the cheapest I've seen around here is about $45 for Gaillo ornamental. Prices go up to around $100 for the exotics.

I know I sound like a broken record when i say this, but do not let price be your sole criterium when deciding on a granite fabricator. The quality of the fabricator will normally be related to the price of the stone.

Our friend Maurizio always used to tell this little story: "A friend of mine told me Maruizio if you are the best at something and you have the cheapest price then you are an idiot. So how good can you be if you are and idiot"

I have to echo what Stonegirl wisely said.

Please, please, please do not pick your granite based on price alone.

Insist on seeing the quality of seams/edges and finish. Deal with a reputable/established company and get a guarantee/warranty of satisfaction in writing.

I like the little story from Maurizo. Another analogy would be shoes. Would it matter if they were made from an exotic leather you got at a great price if they fit so poorly you couldn't wear them?

I have been quoted from $55 and up per square foot. I haven't gotten any formal quotes yet, just "rough ideas." I think I will end up spending at least $75/square foot (probably more like $90!).

We just bought granite last week and paid approximately 50.00 p/sf from a larger company in the area. We needed 72 sf so to curb costs a bit, we went with a less pricey stone (Verde Peacock) which worked out well since it was our original preference anyways.

FYI, in addition to finding a fabricator with a good reputation, you should also know where your granite originated from as that can often give you a clue about it's quality. There are a host of websites out there with good information, just do your research before deciding. Secondly, you should also keep in mind that the cost for the granite isn't the only cost involved, you will also need to know what your plans are for a backsplash i.e. tile to the counter, a 4 inch granite border or even full granite wall. What type edging you want? Top mount or undermount sinks? Undermount sinks are highly recommended, but just as with all the forementioned things, they also involve additional costs like fabrication of the edge as well as a new sink & faucet.

Often times when a granite seller low balls his price, the costs may include installation but the items mentioned above are not part of that package, so it's basically just a sales tactic to get you in the door. Make sure you know what your seller is including in the costs before signing on the dotted line and Good luck!!!

I got some rough quotes for an island (one level) with sink cutout back in the spring...mid range granite @ $100 square ft. (Central Wisconsin). Soapstone was $125.

Sooo, I was looking at $10k for countertops. No way.

marita40,

Could you share the granite places your finding these good prices from? I am in MN (TC Metro), too, and I have found a couple of places, and have looked at slabs, but I'd like to have more options.

Thank you!

shelayne, here are some I'm checking. If you could share yours too we'll have a good list:
Nature's Stone Direct
MN Custom Stoneworks
MN Granite and Tile
Quality Stoneworks
MN Tile and Stone
Grazzini

Hi Marita,

Thank you for that list. Have you been to any of these places, or did you talk to them over the phone?

I have only been to a couple of places. I have been to TC Discount Granite (they have slabs and do their own fabricating.) Prices were from $30 sf.

I have been to The Stone Source (They had just opened and didn't have a lot of variety. I never made it to their other location) What I saw was around $40 sf.

I am trying to remember the Granite yard I visited in Maple Grove, but am drawing a blank. One of my friends told me to check out Affordable Granite, as she hired them do their fabricating, and discovered they also have granite as well. I have not done that, yet.

I am looking for Blue Pearl. I just love it. When I saw a slab of it, I nearly drooled. The saleswoman told me that one was an upper tier granite. Of course.