Is it possible to save on granite countertops?
Have you ever admired the granite in someone’s kitchen and were afraid to ask how many dollars that set them back? Don’t let price deter you from considering them for your own home. While it’s true that natural stone can be more expensive than other materials, there are still a lot of ways that you can save on granite countertops.
In this post, we are going to look at some of the most overlooked considerations on how to save on granite countertops.
A few things to note before you save on granite countertops
Many people choose granite for the look it creates in any kitchen or bathroom. It’s simply stunning, and due to the nature of this natural stone, no two slabs are exactly alike. This means your countertop will look truly unique, no matter your budget or how much you want to save on granite countertops.
It’s also hard as, well, a rock. It’s durable and can take years of daily use without losing its good looks. It is also heat and scratch resistant as well as chemical and dent resistant. You can use your countertops for lots of different things and not worry about damaging the look of the countertops.
Also, apart from resealing your granite counters, there’s very little maintenance needed with them. A good sealant will prevent stains and make cleaning a breeze, so it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice in kitchens.
Let’s dive into the cost to determine how much you can save on granite countertops
The cost of granite varies depending on the type you use. It actually can be pretty cheap if you use tiles, but they also have far more seams and look less attractive than having customized countertops made. If the grout doesn’t match the tile exactly, it can look cheap and tacky.
The cost of granite itself usually is only a part of the price tag: Installation, seaming and the type of edge you choose all play roles in the project total. To start, granite is heavy, thus costly to move, so shopping with local suppliers is best when you want to save on granite countertops.
You can save on granite countertops by finding a supplier that’s offering reduced cost installation. Streamline the project by opting for a standard eased edge, rather than something fancier such as a bevel edge. This lessens production time as well as the cost. You also can save on granite countertops by using the granite only for the countertops and choosing another finish for the backsplash. This reduces material costs, the amount of time necessary for installation and the overall work involved.
Go for locally harvested materials to save on granite countertops
The origins of your slab can directly affect your cost. Obviously, the more exotic the stone, the higher the cost is likely to be, but there are other factors concerning your countertops origins that can directly affect how much you save on granite countertops. Whether you’re buying from the guy down the street or the larger chain store, your stone’s ‘birthplace’ makes a huge difference to its price.
Much of the granite sold in America is imported from other continents. In quarries around the world, stone blocks are excavated and then shipped to wholesalers around the world before arriving at your local stoneyard as a finished slab. This can add to your bottom line because the local retailer must absorb the cost of transit.
Often, even exotic stones can be bought by a Salt Lake City Granite Countertop Fabricator at a discounted price, or maybe they have special pricing worked out with specific suppliers. If that’s the case you may get lucky and this would be a great chance to save on granite countertops.
Locally Harvested granite can help you save on granite countertops
Because colors depend on the minerals in the location the stone is formed, locally harvested options do tend to have the same colors and patterns. Most American granite is black, white, shades of grey, and less often pink and red.
Think long term when trying to save on granite countertops
The lifespan of the average kitchen is about 10 to 15 years until it gets remodeled. By selecting durable finishes for your Salt Lake City countertops and maintaining them properly, you’ll ensure that they won’t have to be replaced during the life of your kitchen. For example, while granite is beautiful, it scratches easily and is stained by wine, fruit and vinegar. Wood will show hard dents, while laminate will yellow from hot pans. Take the time now to learn how to maintain your countertops to be able to save on granite countertops.