Cost of Granite Countertops in 2024: Detailed Breakdown
Highlights
Most granite countertop installation projects cost between $2,000 and $6,000 for labor and materials, with an average of about $3,300.
The price may increase depending on the granite's size, type, and color.
Labor contributes about 20% to 50% of the total project cost, with laborers charging between $30 and $85 per hour.
Depending on the type and texture of granite you choose, the material alone can cost from $40 to $100 per square foot.
Reduce the cost of granite countertop installation by opting for granite tiles instead of slabs, removing your old countertop yourself, or choosing a more common type of granite.
On average, granite countertops cost about $3,300, with most projects costing between $2,000 and $6,000. The main price drivers are the countertop size and the quality of the material. Most granite countertops cost between $40 and $100 per square foot, which doesn’t include labor. Most countertop installation pros charge between $30 and $85 per hour.
Average Cost of Granite Countertops
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $3,300 | $6,000 | $2,000 |
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).
| Type of Counter | Size (Inches) | Cost Range (Materials Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Kitchen | 24 x 180 | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Small Kitchen | 24 x 72 | $480–$1,200 |
| Large Island | 36 x 78 | $780–$1,950 |
| Small Island | 40 x 40 | $440–$1,100 |
| Bar Top | 16 x 36 | $160–$400 |
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.
| Type of Granite | Description | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska White | White with gray and brown streaks | $40 |
| Ubatuba | Dark green with subtle gold and black streaks | $60 |
| Silver Cloud | Swirls of white and gray | $55 |
| Absolute Black | Solid black | $40 |
| Black Galaxy | Black with sparkling bronze flecks | $70 |
| Solarius | A mix of black and yellow tones | $60 |
| Crema Bordeaux | Pink, brown, black, and gold | $80 |
| Blue Louise | Blue and turquoise with deep bronze streaks | $100 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
If properly installed and regularly sealed, a granite countertop can last as long as 100 years.
Depending on the size of your countertop, the number of slabs or tiles, the number of laborers, and the necessary prep work, your granite countertop installation could take between two hours and one day of work.
Granite Transformations—a thin veneer of granite overlay applied to your existing countertop—usually costs between $100 and $130 per square foot, labor and materials included. This is similar to the price of real granite countertops, but you won’t need to remove your existing countertop to install it.
Granite is a luxury material dug out of quarries in huge pieces deep within the earth. The granite usually has to travel a long distance from the quarry to a stonecutter, then to a store, and finally to your home. The large slabs are cumbersome to store, further adding to the price. You’ll also need to pay specialized laborers with powerful tools to work with it.
