Granite countertops. Beautiful. Sophisticated. Sleek. Natural. No matter what your personal taste or home décor, there is no doubt a color and style of granite that you will fall in love with. But what about the price? Sure we love the look of granite, but how can we swing getting granite countertops in our home without breaking the bank – how can we save on granite countertops?

When choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen, bathroom or bar area, you have a wide variety of choices. And a wide variety of price points! Educating yourself on the options and their costs – both initial investment and lifetime value – will be an effort most worthwhile. In this article, we will outline the various options, and show you how granite can be a high-value option, without the high price.

Granite countertops offer the best in aesthetic value, and while there are countless reasons for choosing granite countertops, here are our top five:

What do granite countertops and people have in common? No two are exactly alike. Just like each person is unique, granite’s natural stone formation makes each slab absolutely unique.

When most people hear the words ‘granite countertops’ they instantly think of kitchens. While granite countertops are perfect for kitchens, granite’s value and appeal reaches far beyond.

If you’re preparing your home for sale, are experiencing trouble finding a buyer, or just planning for the future, it may be time to consider installing new granite countertops.

Although granite countertops have been available for decades, they are currently in high demand and more popular than ever. While in the past granite was considered a luxury available only to the wealthy, it now attracts homeowners of all tastes and income levels.

Although not best for frequently used countertops, marble is a unique choice that adds a sophisticated look. When in doubt of marble’s strength, it is safe to use it on an island or inset at a baking center.  

Marble countertops and tabletops are easily stained by acidic foods like fruit, tomato sauce, coffee, and wine. Blot, do not wipe, any spills up [...]

Engineered stone countertops have gained much popularity in recent years due to its strength, variety of choices, and exceptionally low maintenance needs. These are the most durable surfaces, are resistant to stains and heat damage, and have no need for sealing.       

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Solid surface countertops have a clean and uniform appearance. These surfaces are very durable and most scratches can be sanded out.  Solid surfaces can also be custom fit to a unique countertop shape.   [...]

Lower-end granite countertops are very affordable in the scheme of countertop material pricing.

Concrete: $75-200 per square foot   
Soapstone: $50-200 per square foot 
Solid Surface: $40-150 per square foot 
Engineered Stone: $40-125 per square foot
Granite: $30-200 per square foot [...]

Granite countertops should be installed by a professional. Although hiring someone to install your countertops adds to the cost of the project, in the end, it is worth it to have the job done right. Installing granite countertops incorrectly can lead to serious problems and possibly the need for replacement.

Source: Express Countertops, [...]

Cabinets usually come in one of three types: stock, semi-custom and custom. Stock Cabinets are available in standard sizes and shapes. Stock cabinets are the least expensive but your choices are limited when it comes to cabinet design and function. Since these cabinets do not come in special sizes, they may require filler strips to close gaps between a cabinet and a wall.

Semi-Custom Cabinets are the [...]

Granite comes in a variety of thicknesses.  The most popular is a 3 cm thickness (1-1/4”) but it is also available in a 2 cm thickness (3/4”).  The weight of a slab is approximately 12-13 lbs per square foot in 2 cm thickness and 18-19 lbs per square foot in 3 cm thickness.  An 8-foot countertop slab 3 cm in thickness weighs between 144-152 lbs. The thicknesses can vary throughout the slab as much as +/- 3 mm.  Because granite is not a [...]

In most cases, if granite is cracked, it will need to be completely removed and replaced. 

When granite enters your home, not only is it already thousands of years old, but it will probably last another thousand years. To begin with, granite is tough. It is stain, scratch and heat resistant, just to name a few of its impressive features.   

Experts say that using your granite countertops as a cutting [...]

• Quality and type of material 
• Difficulty of installation
• Edge treatment material and design
• Backsplash material and design   

Source: Express Countertops, [...]

Countertops made of natural stone, especially granite, add more resale value to your home than any other material. Second, granite countertops will last you a lifetime, which means that after the cost of the initial installation (with proper maintenance and care) they never need to be replaced.   

If you are set on granite countertops, but still have concerns about [...]

Remodeling a kitchen is no small task. This type of project can be complicated and time consuming, so hiring the right contractor is essential to creating the kitchen of your dreams. Hiring a professional contractor can save you time and money in the long-run by saving you from making mistakes which may require pricey repairs. Also, kitchen remodeling requires a lot of specialized work that only a professional should do. If you are unqualified, [...]

Stone tile flooring has a natural look and is strong and durable. It comes in several textures and colors and no two pieces are the same. Stone tiles can look traditional and rustic or contemporary and elegant. Although this flooring option can be expensive, stone tiles have the potential to last a lifetime.

Stone tile floors are generally easy to maintain, usually requiring only a mop for cleaning. For extra [...]

Vinyl flooring is an affordable and aesthetically pleasing choice for kitchen flooring. Because of its durability and moisture resistance it is primarily used in busy areas of the home such as kitchens and bathrooms. Another reason for its popularity is that it can, much like laminate, be made to imitate other flooring materials such as stone, marble, and wood. Vinyl flooring is often referred to by the popular manufacturers’ trade names Linoleum® and [...]