iridescent sheen and depth. There are few other colors present in Green Pearl, with only small amounts of white or black showing. Due to the high mica content, this granite should not be honed or leathered. Green Pearl is a fairly low-maintenance granite that does not stain easily.

Green Pearl Granite Countertops

Green Pearl granite countertops average $50 to $75 a square foot. Green Pearl is a dark green countertop made up of many pieces of mica on its surface. These pieces give the countertop an iridescent sheen and depth. There are few other colors present in Green Pearl, with only small amounts of white or black showing. Due to the high mica content, this granite should not be honed or leathered. Green Pearl is a fairly low-maintenance granite that does not stain easily.

Costa Esmeralda Granite Countertop

Costa Esmeralda granite ranges from $70 to $120 a square foot. This is a green granite that ranges from grass green to yellow-green. It may have yellow or white veins, with some heavy quartz veins appearing like marshmallows through the stone. Depending on the color, some pieces of Costa Esmeralda can be considered premium stones. Other pieces of this stone do well honed, but those with high quartz content do not. This stone requires moderate amounts of maintenance.

Verde Braziliano Granite Countertops

Verde Braziliano granite costs between $180 and $250 a square foot. This is a very dark green stone. It has wild veins of lighter shades of green moving across its surface. The lighter green veins vary from yellow-green to light spring green. This is considered an exotic stone. Verde Braziliano is also fairly low maintenance.

Black Granite Countertops

Black granite countertops are unique among other commercial granites. They are igneous rocks, but rather than being granites, they are gabbros - one of the hardest, densest, and most durable stones. Black granite is very easy to care for and does not require regular sealing or special treatment.

Black Pearl Granite Price

Black Pearl granite average $40 to $50 a square foot. Black Pearl is a very dark stone with an iridescent surface. This black stone is filled with small pieces of mica. Each piece of mica catches the light differently, giving the stone the look of being covered with pieces of Mother of Pearl. Like all black granites, it is very low maintenance and does not require regular sealing. Unlike other black granites, it cannot be honed due to the high mica content.

Absolute Black Granite Price

Absolute Black granite ranges from $40 to $80 a square foot. True Absolute Black is a pure gabbro. It is very hard, dense, and durable, with a rich black surface. It can be honed to a soft gray/black color. Some cheaper Absolute Black stones may have other minerals mixed in, which may give it small veins. The presence of these means that the stone should be sealed to prevent staining.

Black Galaxy Granite Slab Price

Black Galaxy granite costs between $40 and $80 a square foot. Black Galaxy has a solid black background. Its surface also features small flecks of mica and feldspar for a glittering, copper-colored fleck across the surface. These flecks can be small or large and dominating, depending on the slab. Black Galaxy can be honed but looks best polished because this allows the copper-colored flecks to stand out and catch the light. Like all black granite, this is a very easy to care for stone.

Altair Granite Price

Altair costs average $200 to $300 a square foot. This is an exotic black granite. It has a bright black background and features rich swirls of copper and white across the surface. This stone can have a lot of movement and color variation. Some slabs may have little variation, while others may have extreme movement. It looks best polished to show off the color variations. It is still a very durable stone but should be sealed to prevent the staining of lighter areas.

Blue Granite Countertops

Blue granite countertops are the rarest and among the most expensive. They range from gray or tan stones with small flecks of blue to bright turquoise-colored stones with a range of colors. They have a wide range of costs.

Blue Pearl 

Blue Pearl granite costs between $50 and $100 a square foot. The least expensive slabs are not blue but more of a silver-gray. Those with more of a blue tone are more costly. This stone is covered in small pieces of mica like Green Pearl and Black Pearl. Each piece catches the light separately, which gives it an iridescent sheen. This stone looks best polished because honing does not do well on mica.

River Blue 

River Blue granite is $70 to $100 a square foot. This is also not a true blue stone. It is a gray stone with a taupe background. It may have a slight blue cast to the gray areas. The more pronounced the blue cast, the higher the cost. The stone gets its name from the undulating waves of the veining on its surface. When polished, it resembles moving water.

Blue Bahia 

Blue Bahia ranges from $120 to $200 a square foot. This is a true blue stone. Depending on the grade and quality, it may be primarily bright blue or have a lot of white and brown mixed in with the blue. The blue is the dominant color, while the white and brown appear more like flecks on the surface. The bluer this stone, the higher costs. This stone borders on exotic and can be hard to find due to its rarity.

Van Gogh 

Van Gogh granite averages $300 to $400 a square foot. This is an exotic stone with incredible color variation. The background color ranges from sky blue to bright turquoise. It features thick, swirling veins of gold and white moving across the surface. This stone makes an incredible statement wherever it is installed. It looks best polished to bring out the color’s intensity.

Average Cost of Granite Countertops by Category

Granite countertops are graded on many scales. Some may be graded at the quarry and given a grade of A-D, with A being a perfect stone with no flaws and D being a stone with many flaws.

Some fabricators grade their stones for price as well. These are usually graded as 1-4, with a grade 1 being a common and inexpensive stone, and a grade 4 is an exotic and expensive stone. Some fabricators also sell their stones by grouping them into categories that are easy for the buyer to understand. These are usually labeled as closeout/clearance, builder’s grade, premium, and designer.

Closeout Granite

Granite that is considered “closeout” typically costs between $30 and $40 a square foot. However, these are not usually full slabs. These stones are leftover stones from other projects, known as remnants. If you do not need an entire slab, such as for a bathroom vanity, this is a good place for inexpensive exotic stones. Occasionally, someone purchases a stone but changes their mind. For example, they may return it because it has a strange color or vein in one area. If you do not mind this natural variation, you can find whole slabs at low costs.

Builder-Grade Granite

Builder-grade or common granites range from $30 to $60 a square foot on average. These are common stones. They are plentiful and often have similar color and character between slabs. If you purchase a home on spec with granite countertops, it is likely one of these. They are beautiful and a natural stone material, but they are not considered special. Some of the most popular stones in this category include Giallo Ornamentale and Uba Tuba.

Premium Granite

Premium granite costs between $75 and $200 a square foot. This granite’s color is more unusual, and there is often less of it. It is not truly exotic, but the colors, veining, and patterns are more varied. There is more color variation and has patterns like undulating waves. The stone’s base colors are often more vivid and vibrant. These stones make more of a statement in your home.

Designer Granite

Designer granite average $200 and $400 a square foot. These granites are rare and exotic. They may include colors like blue, or they may have depth and wild veining that makes them a true statement piece. Some are extremely difficult to find and quarry, so there may be limited pieces. Sometimes, these stones may have smaller-than-average slabs. Other times, they may be slightly softer than other granites and may require more care to look their best.

Granite Countertops Price by Finish

A main characteristic to consider when purchasing a granite countertop is its finish. All granite countertops start with a polished finish, which has a high gloss. Polished finishes are the most common and come at no additional cost. If you choose, some granites can have another finish, such as a honed - or matte - or a leathered and textured finish. Honed and leathered granite have additional costs per square foot.

Polished Granite Countertops

All granites are available with a polished finish at no cost. Polishing is the most common finish for granite. The stone’s reflective surface hides small natural pits and fissures. The light bounces off the stone and disguises these small marks. Some stones also have a high mica content on the surface and do not hone or leather well, so polishing may be the only choice. Polishing also brings out and deepens the granite’s colors, so most stones with dramatic veining are polished to show them off best.

Honed Granite Countertops

Honing a granite countertop adds $10 to $20 a square foot to the price. Honing is the step just below a full polish. It gives the countertop a soft matte finish that is smooth to the touch. Not all countertops can be honed. Others can be honed, but honing may show previously unseen surface pits and fissures. This can make honing good for those who want a slightly more rustic or aged look for their countertops.

Leathered Granite Countertops

Leathering a granite countertop increases costs by $15 to $25 a square foot. Leathering produces a textured finish with small pits, fissures, and ridges in the stone. Not all stones can be leathered. The stone must be strong enough to endure the process. Absolute Black and other very dark stones are fairly easy to leather. Lighter colored stones are often too weak to support the process. Leathering removes the softer particles of the stone’s surface, so soft stones and those with high mica content cannot be leathered.

Granite Countertop Edge Options

Any area that your countertop does not touch a wall must have a finished edge. Most countertops can be finished with an eased or square edge for no additional cost. However, if you want a more decorative edge, there are many to choose from. Each has an additional cost per linear foot.

Cost to Install Granite Countertops

The average cost to install granite countertops is $30 a square foot. Extremely large pieces of stone and difficult-to-reach areas also increase the installation cost.

All granite countertop installations begin with a trip to the fabricator to choose your slab. This is followed by the fabricator visiting your home. They make a template of your kitchen countertops for your counter’s exact size and shape. You need your appliances, sinks, and faucets on hand for this part so that they know the correct sizes to cut and the number of holes.

Your countertop is now cut to order. In about 2 - 3 weeks, it will be ready for installation. This involves bringing the pieces in, setting them into place, and using epoxy to adhere to your cabinets. Your sink is installed at this time, but you need to wait about 24 hours for your plumber to hook up the drain because it takes about that long for the epoxy to cure. In the meantime, a large clamp is left holding your sink on your granite’s underside.

Any seams between the pieces of slab are filled with a color-match epoxy, and the installation is complete.

Cost to Replace Countertops with Granite

Most granite countertop installations include the old countertop’s removal at no additional cost. This is true unless the old countertop is particularly heavy or difficult to cut and dispose of, in which case you have to pay a fee of around $500. Laminate countertops, solid surface, and other lightweight materials are typically removed at no additional cost.

This makes the cost to replace countertops with granite between $3,500 and $4,000 on average, depending on what your existing countertop is made from and how large and difficult it is to remove.

Cost to Replace Granite Countertops

The cost to replace granite countertops is usually between $4,000 and $4,500. Most granite countertops can be removed and disposed of for a fee of around $500 in addition to your other costs. Some very large or exceptionally heavy stones that need to be removed from upper floors may have higher fees. All other costs are the same for installing granite countertops in a new kitchen.

Granite Countertops Maintenance

The maintenance required for granite countertops depends on the stone’s type. Usually, the lighter the color, the more maintenance the stone needs. Most granites require periodic sealing to prevent stains. The lemon juice and oil test is a good process to follow to determine when it must be resealed. To wash the granite surface, use a pH-neutral cleaner or granite cleaner. If the proper sealing and cleaning procedures are followed, granite does not require additional maintenance.

The better you take care of a granite countertop, the longer it lasts and the better it looks. An important tip in extending your granite’s lifespan is to ensure the granite is properly sealed. Some granite can go 10+ years without being resealed, but granite is a porous material and tends to soak up liquids. Proper sealing procedures are extremely important.

Most granite will need resealing in 3-5 years when using standard sealers commonly available. Lighter colors may need sealing more often. Some granite can go 10+ years without being resealed when a top-quality sealer is applied and quality granite cleaners that do not damage the sealer are used for general cleaning.

Ryan Burden, countertop specialist.

Granite Countertops Pros and Cons

Granite countertops are beautiful, durable, and long-lasting. Because they are made from natural stone, each is unique. They vary from piece to piece and within one piece in color, veining, and minerals. This is a pro and con because some people like that variation, while others want more control over the exact color.

Granite is heat-resistant and scratch-resistant. Some stones are also stain-resistant, but many are not and require sealing to impede staining. Granite countertops can last for decades without replacement.

However, they can be expensive and are higher in maintenance than other materials. They need to be cleaned with pH-neutral cleaners to avoid etching. Spills of lemon juice or wine must be wiped quickly to avoid dulling the stone’s surface.

Quartz vs Granite Countertops

Two materials that give you beautiful results in any area they are installed in are quartz and granite. Quartz countertops are made from about 93% or more of natural quartz stone, mixed with resins and pigments. These resins make them impervious to stains, scratching, heat, and other issues. This makes quartz lower in maintenance than granite.

Granite is a completely natural material. While it needs more care, it comes in a wider range of colors and styles. Quartz is more uniform because the pigments are added and controlled so that you always know what you are getting. Granite can have some surprises, which can be a pro and con. Some people love this natural variation, while others prefer the more uniform look of quartz. Both materials have some cost overlap. Quartz ranges from $50 to $200, but some granites are less and more expensive. However, the bulk of both materials fall within comparable ranges.

Marble vs Granite Countertops

Granite and marble are both natural stones that can be found in slabs and tiles. In general, granite countertops are made from igneous stones, while marble is metamorphic. Some commercial granites are technically metamorphic but contain such high quantities of feldspar, silica, and quartz that they more closely resemble true granite.

Marble is made mostly of calcite, which makes it much softer than granite. It scratches and stains easily. When used in the kitchen, accept the marble patinas over time or spend more time on maintenance. Granite is much lower in maintenance than marble and resists most scratches and stains. Marble and granite have similar cost ranges, installation methods, and timelines.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Backsplash Installation

It is very common for a 4-inch backsplash of your granite to be installed with the countertop. This is unnecessary but can offer protection for the wall if you choose not to tile the backsplash. This 4-inch granite backsplash is priced by the linear foot and costs between $10 and $15 on average to install.

Cooktop Installation

If you are not installing a range oven, you can have a cooktop undermounted into your granite countertop. This creates a sleek and seamless integration into your kitchen. The cost to cut out the cooktop’s shape is around $200. This does not include installation or the cooktop, which has an average cost of $650.

Sink Installation

Any sink installed in your granite countertop has a sink cutout fee of $100 per sink. This is in addition to the sink’s cost and installation, which is around $400.

Stain-Preventive Treatments

Some granites are porous and may stain. This can be determined by the lemon and water test. If your stone requires sealing, this can be done at the time of installation, with most fabricators sealing the stone at no additional cost. If you choose to seal the stone yourself, a bottle of impregnating stone sealer costs around $20.

Old Countertop Removal

If you have a lightweight countertop like laminate, the removal is usually included at no additional cost. Heavier countertops may have costs up to $500 for removal and disposal. Check with your fabricator and installer for more information.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Your granite cannot be templated until your cabinets are in place. It then takes about 2 - 3 weeks for the countertops to arrive and be installed.
• Granite is a natural stone, and no two countertops are the same. This is why you need to visit the stone yard and tag your slab to be sure of the color and veining.
• If you need help coordinating things like your granite and cabinets, use an interior designer or kitchen designer for advice.
• Always check the stone before it is installed to ensure it is the slab and section you chose and the edging and other options are correct.
• While slabs are the most common method of installing granite, remember that modular and tile granite countertops are also options for those on a budget.
• If you want to save, remember that basic edging and a polished finish are included at no additional cost, while decorative edging and finishes add up.
• Granite countertop installation should not be done DIY. The slabs and pieces must be cut by a professional. Granite is also heavy and easy to break if you do not support it properly. Always work with a professional when installing granite countertops.