Granite After All

Another decision made!  After writing about alternatives to granite, it turns out our new counter tops will be granite after all.   Here’s why:  1) Soapstone – at $80/sqft it was just too expensive.  2) Stainless Steel – decided the look & feel weren’t for this house  3)  Butcher block – beautiful but more maintenance than I want.
4) Quartz – LOVE but too expensive.   🙁

I did a bunch of research and investigation and it’s nice to have exact costs now.

I have 50.7 square feet of counter top space.   A number that is apparently up for debate because two companies gave me that number.  But one company told me 55.7 sqft and Home Depot priced out 65 sqft.     Clearly, Home Depot’s counter top prices are going to be the highest simply because they had the highest measurement.   Home Depot sells granite in price levels A-D.   An average price is $45/sqft for a lower level.   In comparison, quartz is about $60/sqft.    Out of the selection they had, the only pattern/color I liked was in the quartz family which turned out to be out of my budget. In addition to the per square footage cost, you have to order an extra finish edge with quartz so that it appears thicker from the front.  That adds another $600 to the total.   With Home Depot the  granite  counter top would be $3700.  The quartz counter top would’ve been close to $5k.

I called places that had been referred to me and researched recommended places online.  I got quotes from 4 other companies.  The prices are based on my choice of either Kashmere White or Bianco Romano.

Quote 1 – $3657 – kashmere white or bianco romano, removal and disposal of old counter tops, does not include new sink
Quote 2 – $3055 – kashmere white, removal and disposal of old counter tops, does not include new sink
Quote 3 – $2500 – bianco romano, removal and disposal of old counter tops, does not include new sink
Quote 4 – $2000 – kashmere white, removal and disposal of old counter tops, new 18g stainless steel sink, cutting board.

After the quotes, it was time to go look at the actual stone!  Next, a friend (who is also getting new counter tops) and I went to examine slabs.   We saw a lot of neat stuff.    Here are my favorites:


I liked the movement in the River White but did not like the amount and size of the garnets (big red dots), so I confirmed my original plan to go with Kashmere  White.

My friend E liked the more creamy colors and chose Kashmere Gold Light.

We are going with A Polished Finish as our granite fabricators & installers.  I like the vibe of the company and they have good deals.    If you are in the Atlanta area, definitely check them out.

I am getting excited!

Any new decisions in your neck of the woods?
-J