Granite countertops are some of the most expensive types of countertops on the market. Since they are so heavy and difficult to maneuver, it is recommended that granite countertops be installed by experienced professionals. Having a granite countertop professionally installed can cost anywhere between $50 and $90 per square foot.
There are several benefits associated with granite countertops. Granite is a very hard and durable material. Countertops made out of granite are very heat- and scratch-resistant. They are also immune to freezing. Granite countertops can last for generations if they are properly maintained.
Aside from the high costs associated with granite countertops, there are several other things to consider before choosing to have granite countertops installed. Since granite patterns are unique, if more than one piece of granite is needed to make a granite countertop, the seams will be very noticeable and will throw off the general flow of the countertop. Granite is very resistant to mold growth and corrosion but not as much as quartz countertops.
There are several alternatives to granite countertops. Quartz countertops and solid surface countertops are among the few types of countertops that are somewhat similar to granite countertops in terms of benefits and considerations.
In terms of hardness, granite and quartz countertops are quite similar, with quartz having the slight advantage. Both granite and quartz are harder than solid-surface countertops. Quartz countertops are slightly heavier than granite and much heavier than solid-surface. The cost of having quartz countertops installed is similar to granite. Solid-surface countertops run between $30 and $60 per square foot installed.