How Much Does Granite Flooring Installation Cost?

Average Cost to Install Granite Tile Flooring

Estimating Granite Tile Flooring Installation Costs

Granite flooring tiles cost between $300 to $5,000. The typical homeowner will spend around $600 to $2,500, though the size of the flooring area, grade, type of granite and the difficulty of the project largely dictate the price. Most professionals offer a free consultation but may require a minimum of $300 to $500 for extremely small installations.

Costs are evenly split between materials and labor, though premium-grade granite tiles increase the overall cost for materials. On the other hand, larger-than-average granite tiles and massive flooring spaces increase the overall cost of labor. All told, granite flooring tiles are relatively expensive compared to the costs needed for ceramic tiles and other flooring types.

Granite Floor Tiles Labor Costs

Natural stone flooring contractors charge around $35 to $45 per hour, and the number of hours needed is completely dependent on the size and complexity of the job. An average-sized (10-by-10 square foot) granite tiled floor requires around 10 hours of work, so expect to pay a laborer $350 to $450 to complete the job, though larger and difficult-to-place tiles increase this cost. Labor costs should include supplies needed to complete the project, such as sealant, grout and various adhesives.

Granite Tile Flooring Installation Cost Factors

Many factors impact the overall cost of these jobs, as granite comes in various styles, shapes and thicknesses, and all floors have unique installation needs.

Grade

Granite is typically available in three grades, each with its own pros, cons and cost range.

• Level 1 (Low-Grade Granite): Entry-level granite tiles cost $2 to $6 per square foot. Level 1 granite tiles are typically pre-fabricated, with a thin cut of around three-eighths of an inch. Due to the light form factor, this is the easiest type of granite tile to lay down, but is not as durable as the following two levels, often needing a piece of plywood for more strength.

• Level 2 (Mid-Grade Granite): These medium-tier granite tiles cost $5 to $15 per square foot. Level 2 granite tiles offer a unique look and a durable form factor, with around three-fourths of an inch thickness. Mid-grade granite makes up the lion’s share of flooring tiles available for installation.

• Level 3 and Above (High-Grade Granite): This is the finest granite available, costing $15 to $40 per square foot. Higher-grade granite tiles have an average thickness starting at three-fourths of an inch, doubling that in some instances. Premium granite is exceptionally durable and available in many unique designs and color patterns.

Specialized Colors and Designs

Granite tiles come in a wide variety of unique styles, colors and designs. No matter which grade of granite you choose, upgrading to special colors or finishes increases the overall cost. Prices for unique granite tiles creep up to $10 to $40 per square foot. Granite flooring comes in several types of finishes, including polished, honed, flamed and brushed.

Custom Borders and Inlays

You’ll pay extra to add custom borders and inlays to your granite tile flooring. A custom border costs anywhere from $200 to $600 to cover a 10-by-10-square-foot area, though this price fluctuates depending on the design and materials used to create the border. For large stone inlays, such as medallions and other decorative shapes, you’ll pay $600 to $3,000, depending on the size of the inlay and the materials used.

Diagonal vs. Straight Installation

Contractors install granite tiles straight or diagonally, depending on the unique needs of the space and your aesthetic preferences. Straight tiles are slightly easier to install, so count on a slight labor uptick of around ten percent when choosing diagonal tiles. After all, contractors trim diagonal tiles at 45-degree edges, and cutting square-facing tiles to the wall is easier than cutting diagonal-facing tiles.

Flooring Size

The biggest cost factor is the size of the flooring space. The bigger the space, the more you’ll pay for materials and labor. Granite tiles are on the expensive side, so many homeowners place granite in small and heavily-trafficked areas, such as the foyer or front hallway. This gives the home an impressive entrance area for visitors.

Granite Tile Flooring Installation Additional Cost Factors

Some additional costs and considerations pop up for some homeowners, though these vary according to the job’s specifics.

Floor Prep and Furniture Removal

Contractors cannot install granite tiles on top of existing flooring. You’ll pay around $2 per square foot to remove the old tile flooring, $5 to $8 per square foot to replace any necessary backer boards and $3 to $10 per square foot to resurface the concrete sub-floor if it isn’t smooth or level. Additionally, a pro charges around $0.20 per square foot for furniture removal and replacement. You can move the furniture yourself before installation or talk to your pro ahead of time.

Sealant

Granite is exceptionally durable but also susceptible to stains. To avoid stains, a pro applies a coating of heavy-duty sealant after laying down the tiles. Your original estimate likely includes this process, but if not, it’ll cost $50 to $100 for materials and labor. Complete this process yearly for maximum benefits. Purchase a sealant at $15 to $50 per container and perform the sealing process yourself to save some money.

Delivery of Materials

Stones are heavy and difficult to ship. You’ll pay between $50 to $150 for home delivery, which is something to think about when planning a DIY project. A qualified flooring expert, however, should deliver the materials on the date of installation at no extra charge.

DIY vs. Hiring a Granite Tile Flooring Installation Pro

You’ll save $350 to $450 by taking on this project yourself, but it comes with some major risks. Granite tiles are heavy, cumbersome to carry and difficult to install precisely without damaging the product. In other words, this is a task best left to a professional unless you have plenty of experience with tile flooring and natural stones. Poor measurements or installation handiwork actually reduces your floor’s aesthetic appeal.

FAQs

Should I buy counter materials before hiring a pro?

Before purchasing materials, talk to your contractor, as some risks are involved. Your pro may know a more reputable or cheaper supplier and certain types of granite may not integrate into your home. Additionally, your contractor might have a backlog of granite tiles they want to unload for a discount. If you want to start researching granite tiles with the intent to purchase, the World Floor Covering Association provides a directory of retail flooring stores by ZIP code.

How much does it cost to install a floor for a new construction?

If you are starting from the ground up (literally), you’ll pay $7,500 to $36,750 to cover 1,500 square feet with subfloor and floorboard materials. On average, subflooring costs $2 to $2.50 per square foot, and floorboards cost from $3 to $22 per square foot. These prices include both materials and labor.

What other types of natural stone flooring are available?

In addition to granite, there are many natural stone flooring types available, including travertine, limestone, sandstone, marble, slate and more.