Black Galaxy granite slab price typically ranges from $25 to $65 per square foot for the stone, with many standard slabs near $35. A fabricated, installed countertop often totals $60 to $120 per square foot, depending on thickness, edge work, cutouts, location, and how much usable stone the project needs.
Imported slabs, polished finishes, and full-slab minimums can change the quote, so buyers should compare stone-only pricing with the complete fabrication and installation estimate.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Galaxy slab, stone only | $25/sq ft | $35/sq ft | $65/sq ft | Grade, thickness, and supplier affect price |
| Fabricated countertop installed | $60/sq ft | $85/sq ft | $120/sq ft | Includes typical measuring, fabrication, and installation |
| Full slab purchase | $1,200 | $2,100 | $4,000+ | Approximate 45-65 sq ft slab; remnants may cost less |
What a 2- to 3-centimeter Black Galaxy slab costs
Stone-only estimates commonly run $25-$65 per square foot. A 2-centimeter slab may sit near the lower end, while 3-centimeter stone, selected lots, or slabs with more uniform gold and silver flecks can cost more. A nominal 55-square-foot slab at $35 per square foot would be about $1,925 before freight, fabrication, or installation.
Installed countertop quotes often fall around $60-$120 per square foot for a standard kitchen layout. That price generally assumes ordinary access, a polished edge, a sink cutout, and no unusual demolition or reinforcement. A small project may have a minimum charge that raises the effective per-square-foot rate.
Stone-only price is not the same as the finished countertop price. Assumptions: standard residential slab, polished face, typical U.S. market, and normal site access.
How slab, fabrication, and delivery charges add up
Fabricators may quote the stone and work separately, or provide one installed rate. The table shows typical ranges for a residential countertop; actual charges depend on the shop and layout.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common billing unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite material | $25-$65 | Thickness, grade, slab selection | Per sq ft |
| Fabrication labor | $15-$35 | Edge profile, seams, cutouts | Per sq ft or project |
| Installation labor | $10-$25 | Stairs, access, crew size | Per sq ft or project |
| Delivery and handling | $150-$500 | Distance, slab weight, access | Per delivery |
| Sink or cooktop cutout | $150-$350 | Cutout shape and polishing | Per cutout |
Labor can be estimated as ; countertop crews and shop labor may be priced into the square-foot rate instead. Ask whether measurement, sink cutouts, edge finishing, delivery, and installation are included.
Why thickness, slab yield, and edge detail shift the quote
Thickness is a major price variable: 2-centimeter stone can cost less than 3-centimeter stone, while a built-up edge can add visual thickness without using a full 3-centimeter slab. Fabricators may charge extra for laminated edges, bullnose profiles, or detailed corners rather than a standard eased edge.
Usable yield matters as much as the countertop’s measured area. A 40-square-foot kitchen may require buying a 55-square-foot slab because grain-free layout, seams, sink placement, and breakage risk limit how pieces can be nested. Slabs around 45-65 square feet are common, but dimensions vary by shipment.
Cutouts also affect the final bill. One sink cutout may be included in a package, while a second sink, cooktop opening, faucet holes, or a waterfall panel may add charges. Confirm slab dimensions and layout before treating the quoted square footage as the amount of stone to purchase.
How Black Galaxy granite prices vary by U.S. region
Imported stone costs are influenced by freight, local inventory, and competition among fabricators. Large metro markets may price installed work 5%-15% above a national midrange because of higher shop and labor expenses. In rural areas, stone selection can be limited, and a long delivery route may add $100-$400 even when labor rates are lower.
Coastal markets and cities with more stone showrooms may have a wider range of grades and slab selections. Prices in the Midwest or South can be 5%-10% below expensive urban markets for a comparable basic installation, but local quotes, freight, and project access can outweigh those averages. Compare local installed quotes using the same thickness, edge, cutouts, and delivery terms.
How long countertop fabrication and installation take
After a slab is selected, templating commonly takes 1-2 hours on site. Shop fabrication may require 5-10 business days, followed by a 3-6 hour installation for a typical kitchen handled by a two-person crew. Scheduling delays can extend the calendar time, especially when the slab must be shipped or a custom edge is requested.
Demolition and disposal are often separate. Removing old laminate may cost $3-$8 per square foot, while heavy stone removal can run $8-$20 per square foot because of weight and disposal needs. Cabinets that are uneven or need support can also require extra labor. Get removal, haul-away, and cabinet preparation listed separately from the granite work.
Three kitchen layouts show how the total can change
A small 25-square-foot vanity or kitchenette using a remnant might total $1,500-$2,500 installed, provided the remnant is large enough and no special seam is required. A standard 40-square-foot kitchen with a 3-centimeter slab, one sink cutout, and a simple edge may cost $2,800-$4,200.
A 60-square-foot kitchen with an island, multiple cutouts, upgraded edges, and a longer carry may reach $4,500-$7,000. These examples assume standard polished Black Galaxy granite and ordinary installation conditions; backsplash, demolition, taxes, and plumbing reconnection may be extra.
Project size, slab yield, and extra fabrication explain why two kitchens with similar square footage can receive different totals.
Black Galaxy granite versus quartz and lower-cost remnants
Black Galaxy granite is a natural stone with a distinctive dark background and reflective mineral flecks. Comparable installed granite may cost $50-$100 per square foot, while quartz often runs $65-$120 per square foot. Prices overlap, and a premium selected granite slab can cost as much as or more than standard quartz.
A remnant can reduce the material expense for a small vanity, bar, or laundry counter, sometimes bringing stone to $15-$35 per square foot. It is less useful for a long kitchen run if the piece cannot cover the layout or match another slab. Compare the finished installed quote, not just the material price per square foot.
Ways to lower the Black Galaxy countertop estimate
Choose a standard eased edge, keep the layout simple, and avoid unnecessary seams or waterfall sides. If the project is small, ask fabricators to check remnants before reserving a full slab. For a larger kitchen, confirm whether one slab can cover the layout and whether the supplier charges for unused material.
Request at least three itemized quotes using the same slab thickness, cutouts, edge profile, backsplash height, removal scope, and delivery terms. Flexible scheduling may help avoid rush charges, and completing cabinet repairs before templating can prevent a return visit. Keep the specification consistent so lower bids reflect real savings rather than omitted work.