Granite Countertops Cost

HomeGuide prices installed granite at $80 to $150 per square foot on average.

Cost by kitchen size

Source: HomeGuide.

Cost by grade (installed, per sq ft)

Slab, modular or tile

Source: HomeGuide; material only, before installation.

Other figures

• Bob Vila puts a typical granite countertop project at $2,000 to $4,500, averaging $3,250.
• Fabrication and install labor runs $35 to $85 per hour (Bob Vila).
• A bathroom vanity top costs $250 to $2,500 installed (Bob Vila).

Rare colors, thicker slabs, extra seams, sink and cooktop cutouts and fancy edge profiles push the price toward the high end.

Slab material by level (before installation)

Source: HomeGuide. Prefab granite costs $20 to $80+ per sq ft.

What the grades mean

Bob Vila describes low-grade granite as 3/8-inch slabs with simple patterns, mid-grade as 3/4-inch slabs with more vibrant colors, and high grade as thicker slabs with elaborate patterns. Rare stones run $75 to $100+ per sq ft for material alone.

Granite vs. other counters (installed, per sq ft)

Labor

Bob Vila puts labor for an average-size kitchen counter (24 by 180 inches) at $600 to $1,500, and a full kitchen granite installation at $1,200 to $6,000. Angi's kitchen guide lists average installed countertops of any material at $1,800 to $4,400.

Removal and add-ons

Bob Vila's quartz guide lists old countertop removal at $5 to $15 per sq ft, edge treatments at $5 to $60 per linear ft and plumbing disconnect and reconnect at $150 to $400. Bob Vila lists modular granite at $25 to $40 and granite tile at $5 to $15 per sq ft.

Why homeowners choose granite

Granite is a natural stone that resists heat and scratches well. Each slab has its own pattern, so no two kitchens look exactly alike.

Things to know before buying

• Sealing: granite is porous and should be sealed to resist stains. How often depends on the stone and the sealer.
• Seams: large kitchens may need seams. Ask where they will go.
• Weight: granite is heavy, so cabinets must be level and sturdy.
• Variation: the sample you see may not match the slab you get. Choosing your own slab helps.

Edge profiles

Simple eased or straight edges usually cost least. Bullnose, ogee and other decorative edges take more work and add to the price.

What affects the price

• Slab grade, color and rarity.
• Countertop area.
• Edge profile.
• Cutouts for sinks, cooktops and faucets.
• Backsplash.
• Removing old countertops.

Granite vs. quartz

Quartz is engineered and needs no sealing, with a more uniform look. Granite handles heat better and offers natural variation. Prices can overlap, so compare quotes for both.

Questions to ask

1. Can I pick my exact slab at your yard?
2. Is sealing and old countertop removal included?
3. Where will the seams be?
4. Is plumbing reconnection included?

In Texas

Granite has been a popular choice in Texas kitchens for years. Many fabricators in larger Texas cities have stone yards where homeowners can choose slabs in person.

Choosing a slab

Because granite is natural stone, each slab is unique. Many fabricators let you visit their yard or a stone supplier to choose your own slab. Seeing the full slab helps you understand how veining and color will look across your counters, especially on large islands. Ask the fabricator to show you how they plan to lay out the pieces.

Sealing granite

Granite is porous, so most granite counters are sealed after installation. How often to reseal depends on the stone. A simple test: drip water on the counter. If it beads, the seal is good. If it soaks in and darkens the stone, it is time to reseal. Resealing is a simple DIY job with a granite sealer.

Caring for granite

Clean with mild soap or a stone cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners, like vinegar or lemon, which can dull the seal over time. Wipe up spills, especially oil and wine, quickly. Granite handles heat better than quartz, but using trivets protects both the stone and the seal.

Granite grades and what they mean

Fabricators and suppliers often group granite into levels or grades. These are mostly about price and availability, not strict quality standards. Lower levels are common, readily available colors. Higher levels include rarer colors, dramatic patterns and stones from distant quarries. A higher level does not always mean a stronger or better-performing stone. All granite is durable when properly installed and sealed.

Inspecting your slab

When you choose a slab, look for cracks, pits and fissures. Natural fissures are common in granite and are not usually structural, but deep cracks can be a concern. Ask the fabricator to point out any repairs or resin fills, which are common in some stones. Viewing the slab when it is wet shows how it will look after sealing.

Undermount sinks

Granite is strong enough to support undermount sinks, which attach under the counter and make cleaning easier. The sink is chosen before fabrication so the fabricator can cut and polish the opening to fit. Heavy sinks, like cast iron or fireclay farmhouse sinks, may need extra support in the cabinet.

Seams

Ask where the seams will be before fabrication.

Ask whether each quote is for 2 cm or 3 cm slabs, since thickness changes the price and the edge options.

Removal of old counters

Ask whether removing and disposing of the old countertops is included, and whether the fabricator disconnects and reconnects the sink and cooktop.

Sources

1. HomeGuide: How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost? (Aug 10, 2023)
2. Bob Vila: Granite Countertops Cost (updated Aug 2, 2023)
3. HomeGuide: How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost? (Dec 14, 2023)
4. Angi: How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? (updated Sep 4, 2026)