Granite worktop cost per metre is typically about $230-$700 installed for a standard-depth counter, with roughly $410 per metre as a useful midrange budget. The actual quote depends on slab grade, worktop depth, edge profile, cutouts, removal, and local fabrication and installation rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed granite per linear metre | $230 | $410 | $700 | Based on 25.5-inch depth |
| Installed granite per square foot | $40 | $70 | $120 | Standard colors and typical fabrication |
| Typical 30-square-foot kitchen | $1,200 | $2,100 | $3,600 | Before unusual removal or structural work |
| Premium or uncommon stone | $100 | $150 | $250+ | Per square foot installed |
What granite worktops cost per metre at standard depth
In U.S. estimates, granite is normally priced by the square foot, not by the linear metre. A standard counter depth of about 25.5 inches means one linear metre covers approximately 5.8 square feet. At $40-$120 per square foot installed, that works out to roughly $230-$700 per metre. A common midrange figure is about $410 per metre, equivalent to $70 per square foot.
These figures generally assume a standard 3 cm slab, ordinary straight or eased edges, templating, fabrication, delivery, and professional installation. They do not necessarily include old-counter removal, plumbing reconnection, unusual access, backsplash stone, or a premium edge. Assumptions: standard kitchen depth, typical U.S. labor rates, ordinary access, and no major cabinet repairs.
For a quick comparison, multiply the quoted square-foot rate by about 5.8 to estimate the cost of one standard-depth linear metre. A deeper island or peninsula covers more area per metre, while a narrow bar top covers less; its measured surface area is a better basis for the final estimate.
How slab, fabrication, and installation shape the quote
A worktop quote combines the stone with shop work and on-site labor. The price split varies by supplier and stone, but the ranges below show common portions of a standard installed job. Some fabricators quote one all-in square-foot rate rather than separate line items, so buyers should check what the package includes.
| Quote item | Typical rate | What it covers | Cost notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite slab | $20-$80 per sq ft | Stone selection and slab allocation | Color, grade, and availability change the rate |
| Template and fabrication | $15-$40 per sq ft | Measuring, cutting, polishing, and edge work | Cutouts and complex seams add shop time |
| Installation labor | $10-$30 per sq ft | Carrying, setting, joining, and leveling | Access and weight can affect crew cost |
| Sink or cooktop cutout | $150-$500 each | Cutting and finishing an opening | Undermount sinks may require extra polish |
| Removal and disposal | $5-$15 per sq ft | Taking out and hauling away existing tops | Tile or difficult backsplashes can cost more |
| Delivery and trip charges | $100-$400 per job | Transport and site delivery | Distance, stairs, and parking matter |
Ask for a written breakdown of stone, fabrication, installation, cutouts, and removal to avoid comparing unlike quotes. A low slab price may exclude templating or installation, while a higher installed rate may include those tasks and a basic sink cutout.
Labor is often priced within the installed rate, but a separate labor estimate can be checked with . Fabrication and installation labor commonly equates to about $50-$125 per hour per worker when priced by time, though contractors usually bid the completed job.
Why metre pricing changes with depth, grade, and cutouts
Depth is the first adjustment to a per-metre comparison. At 25.5 inches, a metre uses about 5.8 square feet; at 30 inches, it uses about 6.8 square feet. At $70 per square foot, those depths imply about $410 and $475 per metre, respectively, before any special edge or cutout charge.
Granite grade and slab selection can shift the rate substantially. Common colors and readily available slabs may fall around $40-$70 per square foot installed. Distinctive veining, rare colors, or premium imported stone can reach $100-$250 or more per square foot. A full slab purchase may also be required when the layout cannot be cut efficiently from a remnant.
Cutouts and seam placement are further drivers. A basic sink or cooktop opening often adds $150-$500, and an undermount sink edge may cost more to polish. A layout with three or more separate runs, tight corners, or seams through prominent areas can raise fabrication charges by $200-$800 or more. Compare the same stone grade, measured area, depth, and number of cutouts when reviewing metre rates.
Thicker-looking edges can require built-up stone rather than a thicker slab. A laminated edge may add $15-$40 per linear foot, while a more detailed profile can add $10-$30 per linear foot. These details are quoted by edge length, not by worktop area, so a small kitchen with extensive exposed edges may have a higher unit cost.
What three kitchen layouts may cost in real quotes
The examples below use typical installed pricing and show how area and job complexity affect totals. They are planning examples, not fixed national quotes; local rates, slab yield, and included services can change the result.
| Layout and scope | Area and rate | Added work | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small galley, standard granite | 22 sq ft at $55-$75 | One sink cutout, simple edge | $1,360-$2,150 |
| Medium L-shaped kitchen | 35 sq ft at $65-$95 | Sink and cooktop cutouts, two seams | $2,725-$4,525 |
| Kitchen with large island, premium stone | 50 sq ft at $100-$160 | Island overhang, detailed edge, removal | $5,600-$9,500 |
The totals include estimated base installation and typical scope additions, but not new sinks, faucets, plumbing changes, or cabinet reinforcement. For a more tailored estimate, measure each section’s length and depth, multiply to find square footage, then add separately priced work listed in the quote.
At the same per-square-foot rate, a 35-square-foot layout costs more than a 22-square-foot one, but extra seams and edge work can matter just as much as size. Ask the fabricator whether the price is based on installed area or the full slab required for the job.
How labor hours and site access affect installation day
Templating typically takes about 1-2 hours on site, followed by several days for fabrication, depending on the shop’s schedule and stone availability. A standard installation commonly takes 4-8 hours for a two- or three-person crew. Large islands, multiple seams, stair carries, or limited parking can require more labor or a larger crew.
Stairs, narrow hallways, and long carries are practical cost issues because granite is heavy and must be handled carefully. Difficult delivery can add roughly $100-$500, while extra crew time may add $150-$600 or more. These charges are especially relevant in older buildings without an elevator or homes where counters must pass through tight turns.
Existing cabinets should be level, secure, and able to support the stone. If the installer finds a substantial dip, loose cabinet run, or unsupported overhang, leveling or reinforcement may add $200-$1,000 or more, depending on the repair. Confirm who checks cabinet readiness and whether corrective work is included before scheduling the template.
Which U.S. regions tend to quote higher granite rates
Local labor, delivery distance, and shop competition influence installed prices. As a broad comparison, major coastal metros and high-cost urban markets may run about 10%-25% above the national midrange. Smaller cities and rural areas can be 5%-15% below it, although fewer local fabricators may mean longer delivery routes or limited stone choices.
For a standard-depth metre that might cost about $410 at a $70-per-square-foot baseline, a market 15% higher could be near $470. A market 10% lower could be around $370. These are directional adjustments rather than guaranteed regional tariffs; a nearby slab yard or unusually high labor demand can move a specific quote outside the range.
Transportation matters when the selected slab is stocked far from the fabrication shop. A remote delivery or special-order slab may add $100-$600, and some suppliers price unusual colors at a premium regardless of location. Use local written bids rather than assuming a national per-metre average includes transport and site conditions.
When removal, backsplash, and edge upgrades add charges
Removing an existing worktop commonly adds $5-$15 per square foot, or about $150-$450 for a 30-square-foot kitchen. Tile counters, attached backsplashes, or heavy stone may cost more to dismantle and dispose of. Plumbing disconnection and reconnection are often excluded and may add $150-$500, depending on the fixtures and local service rates.
A granite backsplash can be priced by square foot, often around $20-$60 installed for basic material and straightforward work, with premium stone and difficult outlets costing more. A short matching backsplash may be economical, while full-height stone behind a range can raise material and fitting charges. Sealing is often included initially; additional sealing service may cost $100-$300 when purchased separately.
Overhangs also need attention. A small overhang may be supported by cabinets, but an overhang of about 10-12 inches or more can require brackets or corbels, often adding $100-$500 or more. Request separate prices for removal, backsplash, edge upgrades, and supports so optional features do not obscure the base rate.
How to lower granite worktop cost without sacrificing function
Choose a widely stocked granite color and a straightforward edge to limit material and fabrication premiums. A standard edge can save about $10-$30 per linear foot compared with a more elaborate profile. Keeping the layout simple, minimizing seams, and placing cutouts away from weak or highly veined areas may reduce shop complexity.
Ask whether a remnant can cover a vanity, small island, or short counter run. Remnants may cost 20%-50% less than buying stone from a full slab, but selection, dimensions, and matching are limited. For a complete kitchen, compare the price of required slab yield rather than assuming the lowest price per square foot will produce the lowest total.
Get at least three itemized quotes using the same measurements, stone type, thickness, edge, and cutouts. Confirm whether each includes templating, delivery, installation, sink polishing, disposal, and tax. Schedule work with normal lead time rather than requesting rushed fabrication, which can trigger a $150-$500 rush charge where available.
Keep the scope fixed before comparing bids and avoid paying for upgrades that do not solve a specific layout or durability need. If the existing cabinets need major repair, price that work separately; a less expensive granite selection will not compensate for a poorly supported installation.