So how much does it cost to make sure that you have the most gorgeous granite counter tops? Well, it is not cheap, but it sure is worth it. Granite is one of the most hard wearing and durable materials and it lasts for a long time, so no matter how expensive it is from the outset, it is definitely a worthwhile investment. If you are looking to do an area of about forty square feet, you are looking at anywhere between $2000 to $2300 for it. This translates to about thirty thousand rand. So yes, it is expensive, but it will pay itself back many times over. Though you may think that installing it yourself is the way to go, it is not. Make sure that you get a professional to do it for you.
The granite costs anywhere between R450 and R1130 per piece, so you can make sure that you work out the amount of granite that you need and multiply accordingly. So far though, the one type of granite that comes in at the lower priced is the most common one. Black granite. This will take you for anything between $900 – $1100 dollar for a fifty square feet application. Black granite is great because it goes with everything and has also now become a status symbol in the home. So you can have it for much cheaper than you would get the other types of granite.
If however you are quite colour conscious, you should make sure that you g for any of the other varieties of granite, as there is nothing like having a hue that will match the rest of your kitchen.
Self-installation
Should you want to throw caution to the wind and install it yourself, there are a few tips that you can follow. The first thing that you need to do is to measure your counter tops and make sure that you have disconnected all of your appliances and gas lines if you are working in your kitchen. The reason for this is that you do not want any electricity or gas to interfere with your work on the counter tops. Make sure that you remove whatever countertops exist first, as they will be replaced with the granite ones. It should be relatively easy if you have the correct tools and if the countertops are wood or laminate, but if they are stone, it is best to get the professionals involved so that they can assist you with safe removal.
Make sure that you have got your materials for your substrate, which will support the granite. This usually consists of a cement board and a plywood board. The plywood board will be the first thing that you put down, as well as your cement board on top of it, so you need to make sure that you have these. When you are cutting your plywood board, make sure that you leave openings where necessary. Do the same with your cement board.
Want the best in Granite? Then look no further than Velvet Moon. For more information, go to www.velvetmoon.co.za