7 Shocking Factors Inflating Granite Countertop Cost!
Granite Countertop Cost
When budgeting for your kitchen countertop, consider its size and the specific features you want, as these factors directly influence the cost.
Granite countertops cost around Php 5,000 to Php 50,000 or more in the Philippines, depending on the materials and design. If you’re considering marble or engineered quartz, expect to pay more.
To ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs from your local supplier, consider the following factors:
1. Supply and Demand
Supply and demand are crucial in determining global stone prices, including granite. This market dynamic significantly affects the cost of your countertop.
Because of their abundance, common and readily available granite varieties, like the “Salt and Pepper” or “Pink Porrino,” will not have a high price point.
However, when one company sells a stone exclusively, it can command a hefty price. After all, rarity creates value.
For example, the “Blue Bahia” starts at Php 70,000 per sqm as it is a scarce stone found only in Brazil.
Whatever you're thinking, think bigger.
2. Origin (Quarry Location) of the Material
The cost of granite countertops is influenced by the origin of the material, including transportation and labor expenses from the quarry location.
Labor cost also affects the price of every granite slab. Therefore, considering the difference in wages, one can expect that the stone processed in China will be cheaper than those produced in Italy or Brazil.
3. Slab Size
Using larger slabs allows for the installation of countertops with fewer seams but also results in more waste.
As such, a gangsaw slab will be more uniform in color and appearance than two or more cutter slabs joined together.
However, not all slabs are available in the size you need. Sometimes, you must buy another piece if the dimensions won’t suffice.
Moreover, larger granite slabs are harder to work with during countertop installation. All these factors affect the cost of granite countertops. If you are on a tight budget, consider using granite tiles instead. Granite tiles are cheaper than a whole slab. However, the disadvantage of using smaller pieces is the many seams on your countertop once installed.
If you’re wondering whether the granite color you like is available in a specific size, feel free to message us here.
4. Thickness
Workers extract large granite blocks in quarries and then cut them into slabs, like slicing a loaf of bread; sometimes, thinner sections are produced to maximize the yield.
These slabs average 18 mm in thickness, but depending on your supplier’s inventory, they are also available in 15 mm to 30 mm.
However, note that the thicker the slab, the higher the granite countertop cost is.
Most granite slabs sold in the Philippines are 18 mm to 20 mm thick. However, we do not recommend using thinner pieces, as they may compromise the strength of your kitchen countertop.
5. Grade
Understanding the different granite grades can help you make the best decision for your needs and budget. Here’s what you should know about each grade:
Commercial Grade
a. Has visible imperfections like veins, pits, and color variations;
b. Ideal for cost-effective projects, extensive developments, or rental properties prioritizing affordability;
c. Cost: ₱
Standard Grade
a.Has more consistent colors and patterns with fewer imperfections, resulting in a refined look;
b. Perfect for residential kitchens and bathrooms, offering a balance of quality and affordability;
c. Cost: ₱ ₱
Premium Grade
a.Selected from the finest parts of the quarry, it features vibrant colors and minimal imperfections.;
b. Best for luxury homes, commercial spaces, or any project requiring top-tier aesthetics and durability;
c. Cost: ₱ ₱ ₱
When choosing granite countertops, it’s essential to consider your budget and expectations. If you have concerns about cost, commercial-grade granite may be a suitable option. For a good balance of quality and price, consider opting for standard-grade granite. If you’re looking for the highest quality and the most beautiful finish, get the premium grade.
6. Sealing
Not all granite colors require sealing.
Granites like “Black Galaxy,” “Absolute Black,” and “Ubatuba” are so dense that even stone sealers won’t penetrate their surface. Sealing them dulls the stones’ shine. These are typically black granites or those with a darker shade.
However, regular sealing is necessary for other colors, especially in lighter shades.
Your granite installer will seal your countertop if needed. This adds to the cost of your project.
Moreover, depending on your usage, your stone countertop needs to be sealed every year or two. Hence, it demands extra care and maintenance to keep it looking new for years.
If you are uncomfortable buying a stone sealer once every two years or sealing your countertop annually, pick a granite color that does not need sealing or consider engineered quartz instead.
7. The Complexity of the Installation
The complexity of your countertop’s design can significantly impact your project’s overall cost.
For instance, because granite is heavy and hard, skilled professionals are required to pull off the job. Various factors contribute to complexity, including precision cutting, edge profiles, seam placement, support, leveling, transportation, handling, customizations, and cutouts.
Remember: your local supplier will charge you accordingly, as even the smallest detail can contribute to the final cost of your counter.
These include:
a. Edge Profile
Choosing the right edge profile for your granite countertop is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s also a significant factor in determining the final cost of your project. The edge profile is the contour or design that defines the perimeter of your countertop, and it can range from simple and straight to complex and ornate.
Basic Countertop Edge Profiles
Basic edge profiles are priced at Php 500 per linear meter. These include:
- Eased: offers a slight rounding to soften the countertop’s edges;
- Chamfer: features a symmetrical sloping edge, adding a subtle detail;
- Bevel: characterized by its angled edge cut, giving a contemporary look;
- Pencil Round: has a rounded edge that is simple yet elegant;
- Half Bullnose: showcases a gently rounded top edge, blending sleekness with functionality;
- Bullnose: provides a fully rounded edge and is famous for its smooth and safe finish.
These options are cost-effective without compromising style, making them ideal for homeowners looking to balance budget and beauty. They require less labor and are easier to fabricate, hence their more affordable pricing.
Premium Countertop Edge Profiles
For those desiring a touch of luxury and uniqueness, premium edge profiles are available at Php 1,000 per linear meter. These include:
- Dupont: known for its sophisticated look, featuring a sharp, straight drop that transitions into a subtle curve;
- Miter: features a seamless edge where the granite is cut at a precise angle (usually 45 degrees) to give the illusion of a thicker slab. This sophisticated edge treatment is perfect for creating a modern, clean look with the added illusion of thickness without the actual weight and bulk of a thicker slab.
- Laminated Edge Profiles: these involve creating a thicker edge appearance by bonding two layers of granite together, offering enhanced visual weight and grandeur.
Premium profiles demand more precise craftsmanship and labor, justifying their higher price point. They cater to bespoke kitchen designs where every detail is curated for a distinctive look.
b. Backsplash
A backsplash protects your walls from spills and splatters and enhances your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. It seamlessly integrates style with functionality, completing the look of your space.
Below, you’ll find a comparative analysis highlighting the distinctions between choosing no backsplash, a standard backsplash, and a full-height backsplash for your countertop:
| Feature | No Backsplash | Standard Backsplash | Full-height Backsplash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Usage | None | Minimal (typically extends 4 inches high) | Maximum (extends to the bottom of your upper cabinets) |
| Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Installation Complexity | Not Applicable | Simple | More Complex |
| Aesthetic Impact | Minimal | Enhances Countertop Appearance | Dramatic, Unified Look |
| Protection | None | Basic Wall Protection | Full Wall Protection |
c. Cutouts
Integrating cutouts for sinks, cooktops, electrical outlets, garbage disposal units, and other essentials into your granite countertop not only enhances the functionality and sophistication of your kitchen but also adds a layer of complexity to the design and installation process.
But how do they affect a countertop’s cost?
Precision Work
Creating cutouts requires precise measurements and skilled cutting techniques to accommodate each specific fixture or appliance. This precision work demands time and expertise, thereby increasing labor costs.
Specialized Tools
Specialized tools are essential for creating smooth, precise cuts for the various cutouts your granite countertop design requires. Additionally, the wear and tear these tools undergo during the process further contributes to the overall costs.
Wastage
Larger cutouts, like those for sinks or cooktops, inevitably lead to material waste, diminishing the usable portion of the granite slab. This waste is considered in the project's pricing, impacting the overall cost.
Risk of Damage
The process of creating cutouts carries a heightened risk of cracking or damaging the granite. While professionals meticulously mitigate this risk, the possibility of material loss can influence the final pricing.
Conclusion
When budgeting for a granite countertop, it’s essential to consider several factors that can significantly affect its final cost. The price of a granite slab is determined by its origin, rarity, grade, size, thickness, and finish. Additionally, the complexity of the installation, including the edge profile and seam placement, contributes to the overall expense.
Therefore, it is crucial to hire experienced professionals to install your granite countertops. Professional installers have the necessary skills, tools, and experience to handle the material correctly, ensuring that your countertops are beautiful, durable, and long-lasting.
We provide a thrilling array of high-quality granite options sourced from various quarries worldwide. So whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or exquisite and unique, we have the perfect stone that matches your style and needs.
Our knowledgeable Team is ready to help you find the suitable material for your project, provide a detailed quote, and handle the installation to ensure a flawless finish that fits your budget and taste.
Is Granite an Expensive Countertop Material?
While some granite types are more affordable, especially those that are more common, others can be pretty expensive due to their rarity or origin.
The overall cost of a granite countertop also depends on factors like its grade, size, and thickness.
Although granite may have a higher initial cost than other countertop materials like laminate or ceramic tiles, it is highly durable, heat-resistant, and long-lasting, making it a worthwhile investment.
How Much does Granite Countertop Installation Cost?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical costs for installing a granite countertop:
- Fabrication (Shaping and Polishing of Edges) - Php 500 per linear meter
- Installation - Php 500 per linear meter
- Cutouts
- Drop-in/Vessel Sink, Cooktop - Php 850 per set
- Undermount Sink - Php 1,200 per set
- Wall-mounted Outlet - Php 500 per set
- Sealing - Php 400 per sqm
- Mobilization - depends on project location
For a precise quote tailored to your project, get your free quote here.
Which is cheaper: Granite or Quartz?
Granite is generally more affordable than quartz.
In the Philippines, common granite varieties typically start at around Php 1,800 per square meter, while quartz prices usually start at about Php 5,200 per square meter.
The cost difference is due to granite's natural availability and quartz's more complex manufacturing process.
Miguel Aquino
Miguel Aquino is the General Manager of Stone Depot, one of the Philippines' leading suppliers of granite, marble, and quartz. Since 2010, he has been in the stone industry, working for a similar company in Balintawak, Quezon City.
You can find him playing Magic: the Gathering at a hobby store every Friday night.
Is there 3 meter length granite?
Hi, Joma!
Yes, but they’re primarily dark colors. Is there a specific granite that you are looking for?
We have granite countertops in our home too! And yes, I agree that these are affordable, coming in with an array of prices that make it simple to find a stone that is within your budget. Also, ranging from $40 to $200 per square foot, there is surely an option that works for everybody’s price limits.
What’s more, they’re a one-time investment that’ll provide you a lifetime of service in the kitchen. 😉
Hi. Are there white natural granite countertops available? How much does it cost per slab?
Hi, Mira!
Natural white granites, such as “Salt and Pepper” and “Caesar White,” have black and/or gray specks across their surface.
If you are looking for a pure white countertop material, we suggest getting quartz instead.
Can you provide me a dealer for quartz countertops in Moncada, Tarlac or nearby town.
Hello!
We’re currently present in the VisMin region only.
For projects in Luzon, you may contact our affiliate in Manila, Saint Mark Construction Supply.
Their address is 1080-B Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Balintawak, Quezon City.
You may reach them at (02) 8352 0195 or 0905 460 8800.
Just look for Jo or Karen.
You can also check out some of their works here: https://facebook.com/graniteandmarblesupplies.
Thank you!
Like to have a quote with sizes materials and labor: Jet Black or Black galaxy
1. 92″x 60cm
2. 52″x 60cm
We are in BF Paranaque
Hello!
We’re currently present in the VisMin region only.
For projects in Luzon, you may contact our affiliate in Manila, Saint Mark Construction Supply.
Their address is 1080-B Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Balintawak, Quezon City.
You may reach them at (02) 8352 0195 or 0905 460 8800.
Just look for Jo or Karen.
You can also check out some of their works here: https://facebook.com/graniteandmarblesupplies.
Thank you!
How much is the counter top for kitchen, the size is 60 cm. X 140 cm. Granite, Quartz., bull nose on the two sides.
From. Norman Masaya of Sto. Tomas Batangas
Contact No. 09162403895
Hi, Norman!
Can you email us the detailed plan for your project so we can give you a quote?
Our email address is email [at] stonedepot [dot] ph.
Thank you!