William LipovskyGranite is one of the most popular countertop materials because of its durability and scratch resistance, as well as its classic style and elegant aesthetic. Granite countertops aren’t cheap, but they can be a smart choice because they are long-lasting, require minimal maintenance, and increase real estate value. Below, we give an overview of the different purchase methods for granite countertops, and we list the best and most popular in-store and online retailers of granite countertops to help you make an informed decision about how and where to purchase granite.
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Granite Countertop Purchase Options
Before you choose a place to purchase granite for your countertops, it may be helpful to know the pros and cons of each type of retailer — major hardware chains, local suppliers, and online retailers.
Major Hardware Chains
Nationwide hardware store chains like Lowe’s and The Home Depot are likely the right choice for buyers who value convenience and who do not want to put too much time and effort into researching and coordinating their granite countertop purchases.
These stores offer the convenience of having a presence in most towns, they have plenty of salespeople to answer questions and schedule installation, and they are typically companies that people know and trust. Many have loyalty programs, so if you are a frequent shopper, you can take advantage of special deals and/or in-house financing. Major hardware chains also typically have a wide range of countertop materials on display, so you can easily compare the look, quality, and price of each option.
The most significant downside to major hardware stores is that there is a good chance you’ll end up paying more than you would from another supplier. These stores often contract out their work for manufacturing and installation, and they mark up their prices to compensate for overhead costs and the convenience they offer.
Local or Regional Suppliers
If you aren’t put off by the extra research and effort involved, buying local is another option worth considering. You’ll be working with multiple companies or contractors — you might visit a stone supplier to pick out the stone and work with a different fabricator to have the raw granite cut to your specifications, or you might select a fabricator that also supplies stone. You might use a fabricator to prepare the stone and hire a separate contractor to install it, or you could choose a fabricator that also performs the installation.
If you’re willing to shop around and choose to buy regional or local stone and work with a local installer, you’ll get the greatest possible control over the whole process. Buying directly from a supplier will mean that you do not need to pay for additional overhead costs. You can simply try a Google search of “buy granite near me” to get started.
As mentioned above, buying granite countertops from multiple suppliers and installers will require more time and effort than shopping at a major hardware store. Also, if you live in a location that is far removed from the nearest metropolitan area, you might have more limited choices. Since it is unlikely that the companies are as widely known as stores like Lowe’s, you should be sure to check online reviews. You can even ask for referrals from friends and family.
Online Retailers
Another option for purchasing granite is to go through a seller that primarily does business online. You can then either hire a contractor for the installation or, if you feel comfortable or are willing to learn, you can do the installation yourself.
The most significant benefit of shopping online is that it is likely the cheapest process for buying granite countertops. Even after factoring in shipping costs — granite is expensive — you can still find prices even lower than those offered by local suppliers.
One of the major drawbacks of online shopping is that you are not able to physically see the product until you have already purchased it — keep in mind that one of the attractions of granite is the subtle variation that makes each individual piece unique. It is worth noting, however, that you may also not be able to see the exact pieces you’re buying when you shop from a major hardware store, either.
What We Recommend
For the best overall option in terms of convenience, granite selection, financing, and warranty offerings, consider the specialized company Granite Transformations. It has locations across the U.S., and you can usually get a lifetime warranty for your countertops.
As mentioned above, The Home Depot and Lowe’s both also offer the convenience of locations nationwide, and they both have comparable granite selections, pricing, and warranty options.
For a good online option, consider BuildDirect. While its competitive prices don’t include installation, you can choose to either pick up the materials or have them delivered to you, and the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The List
Below, we list the best options for buying granite countertops, including information about installation, accepted payment methods, and warranty offerings. We’ve ordered the list starting with the best overall options.
Granite Transformations
- Types of granite available: Granite in a range of colors, sealed with ForeverSeal resin. This material can also be installed over existing countertops.
- Is installation available? Yes, and it’s included in pricing
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, major credit cards, checks, financing
- Available warranties: Limited lifetime warranty for residential customers
- Other countertop options: Quartz, recycled glass
- Find a location or get a consultation
Lowe’s
- Types of granite available: Granite countertops from a range of brands in a variety of colors
- Is installation available? Yes
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, check, major credit cards, in-store financing
- Available warranties: 15-year warranty on most granite countertops
- Other countertop options: Laminate, solid surface, quartz
- Find a location or contact a specialist
The Home Depot
- Types of granite available: Stonemark pre-sealed granite in a range of color variations
- Is installation available? Yes
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, check, major credit cards, in-store financing
- Available warranties: Stonemark granite comes with a 15-year warranty
- Other countertop options: Solid surface, laminate, quartz, Dekton, wood
- Find a location or get a price estimate
BuildDirect
- Types of granite available: Prefabricated slabs in a range of colors and sizes
- Is installation available? No; you can pick up pallet multiples from warehouse locations (available throughout North America), or choose delivery to a job site or residence, then either install yourself or hire professional installers
- Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, wire transfers
- Available warranties: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Other countertop options: Butcher block
- Find a location or shop online
Top South (Southern U.S.)
- Types of granite available: Granite slabs in a wide variety of colors
- Is installation available? Yes, and it’s included in the project estimate
- Accepted payment methods: Major credit cards
- Available warranties: Lifetime warranty on installation and materials
- Other countertop options: Marble, quartz, solid surface
- Visit the showroom or get a quote
Bath & Granite
- Types of granite available: Modular granite tiles in a range of colors
- Is installation available? No; most orders within the U.S. qualify for $199 flat-rate shipping, then you must organize the installation yourself
- Accepted payment methods: Major credit cards accepted
- Available warranties: None
- Other countertop options: Quartz, marble, quartzite
- Visit the showroom or request a consultation
Wolf Granite
- Types of granite available: More than 500 types of granite in a wide range of colors
- Is installation available? Yes, and it’s included in pricing
- Accepted payment methods: Major credit cards, personal checks, cash
- Available warranties: Countertops guaranteed against defects and improper fabrication
- Other countertop options: Quartz, marble, limestone, slate travertine
- Request an estimate or find a dealer
Stonecrafters (Chicagoland)
- Types of granite available: Fabricated granite in a range of colors
- Is installation available? Yes, and it’s included in the project estimate
- Accepted payment methods: Mastercard, Visa
- Available warranties: Vary by purchase/contract
- Other countertop options: Quartz
- Visit the showroom or get an estimate
DoItYourselfGranite.com
- Types of granite available: Double-bullnose granite countertops, finished backsplash, and tiles — there is a variety of colors available.
- Is installation available? No; you can get 14-day or 21-day shipping to most states (45 days to Alaska and Hawaii); each purchase comes with detailed installation instructions and templates
- Accepted payment methods: American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, check
- Available warranties: None
- Other countertop options: None
- Shop online
In Summary
Granite countertops and granite tiles add an upscale flair to your kitchen or bathroom. They are also a long-term practical investment because of their excellent durability. If you do decide to install granite countertops, you have plenty of options for where to buy your granite. The best overall option for a nationwide chain that specializes in granite is Granite Transformations, and you could also choose the convenience of a hardware store like The Home Depot or Lowe’s. For an online buying option, consider BuildDirect. Ultimately, the retailer and purchase method you choose will depend on your priorities, your budget, and how much effort you’re willing to put into researching different manufacturers, suppliers, and installers.
For more about home improvement projects, see our article about places that offer free appliance removal.
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