Granite and quartz countertop prices typically range from $40 to $120 per square foot installed, with a common 40-square-foot kitchen costing about $2,400-$3,600 before unusual prep or upgrades. Material grade, slab thickness, edge work, cutouts, removal, and local labor rates drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granite installed | $40/sq ft | $65/sq ft | $100/sq ft | Standard colors and straightforward layouts |
| Quartz installed | $55/sq ft | $85/sq ft | $120/sq ft | Engineered slabs; premium patterns cost more |
| 40-sq-ft kitchen | $1,600 | $3,000 | $4,800 | Basic fabrication and installation included |
Granite and Quartz Prices by Slab and Square Foot
For typical U.S. installations, granite runs about $40-$100 per square foot installed, while quartz commonly costs $55-$120 per square foot. The ranges generally include measuring, standard fabrication, and setting the countertop, but not every demolition, plumbing, or backsplash charge. A 30-square-foot project may total $1,200-$3,000 in granite or $1,650-$3,600 in quartz.
For a 40-square-foot kitchen, a practical starting budget is $2,600 for midrange granite or $3,400 for midrange quartz. Low prices usually reflect standard colors, simple edges, and uncomplicated access; distinctive slabs and complex layouts can exceed the high ranges. Assumptions: standard residential kitchen, ordinary access, midrange material, and no major cabinet repairs.
What Fabrication and Installation Add to the Quote
Material is only part of the installed price. Fabricators template the cabinets, cut and finish the slab, polish exposed edges, and transport and set the pieces. Labor varies with layout and shop practices; a basic installation may require a small crew for several hours, while large islands, stairs, or tight access add time and handling charges.
| Quote item | Granite range | Quartz range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material and fabrication | $25-$70/sq ft | $35-$85/sq ft | Slab grade, pattern, yield, and finish |
| Installation labor | $10-$25/sq ft | $12-$30/sq ft | Layout, access, seams, and crew time |
| Sink or cooktop cutout | $150-$300 each | $175-$350 each | Cutout shape and edge treatment |
| Delivery and handling | $100-$400 | $100-$400 | Distance, stairs, and slab size |
Some contractors quote a single installed rate; others separate stone, fabrication, and setting. Compare written quotes by included work, not just the per-square-foot figure. Confirm whether sink cutouts, faucet holes, finished edges, and templating are included.
How Thickness, Edges, and Slab Yield Change Pricing
Standard 3-centimeter stone is commonly included in base pricing, while 2-centimeter material may require a laminated edge or extra support that adds roughly $10-$30 per linear foot. A premium eased or bullnose edge may add $10-$25 per linear foot; elaborate profiles can cost more. Extra-thick or mitered island edges often require additional stone and fabrication.
Slab yield matters because veining and color matching can leave unusable offcuts. A compact counter with one sink may use less material than a 40-square-foot kitchen with a large island and multiple corners. Quartz with book-matched or strongly patterned designs can require more slab area to align the pattern. Ask whether the estimate charges for installed square footage or whole slabs, and how remnants are priced.
Quartz or Granite for a 40-Square-Foot Kitchen
For the same straightforward layout, midrange granite at $55-$75 per square foot totals about $2,200-$3,000. Midrange quartz at $70-$95 per square foot totals about $2,800-$3,800. These example budgets assume standard 3-centimeter material, one sink cutout, ordinary edges, and no removal or plumbing work.
A basic granite quote near $1,800 might use an entry-level color and a simple perimeter. A higher-detail quartz project can reach $4,500 or more if it includes a large island, premium pattern, upgraded edge, and additional cutouts. Compare the exact slab, finished edge, and included services before treating one material as cheaper.
Removal, Sink Cutouts, and Backsplash Charges
Removing an existing countertop often costs $5-$15 per square foot, or about $200-$600 for a 40-square-foot kitchen. Disposal, careful removal around tile, and difficult access can increase the charge. A new sink cutout is often $150-$350, while faucet holes may be included or billed at $20-$50 each.
A 4-inch stone backsplash can add about $10-$25 per linear foot, excluding unusual wall preparation. Full-height slab backsplashes cost much more because they need additional material, templating, and careful installation. Plumbing disconnection and reconnection may add $150-$500, depending on the sink, faucet, and local service rates. List demolition, disposal, cutouts, backsplash, and plumbing separately in the estimate.
Regional Labor Rates and Installation Timing
Prices in major coastal metros and high-cost cities can run about 15%-30% above a national midrange quote. Smaller cities and rural areas may come in 5%-15% below it, though longer delivery routes can offset some savings. Local stone availability, shop competition, and installer schedules also affect bids.
After cabinets are ready, templating and fabrication commonly take 1-3 weeks, followed by installation that may last 4-8 hours for a standard kitchen. Larger jobs or custom edges can take longer. Confirm the schedule and whether the installer or another contractor handles sink reconnection.
Keep Countertop Costs Down Without Sacrificing Fit
Keeping the existing layout avoids extra seams, cutouts, and cabinet changes. Choosing a standard color, a common edge, and a slab that fits the project efficiently can limit material waste. Buyers can also request pricing for both granite and quartz in comparable grades, with the same thickness, edge, and work included.
Get at least three itemized bids and ask whether remnants can cover a small vanity or laundry counter. Avoid paying for a premium edge or full-height backsplash unless those features matter to the design. Do not trim cost by skipping accurate templating or required support for an overhang. Confirm warranty terms and any fees for repairs to cabinets or walls before signing.