Why are Granite Countertops so Expensive?

Granite is an incredible option for kitchen and bathroom countertop renovations. It is a very hard stone with a Mohs Scale level of 6-8.

Moreover, it offers longevity as long as it is properly installed and taken care of. It is adorned with classic vein patterns on top of its smooth and dense base. It comes in a wide variety of colors ranging from classic grays and beiges to vibrant blues and reds. All of these qualities combined can make granite the best option.

However, granite can also be quite expensive depending on the thickness and quality of the slab. Also, the longer it has to travel to get to your house, the price tag will be higher. Keep reading to learn all of the factors that contribute to the expense of granite countertops. 

Natural resource

Granite being a natural stone is one of the contributing factors of its expensive price tag. It is an igneous rock, meaning that granite has to go through a transformation that lasts millions of years for it to take its final form we know and love today. This process includes the magma that is located within the crust of the earth to cool and solidify. This results in a highly durable and gorgeous stone. 

Natural stones will always cost more compared to engineered stones because natural stones are a finite resource. Granite is an abundant material and we are in no danger of running out of it in the near future.

However, it is still not an endless material. Moreover, its status as a natural stone makes granite more alluring because most buyers will prefer to have a natural stone due to their amazing properties rather than manufactured alternatives. 

Transportation and quarrying 

The high cost of granite can be mostly attributed to the expenses associated with the mining and transportation processes. Both of these are extremely crucial steps in the supply chain and cannot be skipped in any way. 

Quarrying the granite is a very labor-intensive process.

Moreover, it demands highly skilled workers and specialized equipment so that the granite can be taken out of the quarry safely. The extraction must happen without compromising the quality of the stone. Therefore, the workers must take great care and use special techniques. 

Another factor to take into consideration is that granite can’t be quarried everywhere. High-deposit areas are usually found in certain regions that can be challenging to get to. The remote locations add to the expenses during the extraction and transportation. 

After the granite is successfully quarried, the raw stone needs to be transported to facilities where it can be transformed into countertops.

This transposition is from the aforementioned remote quarrying sites and involves bulky and extremely heavy blocks of granite. Because of the distance and the size of granite, the transportation is expensive and intricate. The heavier the block is and the farther distance it needs to go, it will cost more to take it there. 

It also needs specialized transport so that the block doesn’t get damaged or break into smaller parts during the move. Specialized shipping containers can be necessary to ensure safety, which will raise the overall price. 

Installation and fabrication costs

It is important to remember that while purchasing granite, you aren’t just paying for the material but also for fabrication and installation. After granite is extracted from the quarry, it needs to be processed so that it can be used as countertops.

Meaning, it needs to be cut, polished, and shaped, and the desired edge profiles need to be added. As it is an incredibly hard stone, during the processes, diamond blades and sanding pads need to be used. The specialized equipment and the staff with the expertise and skill to manage this equipment are going to be pricey. 

The installation of granite countertops is a process that requires close attention to detail and meticulous examination of every step of the process.

The craftsman who is tasked with fitting the countertops exactly to the designated space in the kitchen or bathroom needs to consider every element in the room. The necessary cutouts for sinks and faucets, corners, and appliances are just a few examples of things to remember so that the slab can fit into the space perfectly. 

Moreover, granite is an extremely hard and dense material. Due to this quality, granite needs to be handled with care so that any accidents are prevented during the installation. In inexperienced hands, the granite slab can get chipped or even break if not properly supported. The process may involve additional staff members or equipment depending on the size and weight of the specific slab.

Quality and rarity

The cost of the specific granite slab you are interested in will be heavily influenced by its quality and rarity. The visual beauty of granite is one of its strongest allures. Higher-quality of granite will result in a slab that is consistent in color and pattern. It will also exhibit fewer imperfections, thus having a more luxurious appearance. 

The appearance and durability of the stone depend on where it is quarried. Some locations yield more premium options with high durability and rare color options.

On the other hand, certain locations will result in granite slabs that are more common with less distinct qualities. The rarity of the stone contributes to its scarcity, which will be directly reflected in the price of the stone. 

Durability and longevity

Granite expenses are also closely involved with its amazing durability and longevity. Granite is a highly sought-after material because it will look new without showing daily wear and tear for a long time. It is very resistant to abrasions, chipping, and scratches.

Even with daily or near-daily use, the surface of your new countertops will retain its unblemished beauty.

 This durability means that it won’t need to be replaced as quickly as less durable countertops. Therefore, it can be considered to be a cost-saving measure in the long run. Combined with its heat resistance, granite proves itself to be the go-to atone for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. 

As one of the leading stone suppliers in the industry, Paragon Exotic Stones offers a wide range of granite options. With more than 300 varieties across different stone alternatives such as granite, quartzite, and marble, you are guaranteed to find one that fits your taste and lifestyle.

If you have any questions or concerns you can reach out to the customer service team or request a consultation. https://paragonexoticstones.com/contact-us/