From Vermont south to Connecticut, New England has historically been the source of some of the world's finest granite. That being the case, it shouldn't be any wonder that granite has been a popular building material in the Northeast for quite some time already. The demand for granite has only grown as the years have passed, however, and granite counters in Boston lead the charge as one of the most popular uses of granite in the home improvement industry.
Boston Granite Counters are Second to None
What makes granite counters in Boston such a popular item in kitchens and bathrooms alike? It's the dual qualities of durability and good looks that have won homeowners over when it comes to this beautiful countertop material.
Durability—Granite is the toughest natural stone material on the market, period. In fact, no other stone can touch it. The reason granite is preferable to other stone countertop options is primarily due to its high natural density. Most natural stone is highly porous— meaning it naturally soaks up moisture and stains, be it coffee, water, wine, or your Grandma's famous spaghetti sauce. That's not exactly a desirable attribute when it comes to countertop material. Granite, on the other hand, is dense enough to withstand most affronts that are part and parcel to normal kitchen and bathroom use. Furthermore, the dense nature of granite also makes it less susceptible to scratching and cracking than most other natural countertop materials.
Looks—The other reason that many Beantown homeowners choose a Boston granite countertop is the beauty of the material. Each countertop is unique as a result of the geologic forces that shaped it, and granite countertops can even include small crystal or quartz deposits that add to the charm. Add to that the wide range of the deep, rich colors that granite is known for, and when it comes to countertop material, you won't find anything more beautiful than a granite countertop in Boston.
Boston Granite Counters: Tile
There are three main options when it comes to choosing granite countertops in Boston. The first is to go with granite tiles. Tiles don't offer you the seamless surface that is a big selling point with granite slabs, which is a big reason granite is such a popular countertop material in the first place. But from a cost perspective, tiles are much more reasonable. If you're on a budget, but still looking for the timeless look and unmatched durability of granite, tiles are the answer you've been searching for.
Boston Granite Counters: Slabs
The other choice is to go with a seamless slab of granite counters in Boston. You've got two options when it comes to solid slab countertops, the first of which is purchasing a pre-cut countertop. You'll need to adjust your kitchen or bath design to accommodate a pre-cut slab's dimensions, but you'll end up saving quite a bit of money going this route, since the slab doesn't need to be custom cut to your specifications. Which brings us to the final option. You can go all out and have your slab custom cut to fit. With custom cut granite counters in Boston, you can have your slab cut, shaped, and finished to fit any kitchen design in greater Boston.
The Cost of Granite Counters in Boston
About the only downside of choosing granite over other countertop materials is the cost. Granite isn't cheap in any sense of the word, and even granite tiles cost more than most other budget-friendly materials. How much does a Boston granite countertop run? ServiceMagic.com tracks the granite countertop installations in Boston that originate as contractor referrals on our website, and based on that information, average granite counters in Boston run about $5,500 for materials and installation. In part, the high cost is due to the fact that installing granite countertops is no small task. It takes more than one person to move and install a heavy granite slab, and contractors have to spend extra time ahead of installation making sure that all the structural needs are met. More than labor costs, however, it's the high cost of the material and the manufacturing process that make granite counters one of the most beautiful and expensive countertops in Boston. 
Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.
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