Introduction
Granite worktops are preferred when it comes to improving the luxury and practicality of some areas such as kitchens, bathroom and entertainment. These are non-trends that provide simple, elegant designs and long-wearing durability; however, the expense in granite counters can be high. This paper looks at the most important factors that determine the cost of granite worktops and offers tips on how to manage the cost when installing this valuable upgrade in any home.
Cost of Granite Worktops and Factors That Affect the Costs
- Granite Quality and Type
Since there are numerous types of granite, the price of granite worktops will be influenced by the kind and quality of granite chosen. It means that the variation of this type of stone depends on its source, method of mining, and their appearance.
Standard Granite:
Known to be sourced in large quarries, standard granite famed for its hard-wearing and durable nature comes with restricted variation in colour and fascia patterns. This option is suitable to customer who choose simple design to the product and avoid complex carving and engravings.
Designer Granite:
A level above it, designer granite has more choices of colors, unusual etchings, and patterns that resemble even more expensive natural stones. This type is suitable for homeowners who want a completely unique look but without the added costs of some rarer types.
Premium Granite:
At the top of the granite tier, superior granite has unique patterns and tailor made attributes that set it apart from other types of granite. End-use granite with well-known attributes that include enhanced durability and appearance is favored in select design applications.
2. Slab Thickness
The thickness of granite slabs is another big factor that determines the price of the material and also comes with an aesthetic and practical characteristic.
Thin Slabs:
Usually they are 1cm to 2 cm thick and thus more light weighted and less expensive thannormal cement slabs. They are ideal for installation in places where it is necessary to create a small, more concise image, for example in the bathroom or as interior accents.
Thick Slabs:
Indeed, granite tiles are renewed by slabs range from 3 cm to 4 cm in thickness, which provides additional density and allows the material to look heavier, fitting well places which can get stocked by traffic rather often. They are thicker than the others and this make the material less vulnerable to chipping, and cracking.
3. Color and Pattern
The color and pattern of granite could make or break it as far as the value is concerned because some have uniques colors and patterns as opposed to the others. Traditional color and simple patterns require more time to extract and shape hence they have higher prices.
Common Colors:
Whites, grays, and blacks also are less expensive and easier to find. These colors look universal, which means that they are appropriate for almost any interior design options, as well as for people who dream of having a timeless stylish home.
Exotic Colors and Patterns:
The granite with bright and many-hued intricate designs cost relatively highly because the extraction and processing of the material is challenging. Many of these distinctive pieces look and feel like much more expensive products such as marble.
4. Ease of Installation
Granite worktops are slightly complex to install because granite is a heavy and brittle stone that demands the service of professional workers. When an installation of the fabric requires cuts falling on very specific lines or if very detailed edges or seams are required, then costs skyrocket. Selecting competent installers is important in order to eradicate chances such as cracks or chips to occur during installation.
Choosing and Installing Granite Worktops
For your granite and other accessories to look as they should, be prepared to part with good money for it as well as other costs of installation and regular maintenance. Choosing the right type of granite therefore based on the design preference and functionality is worth the investment. Eschew extended delivery by purchasing from nearby regional providers to cut on transportation expenses and think of a broad array of installation and maintenance expenses to stay away from surcharges.
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.
