Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials on the market. Homeowners love the natural beauty and durability that granite countertops give to kitchens and bathrooms.
Granite countertops are sturdy and resist scratches, chips, and cracks. To keep your granite countertops in amazing shape, you must perform regular maintenance, including daily cleaning and routine resealing of your countertops.
Our handy guide will provide you with information concerning how much it costs to reseal granite countertops as well as the different kinds of sealants on the market.
Here is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with resealing granite countertops. The exact total cost of the project will vary based on the square footage of your countertop space, the supplies chosen, and the average cost of labor for your area.
The labor required for resealing granite includes project planning, purchasing materials, set up, preparing the countertop for sealant application, applying sealant, clean up. The average time it takes for this project is four hours.
Here is a breakdown of how much it will cost for your granite countertops to be resealed.
The national average for the materials needed for granite countertop resealing is $0.19 per square foot, which means it should cost approximately $50 in supplies for your project.
The average cost of labor for granite resealing is between $150 and $300.
The total cost for your resealing project should range between $200 and $350. The average cost per square foot is between $0.68 to $1.42.
You can reduce costs by being flexible when it comes to scheduling. If you have other related projects that need to be done, it can also reduce the cost of your project.
Certain things can also increase costs. For example, if your projects require any type of inspection or permits, the total price can be increased. Finally, if a general contractor oversees the project, you can expect to pay between 15 percent and 25 percent of the project cost.
Granite, by nature, is typically moisture resistant; however, because it is a natural stone, it is also porous. The porosity of granite depends on the type of granite used in your countertop project. Most granite will require sealing from time to time.
If your granite is not sealed, spills can cause staining. Sealing creates a barrier to help prevent liquids and oils from penetrating the surface of the granite, resulting in staining.
Typically, stone professionals recommend resealing a granite countertop every two years. There is an easy test that can be performed to determine if your countertops need to be resealed.
To perform the test, sprinkle a few drops of water on the countertop surface, if the water beads up, you do not need to seal your countertops. If, on the other hand, the countertop absorbs some or all of the water, your countertop needs to be resealed.
There are numerous products on the market designed to protect your granite countertops. However, they will fall into one of two categories – penetrating sealants and coatings.
Coatings create a protective layer on top of the granite. Coatings are both easy to apply and affordable; however, because they don't penetrate the surface, they are vulnerable to scratches and may require regular reapplication. Over time, these products can build up, create a plastic appearance, or turn yellow when exposed to sunlight.
Penetrating sealers are designed to work below the surface, which means they will last longer. They will not change the sheen of your countertops and will not yellow when exposed to sunlight. However, penetrating sealants may contain volatile organic compounds, which are noxious and flammable. The cost of the products is higher, and ventilation must be used during the application process.
Sealing granite countertops protects your investment. Typically, this maintenance project should be completed every couple of years.
For best results, select a penetrating sealer and hire a professional countertop contractor to seal your granite countertops. Sealing granite is quite affordable. It will cost between $200 and $300 to reseal your granite countertops.
