Figuring out the cost for your kitchen countertop upgrade doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right guidance and data, you can come up with an estimate for your project.
The first step to determining the cost of your kitchen countertop upgrade is to identify which material you plan to use. For instance, you can expect to pay more for a natural stone countertop than you will for a laminate surface.
If you’re considering getting granite stone countertops for your kitchen, then you’ll need to estimate the cost. It’ll really come down to where you purchase your granite from and whether you purchase it as tile, modular, or slab cuts.
At Keystone Granite & Tile, we have the best rates for our granite stone countertops. You can use the following guide to give you a better understanding of the price differences between the three types of granite.
Of course, at the end of the day, it all comes down to your region and the company you purchase from.
Let’s review.
Slab Granite Kitchen Countertops
The price range for granite slabs can range anywhere between $10 and $40 per sq. ft give or take. However, that’s the cost for an uninstalled slab. The cost for installation plus the slab ranges between $35 and $66 per sq. ft.
It’s estimated that about half of the cost for granite slabs is for the labor of installation. Ironically, some companies that have pricier granite slabs will charge a cheaper installation rate.
Granite slabs are giant rectangular stone portions that are fabricated off-site, then delivered to your home for installation.
Looking at various retailers, we see the following averages for granite slabs per foot:
• Slab only: $24.33
• Installation only: $23.07
• Slab and installation: $47.40
Based on the above info, it seems that many companies charge double the price for the slab and installation. So, if the granite slab is $20, then you can expect to pay an extra $20 for the installation.
Then say you have a 20 sq ft counter, then you’re paying $500 for the slab and then another $500 for the installation.
But when we look at an increase in the price of granite slabs, the cost ratio between slab and installation drops drastically. For instance, for a $40 granite slab, you’re paying only $26 for the installation, totaling out to $66.
Granite Tile Kitchen Countertops
Some homeowners opt for much small cuts for their kitchen countertop upgrade. Tile granite is available on the market at rates between $6 and $10 per sq. ft. The quality of tile is better if you go to a professional versus buying them off the shelf.
This is an option for those looking to save money. There’s no mortar and grout are used like with ceramic tile. Instead, the granite tiles are pressed together edge to edge and then affixed using epoxy.
While it can sometimes be more affordable, it’s not necessarily the most attractive. Most homeowners are looking for granite countertops with the least seams possible.
Modular Granite Kitchen Countertops
Modular granite can cost you between $25 and $40 per sq. ft. You can consider this a mix between slabs and tile when it comes to expense and size. It’s also important to note that modular slabs aren’t easy to come by everywhere.
However, modular granite is a step up from granite tile. These are mini-slabs that are normally around 12” by 12”. One upside to using modular granite is that it addresses peripherals, such as backsplashes, corners, and edge treatments.
The seams are skinnier and less noticeable since you can find grout that’s matches the color of the stone. Modular slabs aren’t yet as popular as tile and slabs. And it’s mostly used by the DIY market.
Which is Best for Your Kitchen Countertop Upgrade?
If you ask a professional granite contractor, they’ll tell you that granite slabs are the best way to go. While the price is higher, you get a better result. And as with any investment you make in your home, you want it to offer you a great return.
With granite slabs, you’re getting a seamless look that looks amazing. It can help boost your property value and attract potential home buyers if you ever decided to sell.
You get what you pay for when it comes to natural stone countertops so make sure you’re getting the best of the best.
DIY Granite Slabs Don’t Exist
If you’re thinking about doing your own granite slabs, then think again. These stones are very heavy and require special skills and tools to install. In most cases, homeowners lack in both areas. The delivery of granite slabs is also costly when you set it up on your own.
Fabricating it to fit your countertop perfectly and polishing it to look luxurious isn’t something you can do easily. Invest in a professional’s help to ensure you get a kitchen countertop upgrade that’s well-worth it.
Hiring a Contractor for Your Kitchen Countertop Installation
Updating the countertops in your kitchen is a great way to revitalize the appearance of your cooking space. At Keystone Marble and Granite, we have licensed, bonded and insured contractors that are skilled and trained in natural stone countertop installations.
For many years, we’ve worked on kitchens throughout Delaware and Pennsylvania. Our rates are the best in the area for both granite slabs and installation. We offer free estimates and we even have a kitchen visualizer on our website.
If you need help with selecting the best slabs for your kitchen countertop, we can help. Visit our local showroom to see our available products firsthand. We have granite, marble, and engineered quartz slabs available for installation.
Stop by today or give us a call to get started with your free quote!