Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices of homeowners across the world. They are natural beautiful, durable, unique, and work perfectly in any kitchen design. If you do not currently have granite countertops, and are thinking about remodeling your kitchen, this is definitely a material you should consider. You need to understand that not all granite countertops will cost the same. Although most granite prices will range anywhere from $100 to $200 per square foot, there are many factors that can affect the price of the granite you choose. It is important that you learn about these factors to help you make the best decision for your countertops. Here, you’ll learn about the deciding factors of the cost of the granite you will purchase.
Size
Even though granite is sold by square foot, in most instances, you’ll find that the size of the slab needed can affect the cost. When selecting your granite countertop you want to choose as few pieces as possible. This means that the pieces will be larger, yes, but you will not have too many seams that tend to be visible with granite. This is also a good idea when it comes to color.
Because granite has so many variations in each slab, you want to use as few slabs as possible to have a more uniform look in one area. The one downside to choosing larger pieces from the same slab is that cost tends to be higher. This is mostly because they come from an even larger slab of granite, and because they are more difficult to handle during the installation process.
Color & Availability
Another factor that determines the overall cost of granite is color. There are some colors and variations of hues that are rarer than others. This is because granite is a natural product and the colors are made by the pressure and heat that creates them deep within the earth. As with other materials that are naturally made, the rarer an item is, the more expensive it is.
Furthermore, the availability of the color you are looking for can also affect the cost. It is a simple supply and demand economic calculation that comes into play here. For example, if the product is in high demand and low supply, it could be more expensive to obtain, which will increase your costs as well. There are also times where the demand for the color you choose is low, and the supply is high, which is beneficial, as the cost will be lower.
Location of Granite
The location of where the granite is harvested from can also affect the overall cost to you, as a buyer. This means that if the granite you have chosen comes from across the country, or even across the world, you will be paying a much higher price. On the other hand, the cost will be much lower if the granite comes from within your state or local area.
Grade & Special Treatments
Another important factor to consider when understanding the cost of granite is the grade of the granite. Granite is graded depending on the strength or composition of the materials in the granite. Much like diamonds, the higher quality of the granite, the higher the cost will be. Essentially, you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for high quality materials, which is why most people choose granite to begin with, you might need to pay slightly more to ensure you’re getting long-lasting, durable granite.
Because granite is a natural material, it often requires special treatments to ensure longevity. For instance, granite countertops are often treated with different products that will help reduce the likelihood the granite will stain. During the installation process, your granite countertops will need to be sealed. In fact, they will need to be sealed about once a year to maintain their natural beauty and prevent staining on a regular basis. There are special treatments that can be applied to your granite countertops that will help them last approximately 10 to 15 years before sealing is required again. The sealing option that you choose will affect the cost of your granite.
Overall, the cost of the granite is primarily dependent upon the choices you make. The more willing you are to choose the products that are available, including the colors, grade, texture, and size, the less you will spend on the granite. It is also important that you hire a professional installation company to install your countertops, to prevent them from being damaged or installed improperly. With that in mind, remember that granite can last quite a long time. If you want to truly enjoy your decision for years to come, you may want to spend a little extra to get exactly what color, grade, and type you will be satisfied with.