Can I Afford the Cost of a Granite Countertop for My Kitchen?

Many people would love to have a granite countertop for their kitchen but are put off by what they perceive to be the expensive cost. But is it really too expensive to install a granite worktop? We look at some affordable ways to get the granite countertop that you always wanted for your kitchen.

First of all you need to understand that not all granite is the same. Granite countertops come in various colors, various qualities and various types. For this article we are going to concentrate on the different types available.

When most people think of granite countertops they think of the big slabs of granite that they often see on display outside kitchen and DIY stores. But there is more to granite than just the big slabs.

Granite Tile Countertops

If you are on a very tight budget but just have to have granite for your kitchen then you might want to consider a granite tile countertop. These are in fact granite floor tiles but are used on the countertop. The tiles are butted up against each other and fixed in place by epoxy resin so that when finished the countertop looks almost seamless. This gives an imperfect finish and some people would rather not have a granite worktop at all than go for this solution. The cost is around $4-5 per square foot.

Modular Granite

Modular granite countertops are ideal for people who love DIY. With a modular granite system you don’t need any special tools or training, so this is an ideal solution for the DIY enthusiast. The granite comes in pre-made in different parts, such as square tiles, backsplashes, pre-cut sink tiles and polished granite strips to give the appearance of thick slab granite. No grout is used, so the finished appearance is pretty good and at a fraction of the cost of slab granite. Expect to pay about $25-30 per square foot for this solution.

Slab Granite

Slab granite is the ultimate solution for a high-end kitchen design. The giant slabs of granite are pre-fabricated and delivered to your home. Fitting is a specialist job and needs to be left to the experts. When buying granite in large slabs you also need to take into account the additional cost of fitting and delivery, as you will be using industry experts. But the finish is second to none, and this is what most people think of when they dream of having a granite countertop for their kitchen. Expect to pay upwards of $60 per square foot.

We hope we have given you some ideas for buying more affordable granite countertops, so price shouldn’t be an issue whatever your budget.