How Much Do Stone Slab Kitchen Countertops Cost?
Stone Slab Countertop Prices
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Stone slab countertops are available in a wide range of materials including granite, marble, limestone, soapstone, slate and quartz. Accordingly, natural stone slab provides homeowners with many different looks for their kitchen or bathroom. Even a single type of stone can have great variation in appearance. Natural stone is beautiful and durable which is why it has become the most popular countertop material in residential buildings. A slab of stone is a large, flat, thin, rectangular slice cut from large pieces of earth. While there is no standard size, they average around 10 feet by 5 feet and 2 to 3 centimeters thick. Stone slab kitchen countertops are considered a green material because they are natural, non-toxic, and can last a lifetime. However, to be truly green, it is best to choose stone from local quarries (to reduce pollution from transportation) and either remnant stone (leftovers from larger installations) or reclaimed stone (either discarded or from old building projects).
How much does granite countertop installation cost?
Granite slabs are extremely hard, stain resistant and versatile, with as many as 100 natural color variations. Because granite is so heavy, professional installation of a granite countertop is usually a must. If you are able to install granite countertops yourself, prices start at around $30 per square foot. For professional installation, you’re looking at somewhere around $60 to $120 or more.
How much does quartz countertop installation cost?
Quartz countertops are usually about 90% natural quartz and 10% binders and pigments. It is as strong and durable as granite but more flexible and easier to handle, although there are only around 50 color variations. The cost installed for quartz countertop is around $50 to $100 per square foot.
How much does marble countertop installation cost?
Marble countertops are not as hard or durable as quartz or granite. It is a good choice for bathrooms, around woodstoves or fireplaces or for decorative purposes. There are about 30 to 40 major color variations of marble countertop. Marble countertops cost around $50 to $100 per square foot installed.
How much does limestone countertop installation cost?
Hard, brittle and porous, limestone countertops require a good sealant to protect against stains. There are ten to twenty natural shades of limestone countertop, all costing around $50 to $100 per square foot installed.
How much does soapstone countertop installation cost?
Soapstone counters are very dense and soft to touch. Mineral oil can be used to darken soapstone countertops to a desired look. It costs $40 to $90 per square foot installed.
How much does slate countertop installation cost?
Slate countertops are hard and brittle. It is a less common material for countertops and can make a real statement in your kitchen or bathroom. Slate countertop costs $50 to $100 per square foot installed.
Stone Countertop Care
Many natural stone slab countertops are made of porous material that requires a sealant to protect against water damage and stains. Many professionally installed countertops will come with an initial sealant, but some materials, such as granite, require an additional coat as often as once or twice a year. You can pick up 32 ounces of sealant for $20 to $40. Some companies offer “permanent” sealant treatment for $1000 and up, although whether or not this will truly last the lifetime of the counter is questionable. In order to keep your stone slab countertops green, choose a low-toxin sealant.
Looking to Buy Stone Slab Countertops?
Read an article from This Old House entitled “All About Stone Countertops”.
ConsumerReports.org has buying advice for countertops, including stone countertops.
HGTV.com provides a wide range of countertop advice, including designs and advice.
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