granite countertops
Granite Countertops: Types and Costs
Granite countertops are the premium choice for homes and commercial buildings in the US. These natural stone countertops provide bold statements for any living space inside the house and give a certain ambiance of class to buildings such as hotels and corporate establishments. In additions, granite tops now come in hundreds of designs that will suit any taste and style.
There are basically three types of granite tops that are used for homes and commercial establishments. (1) Granite tile countertops, (2) Modular granite countertops, and (3) Slab granite countertops. Each type of granite top has a corresponding cost and quality based on manufacture, installation, and fabrication factors.
Granite tiles are more traditionally used as flooring materials but because of the quality of this solid surface, manufacturers found them also appropriate as countertops. Granite kitchen countertops are now one of the most popular trends in American and European homes. Unlike ceramic tiles that use mortar or plaster to fill the gaps that usually become prone to mold build up, granite countertops use a special epoxy to attach granite tiles together leaving small shallow seams or canals in between each piece. This is a relatively inexpensive yet practical way of having a good kitchen counter to do all your food preparation or dining activities. Black granite, a common choice for kitchen countertops, would cost around $5 per square foot. White granite is also available.
Slab granite tops are the high end items because they are manufactured, fabricated, and installed as one piece of block that are usually custom-made for a specific area. The average size of a whole granite slab is 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m) deep and 7 to 9 feet (2 to 2.7 m) wide. This large piece is buffed, carved, and divided into single slab countertops, 1.25 inches (3.1 cm) thick. Since it is a single chunk of granite, this means there are zero seams for these kitchen countertops, as compared to tile granite countertops and modular granite tops.
A slab granite countertop usually costs around $50 to $60 per square foot, exclusive of installation fee. Expect an average damage of approximately $1600 to $2000 for these kitchen countertops. There are even more expensive imported granite top options for high end buyers.
Modular granite countertops are the middle ground for these three types of natural stone countertops. They are midway in both size and cost too. This type is pre-cut but larger and thicker in size than the tile version. Depending on where you’re installing it, modular granite tops can either have zero of several seams. Granite sinks often make use of modular tops because single seamless pieces are enough to cover the whole area. Installing a granite sink is a practical way of managing a cleaner kitchen.
This type of granite top is also used for other home furniture such as center and side tables, as well as vanity dressers and wall-attached shelves. Costs usually depend on the type of granite but it is usually half the price of slab granite countertops. Its lifespan is over 80 years or more so this is also an alternative for people on a budget but still want that expensive slab granite look. But remember to always hire a professional to install these kitchen countertops. Ask a kitchen remodeler to help you look for certified professional granite countertop installers.
