Despite the extraordinary durability and irresistible beauty of granite countertops, people think twice before buying them due to the high cost. A slab can cost around $60-150 per square foot for the most common colors and patterns and up to $300 and up for the rarer types of granite.
When you plan to renovate your entire kitchen, this can be a big tooth in your budget. Although granite countertops can last a lifetime, you’ll still want to stay within your budget and set aside some money for newer appliances.
However, a laminate countertop simply won’t work for you. So how can you fix this problem?
A simple solution is to buy granite tiles instead of a full block of granite for the countertop. Granite tiles are small 1 square foot cuts of granite, costing a mere fraction of what whole blocks cost. For example, a single tile can cost between $3 and $6 per square foot. Imagine how much you can save by going for granite tiles, plus you’ll get the elegant look you can only get from granite!
The only drawback to this is that the lines that bound the tiles would be visible even though the joints are clean. There is also the alternative of fine grouting between the granite tiles, which is easier to install but more difficult to clean. What you can do is buy grout in almost the same shade as the granite tiles.
Another way to save money is to use granite as a backsplash, either behind the stove or behind the faucets. When granite is used in this way, it is immediately noticed by visitors and can give your kitchen an instant facelift. You don’t have to spend all your cash on a granite countertop. In fact, you’ll probably need about three square feet for your granite backsplash.
Granite kitchen countertops are stylish to be sure, but you can still achieve the look you want by limiting the granite to a certain section of your countertop. Choose the section that you predict will require a lot of stress.
Typically, this is the surface right next to the stove, where you’ll be placing hot pots and pans, and the prep area where you’ll likely be chopping and shredding right on the countertop. Bits for granite kitchen countertops can handle these stresses with ease, so place those hard stones right where you’ll need their hardness most. You can mix and match it with wood or kitchen tiles following the same color or pattern.
The more creative you are, the better results you will get. You might even surprise your guests with your style, who knows? You don’t have to spend a lot to create an impressive kitchen.
