Introduction

Granite worktops have become the orders of the day in most modern kitchens and bathrooms due to its ability to give a kitchen and bathroom an elegant and durable appearance. Having such features as appearance, high strength and excellent heat proof nature, the above products are market favorites among those who want to beautify their homes. Nonetheless, the cost of granite worktops can differ, need to cover the expenses of fabrication and installation of granite worktops. In this article, we will take a look at the major factors that determine the price of granite worktops so that you may easily estimate the expenses that are likely to accrue when using this material in your home.

1. Granite Quality and Grade

The quality as well as the grade of the stone is one the most influential parameters that dictate the price of granite worktops. Granite is categorized based on its dimension, appearance and country of origin. Generally, granite falls into three categories: low-end or commercial grade granite, mid-grade granite and the high-end or premium granite.

Entry-Level Granite: This is the cheapest type of stone and most of it is imported from large quarries taking small stones and turning them into blocks of stones. When compared to the entry-level granite, it is still stronger, beautiful, but it may not have as many color choices, as well as may contain small pits or veins.

Mid-Range Granite: One level up from entry-level granite mid range granite provides the customer with more distinct colors and patterns apart from having a better quality. It is also likely to originate from smaller quarries, and is preferred for those who will settle for anything better than the two qualities mentioned above.

High-End Granite: On the highest level of hierarchy, granite is utilized which is expensive and rarely extracted from superior geographical regions. This is due to the fact that its price is influenced by its appearance, higher density and the fact that it experiences less flank imperfections. Premium granite countertops may even be costly but it has still a luxurious touch that nobody else has in the area.

2. Thickness of the Slab

Different thicknesses can be delivered and differentiate between worktops that have thickness of 2cm and 3cm slabs. The cost also goes up with the increase of the slab thickness, this is because the material has to be stacked and transported in large quantities and also installing it calls for more man power.

2cm Slabs: These are thinner and in most of the cases cheaper thus suited for projects with less light and less funding. However, this also implies that certain products made with very thin slabs may have to be backed up in terms of strength.

3cm Slabs: More thickness of the slabs provides more strength and thickness, nascent look and superior quality look. They cost more due to the additional layer of granite installed; however, they offer a more enhanced performance base on their ability to crack or chip easily

3. Color and Pattern Rarity

One comes across a great variety of colour and markings on granite and or this is due to the kind of mineral and conditions that prevailed at the time the mineral was formed. There are colors and patterns that are more frequently found and these are cheaper while there are colors and patterns that are rare and therefore expensive.

Common Colors: Therefore, commonly found shades that would be easy to purchase are black, white and grey shades that are cheaper than their counterparts. It is possible to note that these colors can be successfully applied both to modern and traditional design concepts.

Rare Colors and Exotic Patterns: Fancy colours like blue, red, green granites or special patterns & designs can easily double the price of the material. For residents seeking for unique designs, such kind of stones may end up being very expensive to acquire.

4. Installation Complexity

Granite worktops also cannot be installed by anybody since the stone is very heavy and delicate and thus installation of granite worktops need to be done by installers who are professionals in the installation of granite worktops. Slight mistakes during the installation may lead to cracks or chipping throughout the edges thus the need for professional installation

Customization Requirements: A project that needs to be cut in a very delicate manner, special edges, or multiple seaming processes will mean higher labor charges. Simplified installations can be done in less time as compared to detailed installations; therefore, extra work in this case will add to the cost of the entire project due to the need for more tools, special skills, etc.

5. Finishes and Treatments

The finish of your granite worktop also contributes to the overall cost as well since some are more difficult to apply than others. There are several finish options with regards to the wall and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages as to its look and durability.

Polished Finish: The clear first choice and in most cases is the least expensive is polished granite which exhibits high shine to reflect colors and grains in natural look. Durability, easy to clean and maintain are some of the features which have made it common in the preparation area or the kitchen.

Honed Finish: This finish detracts the shininess of granite giving it a dull look, a look that is more enabling as compared to the glossy look. Though it is slightly costlier than polished granite, it gives a looks more sleek and refined which is preferred by most.

6. Maintenance and Long-Term Costs

Despite the fact, granite worktops are resistant to scratches, stains, heat and other abuses, they do need some level of maintenance; hence, they have been rated high on the costs associated with their use in the long-run. Granite needs to be resealed from time to time in order to be able to repel stains and other forms of damages. This depends on the kind of granite used and depending on how it has been used this could be an annual or half-yearly cost.

Conclusion

Selecting granite worktops comes with certain factors that should be taken into account since they have a close relation with the prices. The choice of the granite depends with the grade of the stone and its thickness, its color and origin and also the level of difficulty in installing the same. In terms of cost, granite worktops are more expensive than other types of worktops when one is first making a purchase but they offer more value than any other material in terms of durability, style and elegance that comes with using them in the home. While setting your budget, it is important to remember not only the cost of the granite worktop but also the cost of its refinishing so as to keep your beautiful furniture for years.

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