how much are granite countertops

$68 – $90 Per Square Foot Installed

The estimated cost to install slab granite countertops is between $44 to $156 per square foot, installed. The average cost range is $68 – $90 per square foot. The large variable in costs is due to the amount needed, the marbling of the granite, and several other factors.


Average Cost of Granite Counter Installation

Expect to pay an average of around $80 per square foot to have granite countertops installed in your kitchen or bathroom. The most typical range, $68 – $90 per square foot that includes a site visit for all measuring and preparation work, the new granite counters, delivery and installation, as well as all supplies, cutting and fitting done during the install.

Average Do It Yourself cost

$50 / Square Foot

Average Contractor Installed Cost

$79 / Square Foot

Typical Cost Average

$68 – $90 / Square Foot

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 12, 2022


Overview of Granite Counters

Granite countertops remain one of the most popular choice of materials for remodeling and new construction. They bring unmatched natural beauty to your kitchen or bath. The cost of granite countertops has come down in the last decade, but granite is still one of your pricier options. As you can see, granite countertop prices range from moderate to very expensive.

Here are average costs for the most common projects. Costs can be lower with the most affordable material and much higher when factors including premiums grades of granite are used for large, complex counters.

  • Medium bathroom countertop: $715 to $945
  • Average kitchen countertops: $2,200 to $3,240
  • Kitchen countertops with island: $2,992 to $4,360

Cost factors are discussed below, so you’ll have a clear idea where on the range your type of granite countertop cost will be and where you might be able to save money. Material, supply and professional installation labor costs are itemized in square feet to show where the money goes and what your total cost may be. Our DIY or Pro recommendation below might help you decide whether countertop installation is a suitable project and what the risks are of doing it yourself.

See Costs from Around the Web and Costs Submitted by Homeowners and Pros below for additional granite countertop price information, and feel free to submit your cost too.

Related Cost Estimates

Project Cost Details

Granite Slab Cost Factors

Slab granite counterts installed for less than $100 per square foot is quite reasonable, while premium granite costs about 50% to 60%more.

The focus here is granite slab countertops because that is the type most homeowners prefer. However, granite tiles are available for your kitchen or bathroom counter. Cost for tile counter tops is $15 to $27 per square foot. Similar cost factors apply.

These cost factors will determine how much you’ll pay.

  • Slab Size: The goal in most installation is to have zero seams in a bath or just a couple in a kitchen counter. This means larger slabs are desirable. Since they’re also less common, they cost more. If you’re willing to work with smaller slabs and a few extra seams, you’ll save $10 to $20 per square foot.
  • Slab thickness: The norm for decades has been 1.25 inches (3cm) in the kitchen and .75 inches (2cm) in the bath. However, 2-inch (5cm) counters are trending for both applications. The thicker the granite, the higher the cost.
  • Color availability: Your options include white/off-white ($35-$55) tan ($37-$50) green ($30-$55) black ($30-$65), gray ($30-$60), gold ($40-$70), red ($60-$75) and blue ($65-$170). Even within each color, some shades are considered premium and cost more. A hue known as Blue Bahia ($140+), is the priciest color of them all.
  • Granite Level: Slabs are assigned a level from 1 to 7. Level 1 granite is very plain and/or has inclusions of soft minerals that make it weaker. Level 7 granite is full of hardier mineral inclusions of varied colors to enrich its beauty and strength. Most countertop companies have access to slabs in levels 1 to 5 or 6. Cost rises with each level.
  • Texture: Glossy or polished granite counters are standard and cost the least. Honed granite has a matte finish and a slightly higher cost. Leathered granite countertops have the highest price because they are less common and might need to be special ordered. The finish has a natural stone feel.
  • Edge cut: Squared edges have no extra cost. Price goes up with tiered cuts and bevels.
  • Source location: Granite is mined around the world. Price is partially a function of labor costs in the source country. Granite from India costs significantly less than stone mined in Norway and the US. Shipping distance factors into this cost too.

Cost of Installation Supplies

Your installer might itemize these supplies on an estimate.

  • $30-$170 | Slab cost per square foot, with an average of $47.
  • $14-$56 | Plywood and screws to install on top of the vanity of cabinets to support the bath or kitchen counters.
  • $12-$25 | Countertop adhesive and caulk.
  • $24-$30 | Granite sealer (optional – most counters are sealed at the factory).
  • $80-$300 | Edging (optional). If the edge isn’t factory cut, edging is sometimes applied on the job to give the counter a thicker or decorate appearance.

Permits, Inspection, Related Costs and Installation Time

Permits and Inspection Cost

  • $0 | A permit isn’t necessary for countertop installation.

Related Costs and Installation Time

Keep in mind that the table at the top of the page shows complete installed costs – granite, supplies and labor. We’ve itemized material costs. Here are counter top installation costs:

  • $9.00-$16.00 per square foot | Installation cost based on the size, number of slabs and complexity of the job. Most single-slab installations cost $185 for a bathroom counter to $600 for a kitchen counter. Multiple slab kitchen countertop installation costs an average of $925.
  • $85-$215 | Cost to remove and dispose of an existing countertop, if applicable. Cost is based on the size and type of counter removed.
  • $90-$125 | Additional sink hole cut. Most estimates include one sink hole. This is the estimate for a second bathroom sink or prep sink in the kitchen.

Countertop Install Time Schedule

An experienced crew makes the work go surprisingly fast. For bath counters, a two-person crew is sufficient. Large slabs for kitchen counters might require a third set of hands.

  • 1 hour or less | Remove the old countertop
  • 1-3 hours | Installation of a single slab counter
  • 4-8 hours | Installation of two or more slabs

DIY or Hire a Pro?

I’ve installed laminate countertops, but not stone. They didn’t require plywood support. Laminate is much lighter, easier to handle and cut.  Finally, at a much lower cost, there was a lot less money to lose by accidentally dropping a section of it.

One thing is for sure, if you want professional results, you should probably hire someone who makes a living installing stone countertops.

  • The material is heavy, and some slabs are best lifted and set in place by three people
  • It is easily chipped or broken if mishandled
  • Cutting granite is difficult and takes unique skills and tools
  • Countertops might require shimming to create a level surface for the plywood and granite

Our recommendation is to determine that the installer is licensed and insured, to protect your investment if the material is damaged during installation.

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