A granite slab typically costs $600-$3,600 for the stone alone, while a fabricated and installed granite countertop commonly totals $2,000-$5,500. Slab size, stone grade, edge work, sink cutouts, delivery distance, and local labor rates drive the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granite slab only | $600 | $1,700 | $3,600 | One slab, often about 45-55 sq ft |
| Granite material | $20 per sq ft | $45 per sq ft | $90 per sq ft | Common to premium stone |
| Installed countertop | $40 per sq ft | $75 per sq ft | $150 per sq ft | Fabrication and standard installation included |
| Typical kitchen project | $2,000 | $3,800 | $7,500 | About 30-50 sq ft; complex layouts can exceed this |
Granite slab prices by stone grade and size
Granite is commonly priced by square foot, but a supplier may sell a full slab or charge for the portion used. A standard slab roughly 10 by 5 feet contains about 50 sq ft. At $20-$45 per sq ft for common colors, the stone portion is about $1,000-$2,250; unusual patterns and premium imports can raise it to $4,500 or more.
For a typical kitchen, the slab itself is only part of the installed quote. A fabricator may require purchase of an entire slab even when the countertop uses less, although remnants can reduce material expense for small vanities or islands. Assumptions: standard granite, one slab, ordinary access, and no unusual pattern matching.
What fabrication, labor, and delivery add to the quote
Installed pricing combines stone selection, measuring, cutting, finishing, transport, and setting. The table shows common U.S. ranges; the final quote depends on the countertop area and the number of cutouts and seams.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granite material | $20 per sq ft | $45 per sq ft | $90 per sq ft | Color and grade |
| Fabrication and edge finishing | $15 per sq ft | $30 per sq ft | $55 per sq ft | Cutting and edge profile |
| Installation labor | $10 per sq ft | $20 per sq ft | $35 per sq ft | Setting, seams, and leveling |
| Delivery and handling | $100 | $250 | $600 | Distance and access |
| Sink or cooktop cutout | $100 each | $200 each | $400 each | Shape and finishing needs |
Labor may be quoted as a package rather than an hourly charge. For an itemized estimate, can help compare labor assumptions; countertop crews often charge about $50-$100 per worker-hour, with a two-person crew needed for handling heavy sections.
How thickness, edge profile, and layout change granite pricing
Most residential granite countertops use 3 cm stone, about 1.18 inches thick. A 2 cm slab may cost less, but it can require a built-up edge or added support. That work can offset the material savings. Ask whether the bid includes the finished edge rather than comparing slab prices alone.
Layout also affects material use. A straight run with few seams costs less to fabricate than an L-shaped kitchen with several corners, a separate island, and visible pattern matching. A basic eased edge may be included; decorative ogee or waterfall details can add roughly $10-$40 per linear foot. Confirm the quoted square footage, slab thickness, edge style, and seam count in writing.
How long granite measuring and installation usually take
After the cabinets are ready, a fabricator typically measures the space, templates the countertop, cuts and polishes the stone, then returns to install it. The full process often takes 1-3 weeks, with installation commonly lasting 4-8 hours for a standard kitchen. Timing varies with slab availability, shop workload, and whether the cabinets need adjustment.
Removal of old countertops is usually separate, around $200-$600 for a typical kitchen, with plumbing disconnection or cabinet repairs adding cost. A second trip, difficult stairs, or limited parking can also raise handling charges. Check whether demolition, haul-away, sink mounting, and plumbing reconnection are included.
Why granite quotes vary between U.S. regions
Prices tend to be higher in major coastal metros and dense urban areas, where shop labor, rent, and delivery costs are higher. A comparable project may run about 10%-25% above the national middle in expensive metro markets. Rural areas can be 5%-15% lower when local fabricators are available, but long transport distances may cancel the savings.
Stone origin and local inventory matter, too. A color stocked nearby may avoid special freight charges, while a rare imported slab may add $200-$800 or more for shipping and handling. Compare local installed bids for the same stone grade, thickness, and measured area.
Extra charges for seams, removal, and sink cutouts
Separate line items can explain why two bids for similar granite differ. A standard sink opening often costs $100-$400, while a cooktop opening is commonly $100-$300. Faucet holes may be included or cost about $20-$50 each. Seams may be included in installation, but complex placement or color matching can add roughly $100-$300 per seam.
Old countertop removal and disposal typically add $200-$600; heavy stone or difficult access can push the charge higher. Sealing is often included, but if charged separately, expect about $100-$300 for a typical kitchen. Request an itemized total that identifies cutouts, removal, disposal, sealing, and any access fees.
Where a granite countertop budget can be reduced
Choose a common color in the supplier’s stocked inventory and ask to view the actual slab, since natural patterns vary. A remnant can suit a small vanity or bar, but usually will not cover a full kitchen. Keeping a simple edge, standard thickness, and straightforward layout limits fabrication charges without changing the stone itself.
Compare at least three quotes using the same measurements and scope. Check whether each includes the full slab, template visit, installation, cutouts, removal, and tax; an unusually low material price may exclude costly services. For a 40-sq-ft kitchen, choosing $30-per-sq-ft granite instead of $60-per-sq-ft stone saves about $1,200 on material before fabrication. Prioritize the complete installed price rather than the advertised slab rate.