Granite is one of the most popular and reliable countertop materials today. It’s popular for its durability and natural beauty and is a timeless material. Homeowners like granite for many reasons, including the decades of use with minimal maintenance, and it adds value to any home. If you’ve gone shopping for granite countertops, you may have noticed valuable differences in prices from one granite slab to another.
Some slabs may look nearly identical, but one slab may be twice the price of another. This often leaves homeowners asking one simple question: Why is there such a price difference in granite slabs? There is a good answer to that question, and it is quite complex, as there are many things that go into deciding the final price of a granite slab. Let’s discuss some of these factors, one by one, so that you can help understand what goes into pricing this beautiful stone.
1. Quality of the Granite
Granite is a natural stone, and not every slab is the same. Some slabs are better quality because they are more durable, have fewer defects, and have unique minerals. Good-quality granites with more highly visible patterns or bright colours are stronger and usually more durable, so they too are priced higher.
Low-quality granite will have more imperfections, but like all granite, the imperfections will be natural defects such as patterns being uneven, the shape having pits, or being significantly different colours, but they are just as durable and as beautiful as any granite; they just cost less.
2. Origin and Transportation
The origin of the granite does play a role in the price, too. Granite is quarried and fabricated in various countries such as Brazil, India, Italy, and the U.S. If a slab comes from a quarry that is many miles away, the cost of transporting that stone will be added to the price. Moving large, heavy slabs of stone across oceans and to showrooms is expensive.
Local granite is generally a more affordable material since there are few transportation costs involved. Imported granite potentially has a higher price tag, but it also offers patterns or colours that you may not find in your local slab yard.
3. Thickness of the Slab
Granite slabs are generally available in two common thicknesses: 2 cm and 3 cm. The thicker the slab, the more expensive the granite will generally be for several reasons. Thicker granite is generally stronger and will not require as much support during installation – plus, thicker slabs will typically look more luxurious in kitchens and bathrooms.
Thinner slabs may save you money in the short term, but they normally add costs to labour and installation because they require more support. So, in some cases, the price of the thinner slab cancels itself out in the labour needed to install thicker slabs.
4. Rarity of Colour and Pattern
One of the main attractions of granite is its unique colour and pattern. Although many granite slabs will usually be a common colour like black, white, or grey (because those colours are more plentiful) and will be less expensive. Some granite may be rare, such as various shades of blue, red, or green granite or slabs with unique veining or sparkle due to the minerals. Rare colours and special designs are generally higher-priced products, and the costs go up for very rare styles when a quarry has limited production. Each granite slab is a totally unique piece of stone, because granite is a natural material.
5. Finish and Edge Style
The finish of the granite also plays a role in price. Most granite used for countertops is polished and has that shiny, smooth look. Therefore, polished granite is usually the least expensive granite. Honed (matte) or leathered (textured) finishes require more labour and can cost more than polished granite. Edge style is also factored into pricing. Straight edge is the most economical, whereas decorative edges (bevelled, bullnose, or ogee) will have a higher cost.
6. Slab Size and Waste Factor
The size of the slab you select is another consideration. Slabs that are larger cost the most. Also, your kitchen or bathroom layout has an effect on the use of your slab. If your layout has a lot of cutouts for sinks, cooktops, corners, etc., that will create waste. More waste during measurement for the installation of your new granite means more costs. This is simply because even a piece of the granite slab that is not used is a piece of the granite slab you are paying for. A design that is simple with fewer cuts will generally cost you less in the end.
7. Market Demand and Supply
Like many other products, granite prices are impacted by supply and demand. If a certain type of granite is in style due to trends in home design, the price can rise quickly. If demand falls and a quarry happens to produce more of a particular colour, the price can drop.
The season in which you wish to do your construction and remodelling projects can also influence prices, as typically there are more projects in peak seasons, with the corresponding demand leading to higher costs.
8. Fabrication and Installation Costs
When you buy granite, you aren’t just paying for a raw slab; you’re also paying for labour. The stone needs to be cut, shaped, polished, and installed by professionals. This process is called “fabrication”, and it involves skills, time, and specialised equipment.
The more intricate your design is, the higher the costs of fabrication. For example, countertops with multiple corners, different shapes, or holes for sinks will take more time to prepare and install than a simple straight countertop and will result in a higher overall price.
9. Eco-Friendly Options
The majority of homeowners today are making sustainable selections, and there are eco-friendly choices found in natural stone countertopslike those made from recycled stone materials. These products may be a bit more expensive due to the methods used to create them. Although they are slightly more expensive, they are a great option for those who want to have a design element while being environmentally responsible.
Final Thoughts
Granite slab costs vary due to many factors, including the slab’s quality, origin, thickness, colour, finish, size, and current design trends. Now add on fabrication costs and installation costs, and there are a lot of influences to consider. Exploring these factors will help you develop your budget and select the right granite for your home.
Granite isn’t only about price; it is an investment in aesthetics, durability, and timeless appeal. With the right selection of granite countertops, you can enhance your home for years to come!
About Kowalski Granite & Quartz
At Kowalski Granite & Quartz, we provide an unmatched selection of granite, quartz, and solid stone countertops to suit every style and budget. Our West Michigan showroom holds over 200 full slabs in more than 80 stunning colour variations, including granite, quartz, quartzite, and eco-friendly recycled materials. Stop by today—no appointment needed—and explore the perfect countertop for your home.
- Why do some granite slabs cost more than others?
Granite prices vary because of factors like quality, origin, thickness, rarity of colour, and the amount of labour needed for fabrication and installation. - Is imported granite more expensive than local granite?
Yes, imported granite usually costs more because of high shipping and transportation fees. Local granite is often more affordable but may have fewer unique colour options. - Does the thickness of a granite slab affect the price?
Absolutely. Thicker slabs (3 cm) are generally more expensive because they are stronger, look more luxurious, and require less support during installation. - What colours of granite are the most expensive?
Rare colours like blue, red, and green, or slabs with unique veining and sparkle, tend to cost more than common shades like black, grey, or white. - Are granite countertops worth the investment?
Yes, granite is highly durable, long-lasting, and adds value to your home. With proper care, granite countertops can last for decades, making them a smart investment.