Granite is probably the best countertop for your kitchen. Not only that it is beautiful, but its durability, and other properties that stand out from all other materials. This is why when you walk into any modern kitchen of any home or apartment, granite is the material of choice for their countertops.
To breathe a new life to your old, and boring kitchen the countertop is the place to start. A granite countertop will definitely change the overall look and feel of your kitchen. But where do you start? How can you be sure that you have high-quality materials? Do you have professionals who can install it correctly?
Why Granite Countertops?
Granite countertops can turn your kitchen from boring to fun without sacrificing functionality. In fact, granite counters can make your kitchen more functional than before. Here’s why:
They are durable. Granite countertops sure can take a beating. It is so durable that you would have a hard time scratching the surface of the stone.
Unlike marble, granite is the only natural stone that is formed by heat and pressure. Go on, put your pans in there as the heat won’t melt or even crack the surface of the granite.
Although expensive, you can never go wrong with this material. Sure you can save some cash by using synthetic materials but a cheaper price can never beat the beauty and durability of granite.
This is why most American homes use this material as it is the best combination of style and function. A single installation can last for around 10 to 15 years. Not only that, the natural stone grain gets better as it ages.
Types of Granite Countertops
Granite comes in a wide variety of styles and color. They come in blue, brown, grey, black and white with shades of various colors. Since each piece is unique, the gain will also differ significantly from specled, marbled to having no grain at all.
It is also important to note that there are slab and tile options for this type of material. Slab is more expensive but you have the ability to vary the backsplash tile. This is not possible with a granite tile as you are only restricted to using the same tiles for the entire setup. If you want the flexibility in design, a granite slab is the perfect choice.
Granite tiles on the other hand offer a larger variety of colors and tones compared to slabs. This versatility makes it suitable for people with varying tastes as you can use different tiles on your countertop. For example, you can use various tile designs to create a mosaic – something that a slab cannot do. If you are up for customizability, then tiles are the best choice.
And because granite is a natural stone, your countertop will be one of a kind. This is why you need to choose the right slab or tile in the showroom to match your countertop. Seek guidance from your countertop installer to make sure that your kitchen will match your personal taste and preference.
How Much Does A Granite Countertop Cost?
The cost ranges from the size of the countertop surface. Initially, the price will range from $2,000-$4000. However, most can get it done for around $3,000. Yes, its not cheap but the cost outweighs style and performance. Also when working with a countertop installer the cost breakdown are as follows:
- The cost of the slab or tile which is around $50 to $60 per square foot. This depends on the quality of the stone and where you are buying it.
- Common labor cost is around $250 to $550.
- Other materials needed to install it to your countertop like glue, plywood and a sealer which can cost roughly around $350 to $550.
- Edging and seams so that your countertop fits into space will cost around $200 to $300 each.