How to Estimate Material Cost & Slab Size for a Granite Countertop

Square Footage

• Square footage is the biggest factor in determining both the size and the cost of a granite counter. Your square footage is the overall amount of granite required for your kitchen. Most granites are priced by the square foot, as well, giving you an approximation of the final price. To get the total amount of square footage needed, break your counter down into several rectangular sections. Measure the length and width of each section in inches and multiply the two measurements together. Divide the answer by 144 to get the square footage of each section, add the sections together and round up to the nearest whole number for the total square footage of granite required for your kitchen.

Linear Footage

• In addition to obtaining the square footage of your counter, take the measurement of the linear footage as well. Linear footage refers to the amount of finished edging your counter will require. Most granite fabricators offer several different edge profiles for you to choose from from a simple, eased edge to a more dramatic ogee. Each edge is priced differently, and this cost is in addition to the cost of the stone's square footage. Measure in inches all the exposed edge areas of the counter and divide by 12 to get the total linear footage. Multiply this number by the cost per foot of the edge you have chosen and add this to your granite's cost for square footage.

Cutouts

• You may be surprised to find that you will pay extra at most fabricators for a few pieces of stone you won't even use. These are the cutouts in the counter to accommodate a cooktop, sink or sinks. Each cutout made in the granite is an additional cost, usually a set price per cut such as 50 or 100 dollars. Check with your stone's fabricator to find out the per cut. Ask for the piece removed from the counter afterward and use it for a cutting board to help preserve your counter.

Installation

• Every fabricator prices their granite slabs differently. Some fabricators add the cost of installation per square foot to the cost of the stone; the price per foot you are quoted is the price of the stone installed. Other fabricators quote you only the cost of the stone per foot; the cost of the installation of the stone is additional. To get the final total cost of your granite counter, ask your fabricator if their prices include installation, and if not, how much per foot their installation runs. Add this cost to the square footage, linear footage and cutouts to determine the final cost of your stone.