Granite fabrication and installation typically cost $40-$100 per square foot, with many standard kitchen projects near $65 per square foot. Fabrication-only pricing is often $15-$35 per square foot; slab grade, edge profile, cutouts, removal, and local labor rates affect the total.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabrication and installation | $40 per sq ft | $65 per sq ft | $100 per sq ft | Standard granite, measured and installed |
| Fabrication only | $15 per sq ft | $25 per sq ft | $35 per sq ft | Stone supplied separately |
| Typical 30-sq-ft kitchen | $1,200 | $1,950 | $3,000 | Before optional removal or upgrades |
| Premium stone and complex work | $80 per sq ft | $110 per sq ft | $150 per sq ft | May include high-grade stone and custom details |
What granite fabrication costs for a standard kitchen
A straightforward 30-square-foot countertop project generally totals $1,200-$3,000 for stone, fabrication, and installation, with an average near $1,950. That assumes a common granite grade, standard eased edge, one sink cutout, and uncomplicated access. Fabrication-only quotes may exclude the slab, templating, delivery, installation, and taxes, so buyers should verify what the per-square-foot rate covers.
For a typical project, budget around $65 per square foot installed, then add charges for special cuts or removal. A small kitchen may have a higher effective rate if a shop applies minimum charges. Natural slab variation also means the selected stone and usable yield can alter the quote.
How slab, labor, and edgework shape the quote
Quotes combine stone and shop work in different ways. The table shows common U.S. ranges; labor figures reflect fabrication and installation, not a separate price to be added to every bundled quote.
| Cost component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite slab | $20-$60 | Per sq ft | Color, grade, thickness, and slab yield |
| Fabrication labor | $10-$30 | Per sq ft | Edge work, cutouts, and layout |
| Installation labor | $10-$25 | Per sq ft | Stairs, seams, access, and crew time |
| Equipment and shop work | $3-$10 | Per sq ft | Waterjet use, polishing, and shop handling |
| Delivery and disposal | $100-$500 | Per project | Travel distance and old-counter removal |
Some shops bundle stone, fabrication, and installation into one rate, while others itemize them. Compare the included work rather than comparing per-square-foot prices alone. As a rough labor check, a two-person crew working 6-10 hours at a combined $100-$180 per hour represents $600-$1,800 in labor.
Which slab dimensions and cutouts raise granite prices?
Layout and material yield matter as much as countertop area. A run longer than 10 feet may require a seam or a larger slab, while a peninsula wider than 25 inches can consume more material than a standard-depth counter. If the layout cannot be cut efficiently from one slab, the buyer may pay for additional stone even when the installed surface is modest.
Each sink cutout commonly adds $100-$300, and a cooktop opening may add $100-$250. A basic eased edge is often included, while a rounded or ogee profile can add $10-$30 per linear foot. Ask how the quote handles slab remnants, seams, overhangs, and cutouts.
Choose a simpler edge and layout to control the bill
Keeping the existing cabinet footprint and selecting a standard edge usually prevents avoidable fabrication charges. A basic eased edge can cost $10-$30 less per linear foot than a decorative profile. Reducing unnecessary overhangs and designing cuts around a single slab can also limit waste, though the fabricator must confirm actual slab dimensions.
Compare at least three written estimates using the same granite grade, thickness, finished square footage, sink cutout, edge profile, and installation scope. Do not choose solely by the lowest headline rate. Check whether templating, delivery, backsplash, sealing, taxes, and old-counter removal are included.
How long templating and installation take
After cabinets are ready, a shop commonly needs one visit to template and about 5-10 business days to fabricate, depending on slab availability and workload. Installation often takes 4-8 hours for a standard kitchen; a large layout, difficult access, or several seams can extend the visit. Rush work may carry a $150-$500 fee when a shop can accommodate it.
Labor estimates vary with crew size and regional rates. Confirm whether the price includes the measurement visit and installation-day plumbing or appliance coordination. Plumbing reconnection is frequently excluded and may cost $150-$400 through a plumber.
What sink removal, backsplash, and disposal add
Removing an old countertop commonly adds $5-$15 per square foot, or roughly $150-$450 for a 30-square-foot kitchen. A full-height granite backsplash may add $20-$50 per square foot installed, while a short 4-inch backsplash may cost $10-$25 per linear foot. Extra supports for overhangs can add $100-$400, depending on span and bracket type.
These charges depend on what is being removed and how the new counter meets walls and cabinets. Get removal, haul-away, backsplash, and support costs listed separately. Cabinet leveling or repair is generally a separate carpentry charge and should be resolved before templating.
Why granite shop rates differ across U.S. regions
Urban markets with higher wages, rent, and delivery costs may run 10%-25% above a national midpoint. Rural areas can be 5%-15% lower for labor, but limited shop choice or a long delivery route may erase that savings. Rates also differ by state and metro area, so local written quotes are more useful than a national average.
Use the same specifications when comparing local prices. Ask whether the quoted rate covers travel, stair carries, seam placement, and standard sealing, especially when the fabricator is outside the immediate service area.