Replacing laminate with granite usually costs more than simply multiplying the countertop square footage by the granite price. At Granite Empire of Nashville, granite starts at approximately $48 per square foot, but the finished project can also include old-countertop removal, professional templating, sink and cooktop cutouts, edge fabrication, backsplash work, slab requirements, delivery, and installation.
The size and shape of the kitchen make a major difference. A straightforward 35-square-foot layout with one sink is very different from a 60-square-foot kitchen with an island, cooktop, multiple seams, and full-height stone backsplash.
For homeowners considering granite kitchen countertops in Forest Hills, TN, the most useful number is the complete project quote—not just the advertised granite starting price. Granite can be a substantial upgrade from laminate in durability, heat resistance, appearance, and long-term use, but the real cost depends on the details of the kitchen.
How much does the granite itself cost?
At Granite Empire of Nashville, granite starts at approximately $48 per square foot.
That means the starting material value looks roughly like this:
| Countertop area | Granite from $48/sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| 30 sq. ft. | From $1,440 |
| 40 sq. ft. | From $1,920 |
| 50 sq. ft. | From $2,400 |
| 60 sq. ft. | From $2,880 |
These are starting material calculations only, not complete installed project totals.
The exact granite color can also affect the price. Widely available options may be closer to the starting range, while rarer or more dramatic slabs can cost more.
Depending on current availability, homeowners may encounter colors such as Luna Pearl, New Caledonia, Dallas White, Santa Cecilia, River White, White Ice, Black Pearl, and Steel Gray.
What costs are added beyond the granite price?
The final price can include several fabrication and installation items beyond the stone itself.
Common project factors include:
- demolition or removal of laminate;
- disposal of the old countertop;
- professional templating;
- sink cutout;
- cooktop cutout;
- edge fabrication;
- seam preparation;
- backsplash;
- slab layout;
- delivery;
- installation.
Not every project requires every item.
For example, a simple kitchen with one undermount sink and no backsplash is easier to fabricate than a kitchen with an oversized island, cooktop, waterfall edge, and full-height granite backsplash.
This is why homeowners comparing granite kitchen countertops in Forest Hills, TN should avoid assuming every $48-per-square-foot project will have the same finished total.
Does removing laminate add much to the project?
It can, depending on how the existing countertop is attached and whether the cabinets remain in good condition.
Laminate countertops are often screwed or bonded to cabinet bases. Removal may be straightforward, but older installations can be more complicated.
During demolition, we need to be careful around:
- cabinet boxes;
- walls;
- tile backsplash;
- plumbing;
- sinks;
- cooktops.
If the laminate backsplash is integrated with the countertop, removing it may also expose drywall or wall areas that need finishing.
The condition of the cabinets matters as well.
Granite is significantly heavier than laminate, so the cabinet boxes must be stable, level, and properly secured before the stone is installed.
Do cabinets need to be replaced before granite?
No. Existing cabinets can often support granite if they are structurally sound, level, and securely installed.
This makes a countertop-only upgrade attractive for kitchens where the cabinets still work well but the laminate looks dated or damaged.
Before templating, we look for problems such as:
- loose cabinet boxes;
- uneven cabinet heights;
- damaged framing;
- unsupported sections;
- excessive movement.
If the cabinets need correction, that should happen before final measurements.
Granite is fabricated to the finished cabinet layout. Moving or leveling cabinets after templating can create fit problems.
How much can sink and cooktop cutouts affect the price?
Cutouts add fabrication complexity because each opening must be precisely created and finished.
An undermount sink requires more work than simply cutting a rough opening. The exposed granite edge around the sink needs to be fabricated and polished.
Cooktop openings also require accurate dimensions and structural planning.
A kitchen with:
- one sink;
- one cooktop;
- multiple faucet holes;
- unusual appliance openings;
will require more fabrication than a simple countertop run.
Cutouts also influence slab layout because removing a large area from the stone can create narrower sections that require careful handling.
Does replacing laminate usually require a new sink?
No, but many homeowners choose to replace the sink at the same time.
Laminate kitchens often use drop-in sinks because the exposed laminate edge around an undermount opening is vulnerable to moisture.
Granite makes undermount sinks much more practical.
That creates a cleaner transition between countertop and sink and allows crumbs or water to be wiped directly into the basin.
If the existing sink is compatible with the new granite layout and in good condition, it may sometimes be reused. But sink dimensions should be finalized before templating and fabrication.
Changing the sink after the granite has been cut can require significant modification or make the original opening unusable.
Can a granite backsplash increase the upgrade cost?
Yes. The amount depends heavily on whether you choose a short backsplash or full-height stone.
A standard 4-inch granite backsplash uses relatively little additional material.
A full-height backsplash from countertop to upper cabinets can add 15–30 square feet or more in a larger kitchen.
At the $48-per-square-foot granite starting price, an additional 20 square feet represents approximately $960 in starting material value alone before backsplash fabrication and installation.
A slab backsplash can create a much more dramatic finished kitchen, but it should be included in the budget from the beginning rather than added as an afterthought.
Will every kitchen need more than one granite slab?
No. Slab requirements depend on countertop dimensions, island size, pattern, and usable slab area.
Square footage alone does not determine slab count.
Suppose the kitchen requires 45 square feet. It might sound like a single large slab should be enough, but the countertop pieces still have to physically fit within the slab dimensions.
Large L-shaped pieces, islands, sink cutouts, and directional granite patterns can reduce layout efficiency.
Strongly patterned granite may also require us to sacrifice some material to keep the movement attractive across seams.
For homeowners considering granite kitchen countertops in Forest Hills, TN, slab-layout planning can prevent surprises before fabrication begins.
Is granite worth the extra cost over laminate?
Granite is often worth it when durability, heat resistance, natural appearance, and long-term use matter.
Granite generally measures around 6–7 on the Mohs hardness scale and handles normal kitchen wear extremely well.
It also offers excellent heat resistance, although we still recommend trivets for good countertop habits.
Laminate has advantages too. It is affordable, lightweight, and available in many designs.
But it is more vulnerable to:
- hot cookware;
- deep scratches;
- peeling edges;
- moisture damage at seams;
- impact.
Granite is not indestructible, but it provides a fundamentally different level of performance and a genuine natural-stone surface.
How does granite pricing compare with other materials?
At Granite Empire of Nashville, current starting prices are:
| Material | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Granite | From $48/sq. ft. |
| Quartz | From $58/sq. ft. |
| Marble | From $68/sq. ft. |
| Quartzite | Price available upon request |
Granite currently offers the lowest starting price among these primary materials.
Quartz may be attractive to homeowners who prefer a non-porous surface and controlled patterns.
Marble offers natural veining but requires more care around acidic foods.
Quartzite provides excellent hardness and dramatic natural movement, with pricing dependent on the exact slab.
For a homeowner specifically replacing laminate, granite often creates a strong balance between natural stone, durability, and starting price.
How long does replacing laminate with granite take?
Most Granite Empire of Nashville countertop projects take approximately 2–3 weeks overall once the project is ready for final templating.
After templating, granite fabrication typically requires 7–10 business days. During that period, we plan the slab layout, cut each countertop section, create sink and cooktop openings, fabricate edges, and prepare seams.
Installation generally takes approximately 1–2 days for a standard kitchen.
If demolition, cabinet repairs, plumbing work, backsplash removal, or other remodeling steps are required, the overall renovation schedule can be longer.
Granite Empire of Nashville provides material selection, professional templating, custom fabrication, sink and cooktop cutouts, edge finishing, delivery, and professional installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much would 40 square feet of granite cost?
At Granite Empire of Nashville’s starting price of $48 per square foot, 40 square feet represents approximately $1,920 in starting material value. This is not a complete installed quote and does not include every fabrication or project-specific cost.
Can granite be installed directly on old cabinets?
Yes, if the cabinets are structurally sound, level, and securely installed. Damaged or uneven cabinets should be corrected before final templating.
Is granite cheaper than quartz?
At Granite Empire of Nashville, granite starts at approximately $48 per square foot, while quartz starts at approximately $58 per square foot. Final pricing depends on the exact material and project requirements.
How long does the granite fabrication process take?
Fabrication generally requires 7–10 business days after templating, followed by approximately 1–2 days for installation. Most countertop projects take around 2–3 weeks overall.
Does Granite Empire of Nashville serve Forest Hills, TN?
Yes. Granite Empire of Nashville serves homeowners looking for granite kitchen countertops in Forest Hills, TN, including granite selection, professional templating, slab-layout planning, custom fabrication, sink and cooktop cutouts, edge finishing, delivery, and installation.
Granite Empire of Nashville
4160 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 200-1591
