Granite worktop price per metre varies by slab quality, thickness, edge style, and installation scope. Typical costs include material, fabrication, delivery, and fit-out. This article breaks down the per‑metre cost drivers and provides practical ranges in USD to help plan a kitchen remodel budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (grade, thickness) | $180 | $360 | $720 | Standard 20mm–30mm slabs |
| Fabrication (cutting, polishing) | $60 | $120 | $200 | Shape and sink cutouts may vary |
| Edge profiles | $50 | $120 | $320 | Bevel, eased, ogee, or waterfall add cost |
| Delivery | $20 | $60 | $150 | Distance from supplier to home |
| Installation & fit-out | $100 | $350 | $900 | Labor + securing and sealing |
| Sealing & maintenance | $20 | $40 | $100 | Initial seal after install |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard material grades, typical kitchen layout with one straight run, standard under-mount sink, and normal access.
Granite Worktop Pricing by Metre in U.S. Markets
The cost per metre reflects slab quality, thickness, and regional demand. Typical total price per metre ranges from $300 to $1,200 for materials plus fabrication and install, depending on the chosen grade and profile. In metropolitan areas with higher labor costs, the average tends toward the upper end; rural regions often sit closer to the lower end. The per‑metre figure helps when comparing quotes for straight runs from bulk suppliers.
Assumptions: 20–30mm thick granite, standard cutting, single straight kitchen run, one sink cutout.
Delivery And Installation Per Metre: What Affects The Quote
Delivery and installation can add 10%–40% to material costs, driven by distance, stairs, and access. A straight-labour install for a typical 3–4 metre run usually lands in the $350–$900 range, while complex installs push higher. Per‑metre delivery charges often split into a base fee plus per-kilometre fees.
Assumptions: One-story home, standard doorway clearance, no heavy equipment needed.
Key takeaway: ask for a line-item quote to see how much is tied to transport versus on-site fabrication.
Edge Profiles And Per‑Metre Price Impact
Edge styles vary from economical straight edges to ornate profiles. A basic eased edge adds about $40–$80 per metre; a full, waterfall or ogee edge can push pricing to $150–$320 per metre extra. In total, choosing a premium edge can increase the installed price by 10%–25% depending on length and skill level.
Assumptions: One or two common profiles, standard sink cutouts, and uniform length.
Material Quality Tiers: What Drives the Per-Metre Cost
Granite grades range from standard to premium, with color consistency, vein patterns, and origin influencing the price. Standard slabs commonly cost $180–$360 per metre for material; higher-end stones with unique patterns may reach $500–$720 per metre, excluding fabrication. In some cases, rare or premium stones can exceed $800 per metre just for material.
Material choice strongly drives total cost, often more than labor in high-end projects.
Assumptions: 20–30mm thickness, typical colorway, no large-format high-density slabs.
Regional Variations: Price Ranges by U.S. Region
Prices shift with supply chains and labor markets. West Coast installations tend to be 5%–15% higher than the national average due to higher living costs, while the Southeast may cluster near the average. The Midwest often lands toward the lower end of the spectrum, especially for standard thickness materials and straightforward runs.
Assumptions: Within 150 km of supplier, average labor availability.
Remnants, Cut-Outs, And Per Metre Add-Ons
Remnant slabs or partial panels may be priced by the metre or by the piece, typically $100–$200 per metre for one-off pieces, with additional charges for cut-outs around sinks or faucets. Complex shapes or multiple sink areas can add 1–2 extra metres of material cost per project depending on waste factors.
Assumptions: One sink, standard faucet location, minimal waste factors.
Quantity, Size, And Job Scope: How Length Affects the Quote
Longer runs scale linearly with metre pricing, while corner transitions and island installations may require extra fabrication hours. For a 4–5 metre straight run, expect the upper material cost to be offset by lower per‑metre labor if the project remains straightforward. Conversely, larger islands and multiple bend points increase fabrication and installation time.
Length and complexity are the most predictable price drivers.
Assumptions: One island, two sink/cutouts, standard faucet placement, no specialty edging.
Labor Time, Crew Size, And Per Metre Rates
Typical fabricator rates for granite worktops range from $40 to $100 per hour, with a crew size of 2–3 for standard kitchens. A straightforward 3–4 metre run often requires 6–12 hours of fabrication plus 2–4 hours of installation, translating into per‑metre labor costs of roughly $60–$180 depending on local wages and efficiency.
Assumptions: One kitchen, standard sink cutout, no backlit or inlay features.
Labor efficiency materially changes total price, especially in busy markets.
Permits, Inspections, And Compliance Costs
Permits are uncommon for simple residential granite installations but may appear in some regions for major renovations. When applicable, permit and inspection fees typically add $100–$400 in total but rarely per metre, unless the project spans code-required structural work or plumbing modifications that require inspection.
Assumptions: No structural changes, standard under-mount sink, no plumbing upgrades.
Maintenance, Sealing, And Long-Term Cost Per Metre
New granite countertops require sealing during installation or shortly after. Sealing costs are usually a one-time 1–2 year maintenance expense of $20–$60 per metre initially, then less frequent refills. Long-term upkeep includes routine resealing and cleaning, not typically per‑metre charges when quoted as a complete project.
Assumptions: Standard granite, single-seal process, normal kitchen usage.
Maintenance adds a modest ongoing cost that should be planned in the first year.
Three Real-World Quote Scenarios For Granite Worktops Per Metre
Scenario A: Standard 3.5 metre straight run, average grade granite, standard eased edge. Material $210 per metre, fabrication $120 per metre, installation $150 total, delivery $60. Total per metre about $540; total project roughly $1,890.
Scenario B: Premium stone with light veining, 4.5 metre run, ogee edge. Material $550 per metre, fabrication $180 per metre, installation $200 total, delivery $90. Total per metre about $1,020; total project about $4,590.
Scenario C: Remnant slab with precise cutouts for island and double sink, 5.2 metre run. Material $260 per metre, fabrication $140 per metre, installation $180, delivery $110. Total per metre about $690; total project about $3,588.
Assumptions: One kitchen, standard sink cutouts, normal access, no premium backlighting or inlays.
Timeframe And Scheduling: When Price Moves With Demand
Peak home renovation seasons can push installation slots and labor costs upward by 5%–15%. Scheduling earlier in spring or fall often yields lower charges due to contractor availability. Rushed timelines may incur a premium of 10%–20% to secure a faster turnaround.
Assumptions: Typical four to six week lead times, standard supply availability.
Plan ahead to lock in material and labor at expected ranges.
