How much do granite countertops cost?
Granite countertops often cost $40 - $200 per square foot installed. Many kitchens land around $2,000 - $7,000+, while premium stone, large islands, complex edges, full-height backsplash, and difficult seams can cost more.
Granite is natural stone, so slab selection matters. Two slabs can differ in color, pattern, price, porosity, and availability. A good fabricator helps you plan seams, overhangs, sink cutouts, support, and sealing.
Granite countertop cost by scope
Standard granite install
$40 - $100/sq ft installedHow to tellCommon slab, simple kitchen layout, standard edge, normal sink cutout
The fixTemplate, fabricate, deliver, seam, install, and seal where needed
Premium or exotic granite
$100 - $200+/sq ft installedHow to tellRare color, dramatic pattern, imported slab, thicker material, or bookmatched look
The fixChoose higher-grade slabs and plan layout around natural pattern
Edge, sink, cooktop, and seam details
$300 - $3,000+ add-onHow to tellUpgraded edge, undermount sink, cooktop cutout, long run, or visible seam location
The fixAdd fabrication labor, polishing, reinforcement, and careful seam planning
Island, overhang, or support needs
$1,000 - $10,000+ add-onHow to tellLarge island, seating overhang, waterfall side, or unsupported span
The fixAdd stone, brackets, corbels, substrate, or reinforcement
Removal, disposal, cabinet leveling, and sealing
$500 - $3,000+ add-onHow to tellOld countertops or backsplash need demo; cabinets are not level; stone needs sealing
The fixRemove old tops, prep cabinets, install stone, and seal as required
Before choosing granite
- View the actual slab when possible, not just a small sample.
- Ask whether template, fabrication, standard edge, sink/cooktop cutouts, seams, sealing, demo, and disposal are included.
- Confirm the cabinets are final, level, and strong enough before templating.
- Ask about sealing and maintenance for the specific granite you choose.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a cabinet and countertop, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- You need an undermount sink, cooktop cutout, island, overhang, or long seam
- The slab pattern needs careful layout to avoid awkward seams
- Old countertops or tile backsplash must be removed
- Cabinets may be out of level or not strong enough
- You want help comparing granite against quartz, laminate, butcher block, or solid surface
Repair or replace?
Granite can sometimes be repaired for small chips, seam issues, or minor stains. Replacement makes more sense when cracks are large, the layout changes, the stone is badly damaged, or you are replacing cabinets and need a new template anyway.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the cabinets and countertops checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
Is granite cheaper than quartz?
Sometimes. Common granite can be cheaper than premium quartz, but exotic granite can cost more. Compare installed quotes with the exact slab, edge, cutouts, and demo included.
Does granite need sealing?
Many granite countertops need periodic sealing, but it depends on the specific stone. Ask the fabricator how porous the chosen slab is and what maintenance is recommended.
Can granite countertops be reused?
Sometimes, but removal without cracking is not guaranteed, and old slabs may not fit new cabinets. Reuse is easier for simple straight runs than complex layouts.