How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, granite countertops cost $3,250, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. Prices vary based on factors like granite type, size, and quality. Most granite countertops cost between $40 and $60 per square foot, not including labor. Hiring a professional installer is an important step in ensuring your granite countertop is properly installed and preventing costly mistakes.

Granite Countertops Cost Factors

The cost of granite countertops varies based on several factors, including the size of your countertops, the type and quality of granite you choose, your texture and color preferences, and labor and preparation costs.

Size

The size of your countertop plays a major role in the overall cost of granite installation. Larger surfaces require more materials and labor, which increases the total price. Custom-cut granite slabs for expansive countertops are more expensive than standard sizes or granite tiles due to the additional workmanship involved. Granite costs between $40 and $60 per square foot for materials alone, though some types exceed this amount. Accurately measuring your countertop space is essential for effective budgeting.

Color

The color of granite you choose can influence the overall cost. Dark granite is popular for its rich depth, the way its facets and patterns catch the light, and its natural ability to conceal stains. Due to these desirable qualities, darker-colored granite often comes at a higher price point than lighter options like white or beige.

Type

Granite comes in a variety of types, each offering its unique appearance and characteristics. Your choice can significantly impact the overall look of your space. Depending on your desired aesthetic and the existing colors in your kitchen or bathroom, certain types of granite may complement your design better than others.

Texture

The texture of your granite countertops not only affects the look but also the cost. There are three main texture options:

• Polished: The most common and least expensive option, polished granite has a glossy finish that enhances the stone's natural colors and patterns. It's also low-maintenance and easy to clean.

• Honed: With a matte finish, honed granite offers a more subdued look. It's moderately priced and provides a smooth surface that's ideal for a contemporary aesthetic.

• Leathered: This texture retains the stone's natural feel, providing a rustic and unique appearance. Leathered granite is the most expensive due to the additional processing required.

Labor

Professional installation is key to ensuring your granite countertops look and function perfectly. Several skilled professionals may be involved:

• Granite Countertop Installers: They’re experts in measuring, cutting, and installing granite countertops, charging between $35 and $85 per hour, or $35 per square foot, installed.

• Plumbers: They'll disconnect and reconnect sinks and faucets during installation, with rates ranging from $40 to $150 per hour.

• General Contractors: They oversee the entire project, including any structural or cabinet modifications, charging between $35 and $85 per hour.

Keep in mind that labor costs vary by region. Rates may be higher in areas with a higher cost of living or fewer skilled professionals. Complex installations or custom work can also increase labor costs due to the extra time and expertise required.

Prep

In addition to installation, preparing your space for new countertops may require additional services:

• Plumbing: A plumber may need to disconnect and reconnect your sink and fixtures, charging between $40 and $150 per hour. Expect to pay an average of $100 for each sink cut-out and $200 for a cooktop cut-out.

• Underlayment or cabinet reinforcement: Your cabinets might need reinforcement to support the weight of granite. General contractors handle this task, charging between $35 and $85 per hour.

• Leveling: If your floors aren't level, a general contractor can level them for $35 to $85 per hour to ensure proper countertop installation.

• Old countertop removal: An additional $100 to $200 (or $4 to $7 per square foot), unless included in your quote.

Granite Countertops Pros and Cons

Granite countertops have unique advantages over options like stone or laminate, but there are also some downsides to be aware of.

Pros

• Durability: Granite is a hard-wearing stone that resists scratches and heat, common challenges in the kitchen, helping you save on future repair costs.

• Boosts home value: Installing granite countertops can enhance your home's beauty and potentially increase its resale value.

• Wide range of options: With numerous types, colors, and textures, granite allows you to customize your countertops to perfectly suit your style.

• Unique appearance: Since granite is a natural stone, each slab is one-of-a-kind, giving your countertop a unique and personal touch.

Cons

• Higher cost: Granite is a premium material, so it can be more expensive than other countertop options, so it's important to consider your budget.

• Regular maintenance required: Granite is naturally porous and needs to be sealed regularly—usually once a year—to prevent staining and bacteria buildup. Professional sealing can add $100 or more to your costs, unless included in your installation package.

• Repair challenges: Repairing a chipped, scratched, burnt, or cracked granite countertop can be difficult. In some cases, you might need to replace an entire section.

• Professional installation needed: Granite is heavy and requires precise installation, so hiring a professional installer is essential.

Budgeting for Granite Countertops

Investing in granite countertops enhances your home's beauty and value, but it doesn't have to exceed your budget. Here are some tips to help you save money without sacrificing quality:

• Choose a more affordable granite type: Opt for less expensive options like Alaska White or Absolute Black to reduce material costs while still enjoying a stylish look.

• Select a polished finish: Polished granite is not only more affordable upfront but also requires less maintenance than other textures.

• Consider granite tiles: Installing granite tiles instead of slabs can save on material and custom cutting costs.

• Opt for thinner slabs: Selecting thinner granite slabs can lower both material and installation expenses.

• DIY old countertop removal: If you have the skills and tools, removing your old countertops yourself can save on removal fees.

DIY vs. Hiring a Granite Countertop Pro

Installing granite countertops is not recommended as a DIY job. Granite slabs are heavy and require professional expertise in lifting and positioning the slab for installation. If you attempt to do this yourself, you risk breaking your slab, resulting in costly replacement fees and making professional labor costs a wise investment. Professional granite countertop installers also have experience in precise measuring, proper sealing, and correct attachment techniques, ensuring that your countertop is properly installed for long-lasting results.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.