It’s almost impossible to imagine a perfect kitchen with a natural stone countertop providing both beauty and practicality. A general homeowner thinks that these expensive kitchens are only for trendy or wealthy people.
Some countertops can indeed cost you a pretty penny; most are affordably stylish. This SK Stones’ price guide will help you find those diamonds in the rough for the coming year.
The prices of stone countertops depend upon multi-sided parameters. First, we have to understand why some stones’ costs are high and some are low. Stone countertops price factors are like aesthetics, functions, features, and installation. Please don’t get anxious; let’s first figure out how prices for different countertop stones and gauged.
Aesthetics of the Stone (Quality, Color, Design)
The appearance and looks of the countertop are the easiest and most visible indicators of the price. Stone countertops with rare color shades are more expensive, like red, blue, purple, etc. All the stone slabs are not equal; they have a unique natural design in their fabrication. Customized countertops that fit your house’s theme or interior lighting can cost you more than standard tops.
These elements of aesthetics compile into the overall quality of the stone through Grades.
A Level 1 or Low-Grade countertop’s fabrication takes place in mass production. They are relatively thin and generally come in primary colors and simple designs.
Level 2 or Mid-Grade Countertops fabrication from slabs takes place in the stores. Their thickness is close to the 3cm mark and comes in more aesthetically pleasing patterns.
Finally, Level 3 or High-Grade Countertops fabrication is also held in store. They are thicker than most slabs and contain beautiful and rare colors and designs.
Functionality of Stone (Size, Thickness, Finishing)
The functionality of countertop slabs is also a significant indicator of stone’s pricing. Like more stone per square meter you buy, the more you will have to pay for it. The price of the slab will increase as thickness increases. Generally, the thickness of the 3cm, purchasing a 2cm thick slabs eventually saves you money. It will also reduce the counter’s hardiness. So, the cost to benefit ratio you’ll have to evaluate as per your requirement. Custom finishing and coating you select can also affect the price. Polishes and sealants will protect your stone countertop’s integrity, but they’ll drive up the cost of your countertop. If coatings are already available on your slab, it can increase the price, but you consider the cost to benefit ratio again.
Installation of the Stone (Origin and Renovation)
It would be best if you didn’t ever discriminate against someone’s origins – unless that someone is your future stone countertop. The source of the stone influence the pricing as it takes more workforce and traveling costs. More workforce and cost spend on importing two sq. ft. of Brazilian Marble than Scottish Marble of the same size. It tells that you can discriminate but only for your countertop stone.
Installation of countertop at your home also takes the workforce and money. Cutting and edging the counter slabs is a universal and inherent cost to every installation. Riping out your old countertops for new top installation can be an extra cost. To avoid that cost, you can use your carpentry skills to take out your deteriorated slabs. It helps to save a fair amount of fees for the contractor.
Stone Countertop Estimates
Now let’s get to the point you’ve been waiting for: the actual price rate for stone countertops. Grab your popcorns and a notebook.
(Note: Given prices are average estimates; costs may vary for different designs or colors)
Cost of Granite Countertops
Known for its durability, unique vein patterns, and glorious colors, Granite is one of the most popular natural stones. It has the most variations among natural stones, with over 200 selections available at SK Stones Boynton Beach warehouse.
Granite countertops are available with installation as low as $49 per sq. ft. to $99 per sq. ft.
Cost of Marble Countertops
Another trendy selection, Marble countertops, possess a gleaming look and crystalline patterns. This natural stone is famous amongst home remodelers because of its bolder veining patterns. You can select your countertop from over 50 variants of Marble are available at SK Stones warehouse.
Marble countertops are available with installation as low as $59 per sq. ft. to $199 per sq. ft.
Cost of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are human-made, very durable, and sophisticated. This stone can be made available as per your choice with the least maintenance requirements. Quartz slab prices also depend on the services purchased. At SK Stones, dozens of Quartz options are available for you.
Quartz countertops are available with installation as low as $55 per sq. ft. to $85 per sq. ft.
Cost of Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite stone is from the family of Quartz. It is a metamorphic rock comprised of sandstone (which contains Quartz). Quartzite gets its beautiful patterns from Quartz’s crystallization after it goes through high temperatures. Find various Quartzite countertops variations at SK Stones in South Florida.
Quartzite countertops are available with installation from as low as $65 per sq. ft. to $135 per sq. ft.
Cost of Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is a relatively soft natural stone. Countertops of Soapstone are reinforced with Quartz to increase its durability and scratch resistance. They are mostly found in grey colors with matte finishes. Because of its low hardness, it requires high maintenance.
Soapstone counters are available with installation as low as $99 per sq. ft. to $175 per sq. ft.
Cost of Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops have classic looks; they are hard-wearing and easy to clean. This stone comes in a variety of colors as well. In parts of Florida, Porcelain is beginning to make serious contributions as a useful countertop material. Important factors for the pricing of Porcelain are its thickness, designs, and origin.
Porcelain is available from as low as $01 per sq. ft. to $17 per sq. ft.
