Granite Slab Counters: Sizes, Prices & Installation

Choosing the Best Countertops for Your Home and Budget

Reviewed by Johnathan BrewerFact checked by Sarah Scott

Granite slab countertops are still popular but the elegant, timeless look comes with a price tag that's usually higher than some other options. There are, however, budget-friendly granite choices if you opt for common colors and patterns or even granite tiles . If you want to bypass the maintenance issues that come along with granite countertops, we've also scoped out alternatives to explore . Read on to find out more about granite slab counters.

How Much Do Granite Slab Countertops Cost?

Granite slab countertops range from $40 to $100 per square foot before installation. Labor costs for installation are typically between $35 and $85 per hour.

As an example, to install slab granite on a 7- by 4-foot  kitchen island , the total square footage is 28 square feet. If granite slab costs $50 per square foot, the slab will cost $1,400, plus labor. Other factors that may affect the cost of your granite slab countertops include:

• Backsplash:A granite backsplash protects walls from grease. A standard 4-inch wide granite backsplash installation costs about $10 to $15 per linear foot.

• Cut-outs for sinks and cooktops:Each cutout will cost an average of $100 to $200. This does not include the sink or cooktop appliance.

• Edge profile: Eased or square-edged options are typically standard but custom edges cost more. An ogee edge could cost costs around $20 to $25 per linear foot. A double bevel can cost between $36 to $40 per linear foot. 

• Thickness: Thicker slabs require more reinforcement beams and braces on your cabinets. Reinforcements are customized and add cost to the project.
  

Granite Slab vs. Similar Countertop Materials

The dramatic veins, streaks, and mineral deposits offered by slab granite cannot be duplicated by other countertop materials. Natural slab granite still provides the greatest visual (3D) depth, and the variety of its patterning cannot be matched by quartz. But quartz is a more consistent and predictable material , which means that it is more durable, less prone to cracking, and never needs sealing.

Of course, there are materials other than quartz that granite competes against. Marble and granite both offer a luxury look, but marble is exponentially more expensive and higher maintenance than granite. Soapstone has a more subtle appearance than granite and is nearly impervious to staining (unlike granite), but it has limited color options and is somewhat softer than granite, lending itself to dents. For less expensive alternatives, you could consider solid surface, which is not as dense as granite. Another countertop option is laminate , which can visually duplicate the look of slab granite better than quartz or solid surface.

Size of Granite Slabs

Since granite is a natural material quarried from the earth, its size varies. Larger slab sizes are more costly to container-ship, handle, and fabricate. 

The average size of natural slab granite that's used for countertops is 9 feet 6 inches long by 5 feet 6 inches wide. Most slabs used for countertops are roughly 1.25 inches thick. Thickness can vary across the expanse of the slab. In that case, installers often have to shore up parts of the slab so that all areas are supported.

Note, that the 5.5-foot width allows the slab to be cut down its length, in the middle, in order to produce two slabs of about 33 inches. Countertop depths tend to be about 24 inches, so this gives the fabricator ample working room.

Self-Installation vs. Professional Installation

Slab granite is too heavy and the installation learning curve is too steep for most homeowners to DIY-install slab granite. Also, the price of failure (breakage) is too high. It is best to leave granite slab installation in the hand of qualified installers.

Tips for Choosing Granite Slab Countertops

Slab granite is a premium product and it is tough to shave costs. The cheapest option will be to purchase a prefabricated granite slab with a standard edge—the more custom the slab, the more it will cost.

• Edge treatments: One simple way to hold down the cost of your slab counters is to minimize the edge treatment. More complicated edge treatments can drive up the cost. Essentially, the more fabrication that is needed, the more the finished product will cost.

• Cheaper types: Different types of granite have different prices and it pays to inform yourself of the prices attached to various stones via research.

• Tiles and modular: If the cost of the slab puts you off, consider purchasing lower-cost granite tiles or modular granite and self-installing them. Because of their seams, tile and modular are not considered as high-quality as a slab.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is granite or quartz more expensive?

It's not a clear-cut answer. Quartz and granite countertops can be priced nearly the same per square foot, but there are many factors involved that may make one or the other more or less expensive. For example, you may choose a granite that has a rare color or veining which will make it more costly than quartz. However, there are quartz options that can be more expensive than basic granite because of custom treatments, colors, and patterns, as well.

How many square feet is a full slab of granite?

A full slab of granite is typically between 45 and 60 square feet. That means the slabs are usually 9 to 10 feet wide and 5 to 6 feet tall.

What are the disadvantages of granite?

There are pros and cons to granite. The biggest cons are the price and maintenance requirements, which include periodic sealing and repairs that typically need a professional to handle.

Read Next: Granite or Quartz Countertop Overlays