Granite countertops are a much-desired element that can increase the worth of your home, and it is not hard to imagine why. Granite is strong, durable, stain resistant and beautiful. When shopping for granite, always keep in mind that each sheet is completely unique, so take care to buy similar grain patterns if you are trying to match a long cabinet run or promote a sense of unity between rooms.
Find local stone dealersMany areas have a plethora of independent stone dealers that do business directly with the quarries. This allows them to offer quality products at wholesale pricing. Typical interior designers and other contractors deal with these types of businesses and put a nice mark-up price on it that is billed to your wallet. You can cut out the middle man in a lot of cases simply by going to browse the vast selection for yourself. Unless you are a seasoned granite installer, you may still want to hire a contractor to install it, but the price is still considerably lower. Remember, buying local also cuts costs on shipping and handling fees.
Purchasing a slightly thinner stone can greatly reduce your overhead costs. When browsing your stone options, remember that thicker stones are going to cost more. Some people really like a thick look, but if you do not mind having a thinner countertop, you can cut your cost significantly. Look at the lower grades when considering your purchaseThere are categories of granite based on quality, where tier one is the highest, but do not rule out the possibility of finding a really beautiful slab in the lower tiers. It is highly unlikely that most consumers can even tell the difference between the tiers, but it is easy for salesmen to trap buyers into the notion that they need the best.
Cultured granite versus pure graniteCultured granite is manufactured rather than mined, but it can still look lovely. It usually requires less maintenance and upkeep, and its costs are much lower than pure granite. A major benefit of this type is that it is precast into the intended shape; therefore, you do not need to hire an expert stone cutter.
In closing, there are several ways you can cut your costs and still have gorgeous granite countertops in your kitchen, bathroom or outdoor bar. With a little effort, you can find exactly what you need without having to sacrifice functionality or aesthetics.
From my understanding, "you get what you pay for", so although you can buy cheap granite counter tops, it is likely that they will crack or chip, and overall not last as long as the high quality granite.
The material that cheap counter-tops are made of are cheap marble or semi-granite or, in other words, granite mixed with more sand and gravel rather than just being pure granite.
The cheap counter tops that are granite are less likely to be damaged or broken. They are usually a granite laminate that can stand you cutting on it dropping things on it without breaking. Expensive granite will break.
The cheapest granite countertops that can be found are at Lowe's Home Improvement store. They have a nice variety to choose from and they stand behind their products 100%.
Lowes have available a wide range of granite countertops, some priced as low as $54 and some ranging to higher prices. A recognized brand, their products and prices reflect the value of the service they provide.
You can get cheap countertops by buying them from salvage yards. However in the end you need a countertop and it's just a question of what you pay for them. Honestly you won't save much by going cheap because these options aren't very durable and they detract from the value of your home. Though there are no alternatives to having the countertops themselves, there are some cheaper materials you can use without breaking the bank. Laminate countertops are popular for their low price, variety, and maintenance ease.
You will find a great selection of cheap countertops at Home Depot either in store or online.
I'm planning on re-doing my countertops and considering marble. Where can I find marble countertops for a decent price?
Try going to Lowes for marble countertops. They have great prices.
I am looking to get new counters in my home. Where can one get cheap Formica countertops?
Granite is a very cheap rock. i but it for 99p every 100k
Marble is every bit as durable as granite. It's also more beautiful and much more expensive, although granite is hardly cheap.