How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost in 2025?
Granite countertops cost an average of $3,250
Granite countertops cost an average of $3,250.
On average, granite countertops range from $2,000 to $4,000, with smaller projects costing as little as $500 and high-end luxury installations reaching up to $9,000.
Key cost factors include granite type, size, and quality.
Granite is a durable material that can boost home value.
Professional installation helps prevent costly mistakes.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, most homeowners spend between $2,000 and $4,000 on granite countertop costs, with an average project total of $3,250. Small jobs can dip to $500, while top-tier installations climb to $9,000. Your final price depends on the granite type, the size of your counters, and the quality you choose. Material alone falls between $40 and $60 per square foot. Bringing in a pro helps ensure everything is measured, cut, and set correctly so you don’t face costly mistakes.
Granite Countertops Cost Factors
The cost of granite countertops varies based on several factors, including the size of your countertops, the type and quality of granite you choose, your texture and color preferences, and labor and preparation costs.
Size
Countertop size is one of the biggest price drivers. The more surface you cover, the more stone and labor you’ll pay for. Custom-cut slabs for a sprawling island cost more than standard sections or granite tiles because they take extra fabrication time.
Expect materials to land between $40 and $60 per square foot, though specialty granite can exceed that. Measure carefully so you can budget with confidence.
| Countertop Size | Dimensions (Inches) | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Average | 24x180 | $1,900–$3,300 |
| Small | 24x72 | $750–$1,400 |
| Island | 36x78 | $1,000–$2,100 |
| Small island | 40x40 | $650–$1,200 |
| Bar top | 16x36 | $300–$600 |
Color
The color of granite you choose can influence the overall cost. Dark granite is popular for its rich depth, the way its facets and patterns catch the light, and its natural ability to conceal stains. Due to these desirable qualities, darker-colored granite often comes at a higher price point than lighter options like white or beige.
Type
Granite comes in a variety of types, each offering its unique appearance and characteristics. Your choice can significantly impact the overall look of your space. Depending on your desired aesthetic and the existing colors in your kitchen or bathroom, certain types of granite may complement your design better than others.
| Granite Type | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Alaska White | $35 |
| Ubatuba | $30–$60 |
| Silver Cloud | $35–$40 |
| Absolute Black | $45–$60 |
| Black Galaxy | $50–$70 |
| Blue Louise | $70–$100 |
| Crema Bordeaux | $80 |
| Solarius | $60 |
| Bianco Antico | $45–$75 |
| Baltic Brown | $8 |
| New Venetian Gold | $45 |
| Costa Esmeralda | $70 |
| New Caledonia | $45 |
| Giallo Ornamental | $50–$55 |
| St. Cecilia | $40 |
Texture
The texture of your granite countertops not only affects the look but also the cost. There are three main texture options:
Polished: This is the standard and most affordable finish. Its glossy surface brings out the stone’s color and pattern, and it’s low-maintenance and easy for you to wipe clean.
Honed: With a matte finish, honed granite offers a more subdued look. It's moderately priced, providing a smooth surface that's ideal for a contemporary aesthetic. Expect it to cost $10 to $20 more per square foot than a polished finish.
Leathered: This texture retains the stone's natural feel, providing a rustic and unique appearance. Leathered granite is the most expensive due to the additional processing required and can add $15 to $25 per square foot.
Labor
A skilled installer makes sure your new counters both look sharp and stand up to daily wear. You may work with several pros:
Granite countertop installers: These are experts in measuring, cutting, and installing granite countertops. They charge between $35 and $85 per hour, or $35 per square foot installed.
Plumbers: They disconnect and reconnect sinks and faucets during installation.
General contractors: They oversee the entire project, including any structural or cabinet modifications.
Keep in mind that labor costs vary by region. Rates may be higher in areas with a higher cost of living or fewer skilled professionals. Complex installations or custom work can also increase labor costs due to the extra time and expertise required.
Prep
In addition to installation, preparing your space for new countertops may require additional services:
Plumbing: A plumber will disconnect and reconnect your sink and fixtures. Budget $100 for each sink cut-out and $200 for a cooktop cut-out.
Underlayment or cabinet reinforcement: Cabinets might need reinforcement to support the weight of granite. General contractors handle this task, charging between $35 and $85 per hour.
Leveling: If your floors aren't level, a general contractor can level them to ensure proper countertop installation.
Old countertop removal: An additional $100 to $200 (or $4 to $7 per square foot), unless included in your quote.
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.
Pros
Durability: Granite is a hard-wearing stone that resists scratches and heat, common challenges in the kitchen, helping you save on future repair costs.
Boosts home value: Installing granite countertops can enhance your home's beauty and potentially increase its resale value.
Wide range of options: With numerous types, colors, and textures, granite allows you to customize your countertops to perfectly suit your style.
Unique appearance: Since granite is a natural stone, each slab is one-of-a-kind, giving your countertop a unique and personal touch.
Cons
Higher cost: As far as countertop installation goes, granite is a premium material, so it can be more expensive than other countertop options, making budget planning essential.
Regular maintenance required: Granite is naturally porous and needs to be sealed regularly—usually once a year—to prevent staining and bacteria buildup. Professional sealing can add $100 or more to your costs unless included in your installation package.
Repair challenges: Repairing a chipped, scratched, burnt, or cracked granite countertop can be difficult. In some cases, you might need to replace an entire section.
Professional installation needed: Granite is heavy and requires precise installation, so hiring a professional installer is essential.
Budgeting for Granite Countertops
Investing in granite countertops enhances your home's beauty and value, but it doesn't have to exceed your budget. Here are some tips to help you save money without sacrificing quality:
Choose a budget-friendly granite: Options like Alaska White or Absolute Black trim material costs without sacrificing style.
Select a polished finish: Polished granite is more affordable upfront and requires less maintenance than other textures.
Consider granite tiles: Installing granite tiles instead of slabs can save on material and custom cutting costs.
Opt for thinner slabs: Selecting thinner granite slabs can lower both material and installation expenses.
DIY old countertop removal: If you have the skills and tools, removing your old countertops yourself can save on removal fees.
DIY vs. Hiring a Granite Countertop Pro
Installing granite isn’t a typical DIY weekend task. Slabs are extremely heavy, and lifting or setting them without the right gear can crack the stone—an expensive mistake. Hiring a local granite countertop installation pro means precise measurements, secure seams, and a finish that lasts.s.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, granite countertops can last 100 years or more—even in busy kitchens. The stone itself is extremely hard, but its longevity hinges on routine maintenance. Wipe up spills right away to avoid stains and reseal the surface once a year to keep moisture out. Those simple steps protect the finish and let the countertop stay both functional and attractive for decades.
Most granite countertop installations wrap up in a single day. A small vanity might take just a couple of hours, while a sprawling kitchen with multiple cut-outs or seams could stretch to eight hours. Timing depends on the layout’s size and complexity, plus any prep work like cabinet reinforcement or sink cut-outs. Experienced installers plan each step to keep your kitchen downtime to a minimum.
Granite isn’t your only stone choice. Marble delivers a classic, high-end look, while quartz blends natural stone with resins for extra strength and easy upkeep. Quartzite offers marble-like veining with granite-level durability, and soapstone brings a softer, matte finish that develops character over time. Consider how each material lines up with your style, maintenance goals, and budget before you decide.
Granite countertops can boost resale appeal and may recoup up to 25% of their installation cost when you sell. Buyers value their timeless style, durability, and low upkeep, so updated granite surfaces often stand out in listing photos and showings. Beyond potential return on investment (ROI), they refresh the kitchen’s look and signal that the space has been well cared for.
Quartz and granite are both tough, but they excel in different ways. Engineered quartz is non-porous, so it shrugs off spills and resists scratches from daily use, yet direct heat can damage its resins. Granite handles hot pans better but needs yearly sealing because it’s naturally porous. Choose quartz if you want nearly maintenance-free durability, or pick granite for a heat-friendly surface that rewards a little routine care.
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