How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?

Consider these price factors before starting a kitchen or bathroom renovation.

If you’re thinking about getting granite countertops, you’re not alone. Marine Sargsyan, staff economist at Houzz, tells us that according to the 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends study, granite countertops continue to be a popular choice among homeowners. “Nearly a quarter (23 percent) opted for this material in their kitchen remodels,” she says.

And there are several reasons for its popularity among those planning to remodel a bathroom or kitchen. “Granite is a sturdy natural stone that is heat-, scratch-, chemical- and dent-resistant, as well as UV-resistant so it doesn’t fade over time,” Sargsyan says. (However, she cautions that granite countertops must be sealed occasionally to resist stains and bacteria.)

But, how much will granite countertops set you back? Keep reading for a breakdown of the cost of granite countertops.

Granite countertop costs

Regarding price, Natalie Rebuck, principal designer at Re: Design Architects, tells us that granite countertops can range from $40 to $60 per square foot. “That cost will depend on how big the countertop space is, as well as if you opt for a waterfall option, where granite goes down the sides of an island, or if it's just the top.” And those aren’t the only factors that affect how much you’ll pay. For example, Rebuck explains that one of the main cost drivers is how exotic your selection is, since some stones are rarer than others, so they cost more.

Sargsyan at Houzz, agrees, and notes that granite countertops are considered one of the more affordable materials. “However, prices vary widely depending on a number of factors, including quality, color, pattern, and availability.” She places the cost to install kitchen countertops in a typical range from $4,046 - $4,471. “But the total cost depends on counter space in square footage, material, edging, and labor costs in your area.

Morgan Olsen, design expert at Thumbtack, tells us that on average, nationwide, granite countertops cost $40 to $200 per square foot for the stone and installation.

Granite countertop options

Granite comes in various grades, colors, patterns, finishes, and formats—and all of these can affect price. According to Morgan Olsen, design expert at Thumbtack, these are some of the factors to keep in mind:

Grades

Granite is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, and level 1 granite can cost twice as much per square feet as level 7 granite. “While Level 1 granite costs around $40 to $50 per square foot, you can expect to pay $75 to $100 per square foot for Level 5,” she says.

Colors

Granite colors are created by nature, and colors like black and green are less expensive than colors like red and blue. This actually relates to the grade of granite. “Average costs per square foot for lower grade granite include black: $20 to $70; green: $25 to $50; steel gray $35 to $60; and white: $40 to $60,” Olsen says. However, red starts at $65, and blue starts at $100.

Patterns

“Solid colors cost less per square foot, $25 and up, than speckled colors: $45 and up, which cost less than marbled colors, $60 and up,” Olsen says.

Finishes

Regarding finishes, Olsen says a polished finish is the standard finish, and costs 50 cents or less per square foot. “A honed finish—mid-grade, matte—is 50 cents to $1 per square foot, and a leathered finish—rare, top of the line finish that looks and feels similar to leather—is $1 to $2 per square foot.”

Formats

The least expensive format for granite countertops is tile, which is $6 to $10 per square foot. “Modular granite—mini slabs that can be pieced together—is $15 to $40 per square foot, while slab granite tile—single, custom cut—is $45 to $65 per square foot,” Olsen says.

Edges

Different types of edges can add to the cost of countertop installation. While a straight edge doesn’t cost more, Olsen says an eased or beveled edge is slightly more expensive per linear foot ($6 and $8 respectively), while a bullnose or rounded corner is significantly more expensive per linear foot ($23 and $34 respectively).

Other factors to consider

Besides the various types and finishes of granite, there are other factors that will also affect the cost. “If you have a lot of cutouts for the sink, faucet, soap, etc.,” Rebuck says you can expect to pay extra for these holes to be cut in the granite.

Actual labor costs to install a standard kitchen countertop can range from $400 to $1,000, according to Olsen, who adds that most professionals charge by the hour. But these costs may vary by location and contractor. “For example, a Thumbtack pro in Denver, Colorado charges $32 an hour to install a granite countertop—and that doesn't include the cost of the slab,” she explains.

But some pros may charge by the square foot. “For example, another pro in Aurora, Colorado charges $45 to $200 per square foot for a granite slab and installation.”

If these prices seem expensive, keep in mind that granite is not like some other types of countertop materials. Olsen says it is cut out of the earth from a quarry - not rolled off an assembly line. “But its durability means it will last much longer than a less expensive material like laminate, which costs around one-third as much as granite but will only last 20 years, tops,” she concludes.

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