Granite Worktops Cost

How Much Does a Granite Worktop Cost?

Granite is a durable, heat-resistant natural stone that can boost the value of a kitchen or bathroom. UK granite worktop prices for a standard 3,000mm long, 650mm deep, 30mm thick kitchen worktop are around £600 (not including labour fees), although the final cost can vary depending on the exact size and finish. When purchasing granite kitchen worktops by measurement, prices are often somewhere between £270 and £600 per m², depending on the brand, quality, and type.

Exact granite worktop costs will vary based on factors like granite quality, thickness, and finishing. Regional variations can also influence pricing, especially when it comes to transport and delivery of the materials, as locations closer to stockists and quarries will have slightly lower fees than those based further from the site.

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Granite Worktop Prices

Let's take a closer look at the estimated supply cost of granite kitchen worktops and work surfaces (not including labour fees). For consistency, the following granite prices are based on a worktop that is 3,000mm long, 650mm deep, and 30mm thick:

Although the average granite worktop cost per square metre is around £435, the grade of stone you choose has a significant impact on price. Standard granite uses widely available stones (for example, Steel Grey or Angola Black), while superior grades offer more distinctive colours and patterns. Premium granite features rarer stones with more detailed veining or colouring, and high-end designer options typically involve exotic imports, all of which push costs considerably higher.

Fully Installed Cost of Granite Worktops

How much do granite kitchen worktops cost with installation?

The prices above cover materials only. Once labour is added, the fully installed cost of a granite worktop (supply and fitting combined) typically falls within these ranges, depending on the grade of stone.

These figures assume a standard-sized kitchen installation completed by a professional. Larger kitchens, bespoke shapes, or difficult access can push costs toward the higher end of each range.

Granite Upstand Costs

Upstands are the short, vertical panels installed along the edge of where the worktop meets the wall. Often made of the same material as the counter, an upstand acts as a mini-splashback, protecting the wall against spillage, excess moisture and staining.

Using the dimensions 1250mm width x 100mm height x 20mm depth, you can expect typical total granite upstand costs for this worktop size as follows:

In summary, depending on the size and finish, granite upstands cost between £26 and £53, although exact prices may vary.

Labour Cost of Installing Granite Worktops

Most homeowners use specialist granite worktop fitters rather than general kitchen fitters, as granite worktop installation involves precise cutting and handling of heavy stone slabs.

The supply costs above don't include labour. Granite worktop installation typically costs £200 to £300 per day per contractor, and most standard installations take 2 to 3 days to complete. More complex projects, such as those with multiple cutouts or bespoke edge profiles, can take up to 5 days.

Based on these figures, you can expect to pay roughly £400 to £900 in labour for a standard installation, and up to £1,500 for a more involved project. Combined with supply costs, a typical granite worktop installation (supply and labour) is likely to fall in the range of £270 to £600 per m², with the average sitting around £435 per m².

To keep labour costs down, clear the space and remove as much of the existing kitchen or bathroom as possible before your contractor arrives. If you're also having your kitchen remodelled and plan on laying new flooring, bundling jobs together with the same contractor can help reduce overall costs.

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Factors That Impact Granite Worktop Costs

Several factors influence the final cost of granite worktops and countertops. These include:

• Granite grade and type — Standard granite (for example, Steel Grey or Angola Black) is the most affordable option, while premium and exotic varieties, such as Black Galaxy or Blue Bahia, cost significantly more per square metre due to their rarity and visual appeal.
• Country of origin — Granite is quarried across Africa, Brazil, Norway, and India, among others. Stones imported from further away carry higher transport and import costs, which are passed on in the price.
• Worktop size — The larger the worktop area, the more material is required and the higher the overall cost. Small kitchens will naturally require less material than larger, open-plan layouts.
• Thickness — The industry standard is 30mm, but 20mm slabs are available and tend to cost around 15% to 18% less. Thicker slabs cost more and are heavier to transport and install.
• Edge profiles — Flat, straight edges come as standard. Rounded edges, pencil profiles, or more specialised finishes such as an Ogee edge will add to the cost, typically from £14 to £80 per linear metre, depending on complexity.
• Cutouts — Hobs, sinks, and tap holes all require cutouts. Unpolished cutouts (where the edge won't be seen) cost less than polished cutouts (needed for undermounted sinks, for example), which require additional finishing work.
• Installation complexity — Bespoke shapes, large kitchen layouts, multiple joins, or difficult access will all add time and cost to the project.
• Location — Transport and delivery costs vary depending on how far you are from the supplier's fabrication facility or quarry stockist.

Additional Costs of Granite Countertops

Beyond the supply and fitting of the granite itself, there are several additional costs that may apply to your project.

• Removing existing worktops — Before your new granite countertops are installed, your existing worktops will need to come out. Some materials are straightforward to remove yourself, which can save on labour costs. If you have existing stone worktops or want to keep the current kitchen intact, professional removal is advisable to avoid damage. This cost is not typically included in a granite worktop installation quote, so confirm with your installer in advance.
• Skip hire — Waste removal is an additional cost to factor in. Hiring a skip typically costs around £220 for a mid-sized option. If you have materials that require specialist disposal — such as those containing asbestos or lead paint — specialist removal services will be needed and will cost more.
• Polished vs unpolished cutouts — Cutouts for hobs and standard top-mounted sinks can be left unpolished, as the edge won't be visible. Polished cutouts — required for undermounted sinks, for example — cost more due to the additional finishing work involved.
• Edge finishes — Granite worktops come with a straight, flat edge as standard. Rounded or specialist edge profiles cost from around £15 per metre and can rise for higher grades of stone, where the risk of damage during the process is greater.
• Upstands and splashbacks — If you want matching granite upstands or a full-height splashback, these will be an additional supply and fitting cost on top of the worktop itself.
• Drainer grooves — If you'd like a granite draining board area, a set of 5 drainer grooves typically costs around £150.
• Delivery and transport surcharges — Granite is a heavy material, and transport costs increase with distance from the supplier. If you're based further from a stockist or fabrication facility, you may be subject to a delivery surcharge — check with your supplier directly.
• Worktop templating — Most reputable installers include templating (measuring and mapping your kitchen for a precise factory cut) within their overall quote, but it's worth confirming this is the case before you agree to a price.

Granite Worktop Finish Costs

Granite worktops come in a range of finishes and shapes. Costs for the most common options are set out below.

Curved or rounded edges cost extra, as granite worktops come with a straight, flat edge as standard.

Types of Granite Worktops

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to granite kitchen worktops and countertops, and there are plenty of options for granite worktop colours, finishes, and price points to suit different kitchen designs.

Polished Granite Worktops

Polished granite countertops are the most common choice for modern kitchens, with popular options like white granite giving a shiny, opulent finish. The reflective surface helps to bounce light around a room, giving kitchens and bathrooms a bright appearance, especially useful for rooms with little to no natural light.

When granite is polished, its porous nature is sealed in, making it resistant to stains. This process also makes the stone hygienic and moisture-repellent, making it a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Pros

• ✔ High-shine, glossy finish
• ✔ Hygienic and easy to clean
• ✔ Moisture-repellent
• ✔ Included as the standard finish, so no added cost

Cons

• ✖ Smudges and marks can be more visible.
• ✖ Some cleaners may dull the surface's shine.
• ✖ May corrode if corrosive cleaning products are used.

Honed Granite Worktops

Honed granite worktops are a great option if you like the smooth qualities that polished granite gives but want something a little more functional. Instead of being high-shine, honed granite has a matte, buffed appearance.

As a result, honed granite will be less prone to showing up fingerprints, but with the reduced shine comes reduced light bouncing, and the finish can also dull the natural stone's appearance and colour. A honed granite finish can be a good choice if you want something less showy.

Pros

• ✔ Smooth surface, buffed appearance.
• ✔ Helps to hide fingerprints, unlike polished granite.

Cons

• ✖ Requires re-sealing as the surface is more porous than polished granite.
• ✖ The stone's natural colouring and pattern will be dimmed somewhat due to the finish.
• ✖ Can cost slightly more than polished, due to the extra buffing process.

Leathered Granite Worktops

Leathered granite countertops offer a good go-between, giving a good level of stain resistance but without the high-shine properties of polished granite. The finish is created by running an abrasive brush over a honed granite surface to mottle the texture.

As a result, you're left with a finish that is stain-resistant and able to hide fingerprints, but as there is no shine on the surface, your kitchen or bathroom can appear smaller because of the lack of reflective properties. Leathered granite looks less luxurious than polished granite, so if you're after a high-shine, opulent finish, this might not be your best option.

Pros

• ✔ Helps to hide fingerprints, unlike polished granite.
• ✔ Enhances the natural stone's pattern and colour, unlike honed granite.

Cons

• ✖ The surface dimpling can make cleaning harder.
• ✖ Non-reflective surface, which reduces the luxury look and feel and can negatively impact the room's size.
• ✖ One of the pricier finishes, as the texturing process adds labour time.

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Cost of Alternative Types of Worktops

If the cost, finish, or appearance of granite isn't for you, there are plenty of other kitchen worktop materials to choose from, each with its own pros, cons, and price point.

Quartz Kitchen Worktops Cost

Quartz worktops are made from engineered stone and come in a wide range of colours and patterns to suit your kitchen design. Unlike granite, quartz kitchen worktops are not a fully natural stone, so you may want to weigh up the following pros and cons if you're choosing between quartz or granite worktops.

In terms of cost, quartz worktops average around £375 per m² fully installed, slightly cheaper than granite, which averages around £435 per m². Quartz is also non-porous and doesn't require sealing, which can reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Pros

• ✔ Wide variety of colours and patterns.
• ✔ More affordable than marble or granite.
• ✔ Durable and low maintenance.
• ✔ Non-porous and resistant to stains.

Cons

• ✖ Quality can vary, with low-quality quartz relatively common.
• ✖ Requires purchasing from reputable brands to ensure high quality.
• ✖ Potentially can be damaged by high heat.
• ✖ Not a natural stone, which some homeowners may prefer.

Marble Worktops Cost

Marble is one of the most luxurious worktop materials available. Being an entirely natural stone, no two cuts are the same, giving every installation a unique character. Marble worktops tend to cost more than granite (typically ranging from £400 to £1,000+ per m² depending on the variety) and require more ongoing maintenance, including regular resealing.

Pros

• ✔ Luxurious, unique natural veining and colouring.
• ✔ Elegant and timeless, aesthetically pleasing.
• ✔ Heat resistant to some extent.
• ✔ Adds high-end value to your kitchen.

Cons

• ✖ Porous surface prone to moisture damage.
• ✖ High maintenance, requires resealing.
• ✖ Prone to scratches and staining.
• ✖ More expensive than many alternatives.

Concrete Worktops Cost

Concrete worktops offer a more industrial, textured aesthetic compared to polished stone options. Costs vary widely depending on whether the worktop is cast in situ or pre-made, but prices typically range from £300 to £700 per m², putting them in a similar bracket to granite.

Pros

• ✔ Strong and highly durable.
• ✔ Unique texture, with rustic appearance.
• ✔ Cracks are easier to repair than other stones.
• ✔ Can customise shape and colour.

Cons

• ✖ Prone to staining without sealing.
• ✖ Requires sealing and maintenance.
• ✖ Can develop hairline cracks over time.
• ✖ May require reinforced cupboards due to weight.

Composite Worktops Cost

Composite worktops (including Corian) are engineered surfaces made up of stone particles and resins, giving a finish that resembles natural stone but with added practical benefits. Composite worktops generally cost between £250 and £650 per m², making them a competitive alternative to granite for those who want a low-maintenance surface.

Pros

• ✔ Tough, non-porous surface.
• ✔ Low maintenance and easy to clean.
• ✔ Resistant to stains and scratches.
• ✔ Available in various colours and designs.

Cons

• ✖ Sensitive to heat, can be easily damaged.
• ✖ Professional repair needed if chipped or scratched.
• ✖ Doesn't have the same natural look as other materials.
• ✖ Can be more expensive than laminate.

Laminate Worktops Cost

Laminate worktops are the most budget-friendly option, with a printed decorative layer bonded to a substrate such as particle board. Supply costs typically start from around £100 to £200 for a standard 3m run, making them significantly cheaper than granite, though they don't offer the same durability or longevity.

Pros

• ✔ Budget-friendly material
• ✔ Wide variety of colours, patterns and textures
• ✔ Lightweight and easy to install
• ✔ Low maintenance and easy to clean

Cons

• ✖ Less resistant to heat, scratches and impact.
• ✖ Can easily chip or suffer burns over time.
• ✖ Not as durable or long-lasting as other options.
• ✖ Doesn't look as premium quality as natural materials.

Checklist: Hiring Contractors to Install Granite Worktops in the UK

Before hiring a contractor to supply or install granite worktops, be sure to check the following:

• Are they qualified and properly insured? While there is no specific certification for installing granite worktops, professionals are likely to have a recognised qualification for kitchen installation, and public liability insurance to cover them working in your home is essential.
• Do they have experience working with granite worktops? Check they have specific experience with granite, especially when it comes to cutouts and custom edges, as these can be difficult to fix if done incorrectly.
• Do they have examples of their previous granite work? Take a good look at any photos and videos of their previous work, paying particular attention to the quality of the finish, especially on the edges and the cutouts.
• Do they have positive customer reviews? Check the online reviews from their previous customers. You want to see positive feedback about the quality of the finish, the way they work, and how they communicate.
• Is your quote fully itemised? Always make sure you get your quote in writing and that it is fully itemised so you know exactly what's included. This way, you'll avoid any unexpected costs at the end of the project.
• Is it clear what's included? An itemised quote may cover everything for the supply and fitting of your granite worktops, but check if things like the disposal of your old kitchen, skip hire, and any prep work are included.
• Has everything been explained clearly? Make sure they have clarified the installation start dates and timescales, as well as any warranties or guarantees you will receive once the work has been completed.

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