It’s almost impossible to imagine a perfect kitchen with a natural stone countertop providing beauty and practicality. A general homeowner thinks these expensive kitchens are only for trendy or wealthy people.
Some countertops can 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 and vanity tops depend upon multi-sided parameters. First, we must understand why some stones’ costs are high, and some are low. Stone countertops’ price factors are like aesthetics, functions, features, and installation. Don’t get anxious; let’s first figure out how different countertop stones’ prices are gauged.
1. Aesthetics of the Stone
- QUALITY: The appearance and looks of the countertop are the easiest and most visible indicators of the price.
- COLOR: Stone countertops with rare color shades are more expensive, like red, blue, purple, etc.
- DESIGN: 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 countertops.
GRADES
These elements compile into the overall quality of the stone through Grades:
- Level 1 or Low-Grade countertop 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.
- 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.
2. Characteristics of Stone
The Characteristics of stones affect the price of the stones. Stones with more properties have higher prices.
- Size: Size of the stone affects its price. It is sold in square meters, the more square meters you buy, the more you will have to pay for it.
- Thickness: The price of the slab increases as the thickness increases. Purchasing a slab of 2cm thickness instead of 3cm thickness saves you money. It will also reduce the counter’s hardiness. So, you’ll have to evaluate the cost-to-benefit ratio as per your requirement.
- Finishing: Finishing also affects the price of the stone. Polishes and sealants will protect your stone countertop’s integrity. High-quality polishes cost more. If coatings are already available on your slab, it can increase the price.
3. Origin of Stone
The source of the stone influences the pricing as it takes more workforce and traveling costs. More workforce and cost are spent importing two sq. ft. of Brazilian Marble than Scottish Marble of the same size.
4. Installation of Stone
Installation of countertops at your home also takes the workforce and some finances. Ripping out your old countertops for new top installation can be an extra cost. You can use your carpentry skills to avoid the cost 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 popcorn and a notebook.
(Note: Given prices are average estimates; costs may vary for different designs or colors)
1. Cost of Granite Countertops
Known for its durability, unique vein patterns, and glorious colors, Granite is one of the most popular natural stones. Granite is a pure stone that is later cut into slabs, fabricated, and then polished to be used on countertops. 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.
2. Cost of Marble Countertops
Another trendy selection, Marble countertops, possess a gleaming look and crystalline patterns. This natural stone comes from China, Pakistan, Spain, and Italy, famous among home remodelers because of its bolder veining patterns. You can select your countertop from over 50 variants of Marble available at SK Stones warehouse.
Marble countertops are available with installation as low as $59 per sq. ft. to $199 per sq. ft.
3. Cost of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are human-made, very durable, and sophisticated. This stone mostly comes from Australia, Mexico, Russia & Brazil, which 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.
4. Cost of Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite stone is from the family of Quartz. It is a metamorphic rock composed of sandstone (which contains Quartz). Quartzite gets its beautiful patterns from Quartz’s crystallization after it goes through high temperatures. Find various Quartzite countertop 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.
5. 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 primarily 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.
6. Cost of Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops have classic looks; they are hard-wearing, non-porous, and easy to clean. This stone comes in a variety of colors as well. Porcelain is beginning to make serious contributions as a useful countertop material in parts of Florida. Important factors for the pricing of Porcelain are its thickness, designs, and origin. A variety of Porcelain countertops are available at SK Stones warehouse.
Porcelain is available from $01 per sq. ft. to $17 per sq. ft.
