Discount Granite Countertops

Granite Countertops Provide an Unmatched Beauty to a Kitchen

By Mark J. Donovan

When designing a new kitchen many people elect to use granite countertops due to their beauty, timelessness, and low maintenance. Granite countertops are also highly resistant to heat and scratches. High end granite countertops however are pricey and can cost upwards of $100 per square foot. This said, discount granite countertops can provide much of the same charm and functionality as higher end granite countertops.

Granite countertops are grouped into different categories based on factors such as their colors, patterns, and thickness, as well as where they are quarried. Higher priced granite countertops are usually associated with ornate colors and patterns and are made from thicker slabs, e.g. 1.25” or 3cm. Discount granite countertops are usually made from less popular colors and patterns and are thinner, e.g. ¾” or 2cm.

So for the homeowner willing to accept a less popular color or ornate granite slab, discount granite countertops may be an option. The only installation tip that should be consider is to mount the discount granite countertop on a more rigid surface to better support the thinner granite slab. As a matter of fact, some granite countertop manufacturers pre-fabricate discount granite countertops at their factory by laminating the thinner granite slabs to a plywood underlayment. By pre-fabricating the discount granite countertops at the factory they save on manufacturing costs, shipping costs, and risk of product damage. Much of these savings get passed onto the homeowner to enable a very cost effective countertop solution.