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Granite Countertops: How To Save Thousands

Granite Slab Breakfast Bar
Granite slab countertops are the hottest trend in kitchens and they are major selling point for any house or condominium. Granite slab countertops are made of huge pieces of granite that must be matched with a slab that exists at the fabricator or the granite supplier. Since the slabs must be bigger than the final installed piece, there is always some material left over. This left over material is called a remnant (just like with carpets) and is usually left in a pile at slab fabricators. These pieces are rarely big enough to be used for the even the smallest kitchens but there may be enough granite to do a focal point in a medium or large kitchen.

Here is the Secret

Most kitchens have several different work areas. Some kitchens have work surfaces that are high visible. It can be the main prep area, an island or breakfast bar These ares are the centerpiece of the kitchen. This is the place to install a select slab. Since this area is only part of the kitchen, your chances of finding a remnant are good.

You can also allow the fabricator to attach 2 pieces together to make one larger piece. The joint will be visible but almost every $20,000 slap countertop has a joint somewhere. They are usually just in a less obvious area. The slab in the picture was made of two pieces and cost under $450. After you find a slab at the fabricator or distributor, you must then find a matching tile of the same materials. Most common granites come in both slab and tile form so this not a difficult task. The slab and tile do not have to match perfectly since they will not be part of one continuous section. There are many granite tiles in the $5 to $10 per 12-inch tile range so the resulting cost should be around $25 per linear foot of countertop (with a small backsplash and your labor).

The resulting is an expensive looking partial granite slab kitchen for less than $1500!!!!

Upgrades

To make the kitchen really shine, install a coordinated back splash in the area behind the stove. You can also upgrade the tile section of the countertop by buying matching edging. These pieces cost about $12/linear foot. The other option is pay the fabricator about $10/foot and they will bull nose a set of tiles for the edge.

Installation

The other way to save is big on your kitchen is to install the granite tile directly onto your existing Formica countertops. Just rough up and clean the surface before you install the granite tiles. Most Formica countertops are stiff and waterproof so just install the tile over the top of the existing countertop.


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