Granite countertops are some of the most beautiful and durable countertops on the market. Before the 1990s, granite was not as popular as newly developed Formica and other cheaper, more durable materials. However it has been making a comeback in the luxury market for kitchen finishing materials. It comes in a variety of colors including black, grey, sand stone and red among many others. It can be honed to have a smooth edge or left rough for a more engaging look. Granite installers can cut a solid piece of granite to fit almost any countertop shape. The following article will give readers an overview of the general costs of granite materials and cost of installation.
The cost of granite material can vary based on many factors. The size of the piece of granite will obviously affect price, as will the thickness of the material. The color will also make the granite prices go up as some colors are rarer than others. By and large, granite is a very abundant material and although it can be thought of as a status symbol for those installing it in their kitchens and bathrooms, it is a relatively cheap material with durable and aesthetic properties. The form that granite comes in can also affect its price. If the material comes in tiles that can be installed by individuals or professionals, this can retail for about 4 to 6 dollars per square foot. This is mainly because it is in a less appealing and thinner form of about three eights of an inch thick as opposed to a slab of granite that can be two inches thick or more.
Slab granite is by far the most expensive option; companies offering installation will commonly charge about 50 to 60 dollars per square foot to install slabs of granite. This price can increase depending on the color and thickness of the granite. For example African blue granite will be substantially more per square foot than a more common, absolute black material.
Buying a slab of granite to install yourself will be substantially cheaper, however there are few things to keep in mind. A professional company that quotes you 60 dollars a square foot is charging for a variety of services that you may not have the capability of doing. A typical company will come to your home and measure the counter that you want to have granite tops on. They will take these measurements and select a piece of granite from their stock to cut out the proper piece. Cutting granite is no easy task and requires special saws and blades, most of which are either inaccessible or not cost effective for consumers. These tools can include huge floor-mounted laser guided saws with diamond dusted blades, equipment that may cost more than the granite piece and installation itself.
Slabs of granite are also incredibly heavy even for a small countertop and many consider the job to be more of an art than a science. Skilled craftsman with years of granite experience work to make a countertop look as beautiful as it can be.
Decomposed granite is a different type of granite used primarily for different types of projects. The decomposed granite cost is considerably less as well.
June 30, 2010
Countertops