Granite is one of the strongest decorative materials available on the market; formed deep within the Earth over a period of millions of years, the stone is entirely resistant against weight, pressure, heat, cold and moisture. While granite is a great option for any indoor or outdoor decor, it is also one of the most expensive selections at around thirty dollars per square foot; by contrast, ceramic tile is approximately five dollars per square foot. If you have decided, however, that you want to decorate your home in the earthy, rich tones that only granite provides, there are plenty of inexpensive options available. Cheap granite may be difficult to find, but provides a cost effective way of covering a counter or wall in the most beautiful and durable stone one can buy.
Wholesale orders are the best means of cutting down the cost of a granite surface. Home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s carry selections of stone slab surfaces, including schist, quartz and marble, and individually cut orders are always more expensive than bulk slabs. Home Depot’s pricing, for example, lists granite counter tops starting at twenty eight dollars per square foot, but after two hundred square feet the price drops to twenty five dollars per square foot, and after five hundred square feet the price drops to a mere twenty dollars per square foot. Many customers have found that even if they cannot afford or find a use for that amount, friends or family can all contribute if they are all interested in their own granite orders. This, however, means that they must hire their own independent contractor for installation.
Internet websites offer direct order stone surfacing, some of which can be a cheaper option than that found in local stores. These sites offer better financing for payment plans as they are directly connected to major banking industries (such as GE Money) to give customers individual pricing guides for orders. Over a fully comprehensive installation, sites such as DiscountGranite.com offers financing plans that result in a two thousand dollar full procedure for fifty square feet; this price is half that of a retail outlet and includes full installation. Other sites do not actually treat the stone, so a customer can order it shipped to treatment facilities where the stone will be cut and polished to specifications. This process can save hundreds of dollars, but many customers find that the headache of a middle man treating the stone is not worth the savings.
