Cost of Granite Countertops in 2024: Detailed Breakdown

Average Cost of Granite Countertops

Granite Countertops Cost Factors

The price of kitchen countertops depends on the size, type, texture, and color of the material, plus the cost of labor and prep.

Size

The larger the surface, the higher the price of granite countertop installation. This is especially true if you’re installing a granite slab instead of granite tile—having a large piece custom-cut to your specific needs is more expensive. Generally, granite costs between $40 and $100 per square foot for materials alone (though some types exceed this amount).

Color

Most people consider dark granite the most attractive option because of its depth, the facets and patterns that can appear in the light, and its natural ability to hide stains. For this reason, darker-colored granite tends to be more expensive than white or beige granite.

Type

There are many kinds of granite, each with its own unique look. Depending on your final aesthetic and the other colors in the space, one option might make more sense for you than others.

Texture

Texture is also important to consider when determining the cost of replacing your countertops with granite. There are three available textures:

• Polished: a low-maintenance option; the most common and least expensive

• Honed: a moderately expensive texture with a more matte finish

• Leathered: closer to the natural texture of granite; the most expensive. 

Labor

Labor to install a granite countertop usually makes up 20% to 50% of the total project budget. Your local granite countertop installer will likely charge between $30 and $85 per hour, which works out to around $10 to $50 per square foot of granite installed. 

Prep

Beyond the labor of installing the countertop itself, you may also have to pay professionals to prep the space for installation. These might include:

• Plumbing: Needed to disconnect and reconnect your sink—plumbers charge $40 to $150 per hour

• Underlayment or cabinet reinforcement: Possibly required to ensure your cabinets can support the weight of your countertop—general contractors charge between $30 and $85 per hour

• Leveling: Needed in homes where the floor may not be level—can be done by a general contractor for $30 to $85 per hour

Granite Countertops Pros and Cons

Granite countertops have unique advantages over options like stone or laminate, but there are also some downsides to be aware of as well.

Pros

• Durability: Granite is a hard-wearing stone that resists damage from scratches and heat (both common in the kitchen), meaning you’ll save a lot on countertop repair costs in the future.

• Home value: Granite is a beautiful and desirable material for countertops that may boost a home’s resale value.

• Options: Granite's many types, colors, and textures allow you to customize the final look of your countertop more than other options.

• One-of-a-kind: Granite is a naturally formed mineral, so no two countertops are exactly the same. Your countertop will be completely unique.

Cons

• Cost: Granite is a premium material with a price to match. It tends to be much more expensive than other stone countertop materials.

• Higher maintenance: Granite is naturally somewhat porous, meaning it must be sealed regularly (usually once a year) to prevent staining and bacterial buildup.

• Hard to repair: If your granite countertop gets chipped, scratched, burnt, or cracked, it can be hard or even impossible to repair. You may have to pay to replace an entire section.

• Installation: Unlike some countertop materials, such as laminate, a professional should install granite.

Budgeting for Granite Countertops

A granite countertop is a substantial investment in the beauty and value of your home, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few tips to reduce the cost of your project:

• Opt for a less expensive type of granite (e.g., Alaska White or Absolute Black) versus a more costly one.

• Consider buying polished granite for a lower upfront cost and fewer maintenance costs down the line.

• Install a granite tile countertop versus a slab to save on the costs of custom stone cutting.

• Consider the thickness of your countertop—thinner slabs are usually less expensive to purchase and install.

• If you have the tools and know-how, remove your old countertop yourself.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.