Natural stone is a beautiful addition to your home, but it’s not the cheapest material to use for your kitchen countertops or other features. That doesn’t mean you can’t afford it, though. Like with most things, prices can vary greatly depending on the choices you make. So, if you’re dreaming of natural stone countertops but don’t think you have the budget, here are some tips to help make this dream more affordable.
Opt for tiles
Most people prefer the look of a granite slab countertop compared to tiles, but tiles can be the significantly cheaper option. According to Home Guide, granite tile can cost up to 80% less than granite slab, but this will vary depending on things like the quality, style, and the supplier.
Or remnants
Another option is to buy remnants of stone slabs that have been leftover after cutting a countertop down to size, for example. These are especially good for small features like backsplashes, but they could also be combined to create a kitchen or bathroom countertop. Read more about buying and using remnants here.
A thinner slab
If you’re dead set on using a slab, you can still save some money on your countertops by reducing their thickness. Kitchen countertops are typically cut to one-and-a-quarter-inch, but they can be cut thicker or thinner than this. Buying a three-quarter-inch slab will be cheaper, as will the labor and transportation costs associated with it. Bear in mind, though, that the durability of your countertop will also be lower with a thinner slab.
Lower the complexity
The design, edge profile, and finish you choose for your countertops can all ramp up the price if you’re not careful. If you want to save money, think simple. A basic square or round edge profile can look great and will be simpler and cheaper than the more intricate edges. The same goes for if you need a detailed design rather than a simple rectangular slab.
Shop around
Not everyone is going to give you the same price for buying the stone and installing your countertops. Compare your options to get the best balance of quality and affordability. Shopping local can help you save some money on transportation costs, as can looking for stone of a US origin. You can also save money by choosing a supplier that can take care of the whole process for you, rather than buying from one supplier and hiring another company for installation.
As you can see, small decisions when designing and buying your countertops can make big differences to the price. If you’re looking for a countertop supplier and installer local to Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville, then get in touch with us at Amanzi Granite.
