Stone Solid Phoenix Granite Countertops

Sure, one could say that in Phoenix, Southwest cuisine is predominant, but as a thriving metropolitan area, the Valley has an eclectic selection of cuisine that extends from several 5-star restaurants right down to the typical Phoenix homeowner, covering a number of different European, American, and Asian cuisines. Of course, you need not be obsessed with presentation or your family's reviews to know that you need a no-nonsense countertop that will allow for rapid food preparation and a bare minimum of maintenance.

Granite and other Stone Countertops in Phoeniz, AZ
Though granite tends to be the most popular, there are dozens of types of stones you can use for your new countertop. Marble, slate, and quartz are also extremely popular, but this is still just the tip of the iceberg. If you're interested in the look of more obscure stone types, however, make sure you talk to a Phoenix stone countertop installer about idiosyncratic traits associated with that stone and how it may affect the use and maintenance of your counter.

That said, Phoenix stone counters are, in general, the most popular type of counter, outstripping laminate counters projects by about 2-to-1 and solid surface counters by about 6-to-1.

Choosing a Granite Counter in Phoenix, AZ: The Slab or the Tile
Granite counters are available in two basic forms: granite slabs and granite tile. The relative advantages and disadvantages are not difficult to understand, but it can still be difficult for homeowners to choose between them. Granite tile is, usually, considerably cheaper as it is easier to install and small sections of granite are easier to come by than large slabs. Granite tile is often supplied from the scraps of granite slab fabrication. Granite tile, however, is every bit as sturdy and reliable as its counterpart, except for the grout associated with any tile installation. You will need to clean, maintain, and occasionally re-grout your granite tile. This is obviously less than ideal, but can frequently be worth the sacrifice when you see the difference in the price tag.

Cost of Phoenix Granite Counters
So, how much difference is there? The average cost of a granite slab counter is just less than $5,000, whereas the same granite tile installation is more likely to be in the neighborhood of $2,000. Of course, these are merely averages and the size of your counter will affect the price of the installation accordingly. Recent Phoenix stone countertops have ranged from $3,500 to $7,000 for slab counters and $1,000 to $6,000 for stone tile counters. Plus, this is only one factor in the overall cost of your counter installation. Choosing a granite or stone that is indigenous to the Southwest will cut down on transportation costs. In addition, you'll see the usual variance in estimates from different contractors who may have different rates for labor and stone availability.

Phoenix Granite Countertop Installation and Contractors
That said, there's more to consider than just a contractor's estimate when deciding who to hire. No granite counter installation should be taken for granted. You'll want to talk to several Phoenix granite counter contractors. Look for someone who will listen to what you want to get from your new countertop: the vision you have and your daily kitchen routine. ServiceMagic provides a customer ratings and reviews section, along with our rigorous 10-step screening process. This allows you to find the most qualified and professional contractors in your area, but you'll still want to use your intuition to find the contractor that's right for you.