Looking to upgrade your bathroom countertops with beautiful, durable granite? As a premium natural stone, granite countertops add elegance and luxury to any bathroom design, but how much should you expect to pay? Here is an in-depth look at the costs of installing granite bathroom countertops.
Factors That Influence Bathroom Granite Countertop Costs
Several key factors determine the total costs of granite bathroom countertops:
Granite Type and Quality
Granite comes in many varieties, with differences in color, veining patterns, finishes, and overall quality. Higher-end granite types like Ubatuba, Kashmir White, and Blue Pearl cost more due to their rich colors and visual appeal. The rarest and most exotic types can cost up to $100 per square foot.
Edge Styles
The edging or finish along the front and sides of the countertop also affects cost. More ornate ogee, bullnose, or chiseled edges run higher than a simple eased or straight edge. Intricate edge patterns require more shaping and finishing labor.
Countertop Size
Bathroom countertops come in all different dimensions based on your vanity size and layout. Larger countertop sizes mean you need a bigger granite slab and more fabrication work. Expect to pay more for a master bath countertop than a small secondary bath.
Cutouts and Seams
The complexity of your countertop layout also impacts installation work. Bathroom countertops often need openings cut out for sinks and faucets. Seams where two granite slabs meet are also required if your counter size exceeds what’s available. The more cuts and seams, the more labor involved.
Installation Services
You pay both for the granite itself as well as professional installation services. This includes delivery, fabrication, cutouts, seamwork, polishing, sealing, and on-site installation. Some vendors charge more for installation than others.
Transportation Costs
If you choose rare or exotic granite that is not locally available, there may be transportation fees from the quarry to the fabrication shop. This could include international shipping for some overseas granite types.
Average Costs of Granite Bathroom Countertops
Taking these factors into account, homeowners typically pay the following for materials and professional installation:
- Small bathroom (25 – 35 sq ft): $1,500 – $3,500
- Medium bathroom (35 – 50 sq ft): $3,000 – $5,000
- Large master bath (50+ sq ft): $4,500 – $7,500
According to most home renovation experts, expect to pay an average of $3,000 for a typical granite bathroom vanity countertop install. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Materials: $50 – $100 per sq ft
(good quality granite slab, adhesive, etc) - Fabrication: $150 – $200 per cutout
(sink cutouts, edge treatments, polishing, etc) - Installation: $200 – $250 per hour
(delivery, on-site fitting, cleanup, etc)
So for a moderately sized bathroom countertop measuring 40 sq ft with two cutouts, the costs would roughly be:
- Granite slab: 40 sq ft x $75/sq ft = $3,000
- Two sink cutouts: 2 x $175/cutout = $350
- Installation (approx. 5 hours): 5 hrs x $225/hr = $1,125
Total Cost = $3,000 + $350 + $1,125 = $4,475
As you can see, the quality of granite and complexity of installation impacts the bottom line. It’s key to get an itemized quote for both materials and labor.
Factors That Increase Bathroom Granite Countertop Costs
Here are some options and extras that could raise the total price of your project:
- Premium granite slabs over $100 per sq ft
- Intricate edge profiles like ogee or chiseled
- Large bathroom size over 50 sq ft
- Numerous cutouts and seams
- Exotic granite shipped long distance
- Granite backsplashes to match countertops
- Professionally installed undermount sinks
- Built-in cutting boards or drain boards
- Decorative inlays, borders, or designs
- Stone carving and custom etching
- Glass/stone vessel sink instead of undermount
Generally, expect to pay 15-25% more for a bathroom countertop if you include some of these upgrades. Discuss your budget ahead of time with your granite installer to avoid sticker shock.
Saving on Bathroom Granite Countertops
For homeowners on a tight budget, here are some ways to reduce the costs of granite bathroom countertops:
- Shop local granite yards for discounted remnants or slabs.
- Select a simpler square edge instead of bullnose or ogee.
- Size your countertops to minimize seams and cutouts.
- Do undermount sink install yourself (if experienced).
- Avoid exotic granite shipped from overseas.
- Get quotes from several fabricators and compare costs.
- Provide your own sink instead of buying from fabricator.
- Install counters off-season when demand is lower.
With smart planning and shopping around, you can control costs while still enjoying the luxury of granite in your bathroom design.
Popular Granite Colors for Bathrooms
When selecting your granite slab, consider the style and color scheme you want for your bathroom. Here are some top granite colors for baths:
White Granite
- Kashmir White: Elegant white with gray veining
- Bianco Antico: Solid white with faint grey patterning
- White Ice: Crisp clean white background
Beige Granite
- Giallo Ornamental: Rich gold beige color
- Luna Pearl: Light beige with dark accents
- Sandstorm: Subtle beige waves through stone
Black Granite
- Absolute Black: Inky solid black stone
- Nero Impala: Black with bursts of brown veining
- Black Pearl: Deep black with metallic shimmer
Blue Granite
- Blue Eyes: Light blue with dark wavy veins
- Azul Platino: Shimmery blue-grey color
- Blue Bahia: Vivid blue tones throughout
Brown Granite
- Cappuccino: Warm cream and chocolate browns
- Coffee Brown: Milk chocolate tones with darker accents
- Dakota Mahogany: Rich red-brown color
Any of these popular granite varieties can add luxury and visual appeal to your bathroom remodeling project. Be sure to view actual slabs to see the colors and patterns in person.
Is Granite Worth the Cost for Bathroom Countertops?
Given the higher price point, is granite worth it compared to more affordable bathroom countertop options? Here are the pros and cons:
Pros of Granite Bathroom Countertops
- Unmatched natural beauty and visual interest
- Luxurious feel and appeal
- Excellent durability and longevity
- Easy maintenance
- Resists stains, scratches and heat
- Great resale value for home
Cons of Granite Bathroom Countertops
- More expensive upfront cost
- Stone requires periodic sealing
- Sink undermount installation needed
- Porous and should be professionally installed
- Relatively heavy weight
Overall, most homeowners feel the benefits of granite outweigh the higher initial price tag. With proper installation and care, a granite bathroom countertop can last a lifetime and significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic. If investing in a high-end stone matches your budget and vision, granite bath countertops add unmatched beauty and luxury with smart return on value.
FAQs About Bathroom Granite Countertops
Here are answers to some common questions about installing granite bathroom countertops:
How long do granite bathroom countertops last?
With proper care, granite countertops usually last 50-100 years or more. Granite is highly durable and scratch/stain resistant.
What thickness granite should I get?
3/4″ to 1-1/4″ thickness is best for bathroom countertops. Thinner granite is more prone to cracks or damage. Thicker slab is more premium.
Should I get undermount or drop-in bathroom sinks?
Undermount sinks complement granite best. The stone flows smoothly into the sink basin for a seamless look.
How often do I need to seal my granite counters?
Sealing granite annually is best. Use a penetrating sealant, not topical. Properly sealed granite is stain resistant.
Can I install granite myself or do I need a pro?
Hiring a fabricator/installer is highly recommended, unless you’re very experienced with granite. Professional installation is crucial.
Is granite bathroom countertop pricing negotiable?
Pricing is usually fixed but ask your retailer if off-season discounts or remnant slabs are available to help lower costs.
Conclusion
Installing granite can elevate your bathroom’s style immensely. With the ability to last decades and add tremendous value to your home, granite bathroom countertops are a worthwhile investment. Paying an average cost of $3,000, meticulous fabrication and professional installation are key. Granite costs vary based on type, size, edges, and customization. Careful planning when selecting your slab and working with an experienced local vendor will ensure your satisfaction with durable, luxurious granite countertops that stay beautiful for years.
