The depths of the earth produce unimaginable heat and pressure. Decomposed granite subjected to these stresses is melted, re-melted and reformed into amazing varieties of colors and rock grain patterns, depending on what other minerals were present during their formation. The forces that created granite make it completely resistant to any extremes of heat and cold or pressures. Granite is almost impossible to scratch and won’t stain or wear out. The great strength and durability has made it explode in popularity in recent years, leading to additional uses beside sink counters and backsplashes. It won’t warp like wood, so easily deals with the hot and humid conditions created by hot tubs. Granite cannot rust. It makes beautiful and durable exterior trim for homes or interior trim around fireplaces. All the demand for all these uses has led to increased prices. For example, granite countertops cost around $20 to $35 for each square foot. Prices vary according to the stone’s condition, quality, and the demand for its particular color and marbling. There are bargains available for the diligent shopper. Local vendors sometimes have overstock or canceled orders they are stuck with. Online vendors face intense competition and must keep their prices down in order to stay in business.

The most common shades of granite that masons, builders or decorators use is brown or blacks tone, much of it from Finland and imported into the U.S. This type is abundant and can be priced at as “little” as $20 per square foot. The cost per square foot does not include installation or any needed fixtures. It is just the starting point for figuring the total cost. However, it has already been prepared for use– polished, shaped and ready to install immediately in a kitchen or bathroom. Installation can take less than a day. Large home improvement stores like Lowes or Home Depot carry ready-to-install granite counters and usually have contracted with local professionals with the skill to install them. Customers can pay for the granite and installation through the store, usually receiving a reasonable price for both. Stores sometimes have sales and specials that buyers can take advantage of.

A very different shade of granite belongs to a stone quarried in Brazil. Rather than the more common brown or black shades from Finland, the Brazilian stone has rich, creamy, gentler colors and patterns. The uniqueness of the color and its rarity make this particular granite considerably more expensive than the darker forms. The Seafoam granite slab, polished and ready to be installed in a home, retails at around $30 to $35 per square foot. Many buyers are willing to incur the additional expense because they love the lighter color, and all the options it creates for decorating with different colors. Darker shades of granite clash with light colored schemes. The Seafoam granite is just as durable and strong, and looks just as sleek and classy as other granites, but many buyers feel it is much easier to incorporate into lighter color schemes.