How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Granite Countertop?

For many homeowners, the kitchen countertop is one of the busiest working surfaces in their home. If you happen to have a granite countertop, it may also be a key part of the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. That being said, it is reasonable to expect it to wear over time. Some of the most common causes of damage to your granite countertop include burn marks from hot kitchenware, knife marks from not using a cutting board, and normal wear and tear over the years.

You may be wondering what to do when you notice signs of wear on your countertop. Do you now have to replace the whole structure? Perhaps, but according to HGTV, the cheapest approach is to repair the damage. Before taking this on, however, it is important to know that the cost will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the extent of the damage or the type of repair. Nonetheless, a proper repair service will cost you between $50 to $100 per square foot on average. Stick around to find out more about what goes into the cost of granite countertop repairs.

While on average you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per square foot, how much you actually end up paying is determined by several factors. Here is a breakdown of the key elements that affect the overall cost of fixing a kitchen countertop.

The type and extent of damage

It goes without saying that the type and extent of damage play a huge role in the repair of your countertop. Fixing small localized damages will cost you less and the repair will also be quick. In fact, you can even go the DIY route to deal with minor damages such as stains or superficial scratches, according to HomeAdvisor. Conversely, when you are dealing with damages that require more skill and equipment than you may have, the cost of repair will definitely go up. A good example of a more complex fix includes repairing a chip from impact damage on your countertop.

Labor

While you may be able to take care of some minor repair tasks on your own, you might need to let the professionals handle more serious damage. In these cases, repair companies or private handymen typically charge between $50 and $100 for an hour, estimates Fixr. You should also realize that this is independent of the cost of material purchase. Simpler tasks that take less than an hour to fix are often cheaper since most companies will give you a flat rate for getting the repairs done.

Your geographic location

How far away you are from the nearest repair company or handyman services is a factor that may also ramp up the average cost. You might be required to pay more in the way of call-out fees if the craftsman or company technicians have to travel far to get to your location.

Unique needs of your kitchen

Countertops can only carry so much weight, so if you have several heavy appliances, you may need to reinforce the structure. Elements such as cabinets may also need to be altered to accommodate structural changes as well. These additional carpentry tasks will end up costing more than what you may have planned, notes Bob Vila.

In most scenarios, it can be hard to estimate the exact cost of a repair, and the actual cost is usually more than what you might expect. Here are some of the related services that may result in additional costs down the line, as detailed by Fixr. 

Sink replacement

A countertop repair is often paired up with a sink replacement for a completely upgraded look. Replacing the sink can cost you up to $600 depending on the specific type you go for. The combined replacement of the sink and countertop, however, will completely refresh the look of your kitchen.

Cabinet repairs 

On average, the cost of a simple cabinet repair ranges between $150 and $700. However, if you're envisioning additional changes like a fresh coat of paint, you should expect the total cost to rise a bit more. 

Warranties

Unlike the add-ons mentioned, a warranty may actually save you some money. Before you rush into doing repairs, you should make sure your warranty has expired. If not, your initial installer may be obligated to make certain repairs at no cost to you, if the warranty is in fact, still valid. 

When it comes to a granite kitchen countertop repair, there are just a few options. Whatever route you choose will depend on factors like your budget or repair feasibility. Let's discuss!

Refinishing

Fortunately, most granite countertop designs can be refinished in the event of damage. Most homeowners choose this particular option because it is less expensive than a complete replacement. According to Lustro Italiano, refinishing damaged countertops can save you up to 70% of what you would have paid for a full replacement. Also, refinishing will take less time to complete, which means you can get back to your normal routine sooner rather than later. 

Replacement

While replacement won't offer you the joy of a quick fix, this service gives you more options than refinishing. You can either refresh the same look or choose a different stone and design altogether. The flexibility of this choice is likely to make you feel happier with the end product. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost of replacement would be between $25 and $120 per square foot.

Polishing

In some cases, you may not require refinishing or replacement, but just a simple polishing to bring back the original luster and shine of your granite countertop. It involves removing the surface layer of the granite to eliminate scratches and stains, followed by sealing the stone to protect against future damage. There are a few different methods, including some DIY options if you feel confident in your own abilities. CounterTop Guides emphasizes that stone professionals will do a great job of returning your granite countertop to its former glory, but if you want to save yourself a few bucks, you can use one of the many available products to do the polishing yourself. 

Filling cracks

Fixing granite countertop cracks requires the use of special adhesives. The nature and size of the crack are often key determining factors when it comes to determining the appropriate repair method. While smaller cracks merely require adhesive, deeper fractures may need additional intervention methods such as pigment in the adhesive mixture to color match and produce a uniform appearance, per Wood & Stone Company.

When you have used your countertop space for several years, you will eventually be able to tell when it is time to make necessary updates. Whether due to staining, scratches, or chipping, these telltale signs indicate it's time for repair. Here are a few reasons you may need to repair your granite countertop, as detailed by Everglaze.

Keep it at top performance

One of the top qualities of a granite countertop is its durability. Nonetheless, it is important to also acknowledge that granite countertops will only remain durable if you keep up with the annual sealing. Failure to do so will mean that the porous stone will absorb spilled liquids and can result in difficult-to-remove stains. Also, when granite countertops are not well sealed they become a habitat for germs and bacteria to multiply.

Restore the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen

No one wants to have to look at damaged countertops each day in their home. Refinishing your countertop can refresh the appeal of your kitchen and satisfy you without having to undertake a major renovation. Breathe some new life into old designs by giving your countertop a fresh look!

Your kitchen countertop is a central component of your kitchen aesthetic, and in an otherwise pristine space, major flaws or damage can stick out like a sore thumb. There are benefits to repairing your countertop beyond the aesthetic, however, as Everglaze explains:

Increase the longevity of your countertop

Though you may eventually need to replace your countertop, repair practices such as refinishing can give you several extra years of service. Whenever you refinish your countertop, you will be able to refresh your space in the short term and can put off a major kitchen renovation until you're ready. 

Save time and money

Again, refinishing your countertop is a lot quicker compared to a complete replacement. Also, if you don't have enough money for a complete reinstallation, then a simple repair will meet your needs and save you a few bucks, too.

Improve home value

The aesthetic appeal of the house is an important valuation factor when it comes to selling real estate. The kitchen is the heart of the house and improving such a heavily-used, functional space will in turn improve the value of your property as well.