Granite for granite countertops usually comes from Italy, China, India, or South America in over a hundred different color patterns. Each country has several different color and pattern variations unique to that part of the world. Granite is a dimension stone with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern. These variations, referred to as “movement”, are the source of its natural beauty. Also, keep in mind that the veining in the granite can effect color perception. Sometimes different grains occurring in the same slab will make the slabs appear to be different colors. Mineral concentrations in granite varies somewhat within any given color and pattern, and may produce patches that appear darker or lighter. You will see how the pattern and color changes and how different a second slab cut from a different area could be quite different in color and grain. If you need more than one slab to complete your countertops, you should use slabs cut from the same large granite block. Even a single granite slab will have color variations from one end to the other. These variations gives your kitchen countertop or vanity its unique character making it slightly different from any other countertop.

For this reason, we recommend that you take the time to select the slabs for your countertops. You can view all the available colors and patterns over the internet, and select the granite slabs to be used for your countertops, or you may personally visit the warehouse We will escort you through the granite slab warehouse where you can choose the best granite slab for your countertops. That is the only way to make sure you get exactly what you want. While color options are numerous, it’s usually best to choose a specimen that is stocked locally because of the cost difference. If a slab has to be special-ordered, the freight would be prohibitive and the lead-time could be several weeks. In addition, you would have to agree to accept the color and markings sight unseen.

Standard granite countertops usually cost $45 – 75 per square foot installed, depending on the type of granite selected and the difficulty of installation. Granite Countertop installation and fabrication costs can significantly affect the final price of your new granite countertops. Generally, the more complex the shape of the countertop and particularly the shape of the finished countertop edges, the higher the price will be. Fortunately, a standard polished edge makes an excellent appearance and most customers choose this standard. Occasionally, a customer will want a custom granite countertop edge pattern, possibly to match the edge to detailing on the cabinetry, and this can also be done.

Granite countertops are usually polished to a high gloss finish. The price of the granite countertop includes the cost of transportation, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, delivery, and final installation. The total material required is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. The fabricator will try to lay out each job so as to minimize waste yet maximize the natural beauty of the veining and pattern. Keep in mind that sink, cook top or waste from curved cutouts are counted in the square footage cost.

On new construction, the base cabinets must be permanently anchored in place before a template can be made. On a remodel project, existing tops may be removed prior to measurement. Any sinks, faucets, cook tops, or any other item that requires a cutout or a hole in the top must be on site and readily available at the time the template is made. The fabricator may need to take some items with him to complete the fabrication. Please note that any delay in acquiring the accessories may also delay the installation, the countertop installer will not normally be responsible for connecting of dishwashers, cook tops, or plumbing, and no changes can be made once the installer takes his measurements and makes the template. All cuts are final; it is impossible to reattach a piece of granite that has been cut from the slab. Additionally, once the granite is glued in place on the cabinets, moving it is very difficult and risks damaging the cabinets.

Below you will find a link to a diagram representing a kitchen countertop area to give you a visual idea of how to measure and calculate the square footage to get an estimated area of your countertops. Your application may be somewhat different but you will be able to relate it to your kitchen countertops or bath vanities. The main idea is to understand the standard depth of the countertops is 25 1/2”, plus the back splash, and to know that cutouts like a sink or a rounded bar top will be included in the cost. If you have these measurements, you can figure the approximate square feet of granite it will take for your project. Granite prices are quoted by the square foot and each color or pattern will vary in price. The more figure in the granite and the harder it is to find, the more it costs. Installed prices should run $50-75 per square foot. Click here to print a copy of the diagram. After you calculate the square feet of countertop space, and select a color we can give you the cost per square foot of the selected granite and you will have an approximate cost for the installation. Remember, this is just an estimate and an installer will come to your home to calculate the exact square footage before he begins work. Taller splashes, fancy edges or special cuts will make the cost greater.
Badger is a granite countertop contractor specializing in the fabrication and installation of granite and marble kitchen countertops and bath vanities in both home and business applications. We serve Southern Wisconsin, Milwaukee Metro area and around.

Marble and granite are produced in nature in very different ways resulting in very different looks and functionality.  Not only are they comprised of different minerals, but also the way in which the earth acts on them is different.  Granite is actually comprised of minerals that liquefy deep within the earth creating magma.  This magma slowly rises to the earth’s crust over millions of years, and cools along the way creating the very hard material we know as granite.  Marble is comprised mainly of calcite.  Whereas granite is molten magma, marble never reaches that state.  Instead the very high heat and pressure deep within the earth compress the minerals into marble.  Unevenness in pressures creates the beautiful movement so often associated with marble.

Although granite is an excellent countertop material and virtually indestructible, it can scratch.  However, since granite is one of the hardest naturally occurring materials, scratching is a very infrequent issue.

Depending on the composition of the stone material, some is more susceptible to staining than others.  At Badger  Granite, we take the precaution of sealing every natural stone top that we install.  We feel this extra insurance is just good business practice.  Once sealed by us the tops do not need to be re-sealed for another one to four years.

Pitting is a common characteristic of many types of granite.  This occurs because granite is comprised of many different minerals, all with varying degrees of hardness.  The difference in hardness results in the top layers of the softest minerals flaking out during the slab polishing process.

These “cracks” are actually naturally occurring fissures, and are not considered defects.  They are a by-product of the cooling process under which the granite formed.  Some materials show these fissures more readily than others do.  If you believe these fissures detract from the look of the granite you should select granite where the fissures are less noticeable. 

Radon is a naturally occurring gas found throughout our environment.  It is found in granite, but not in sufficient levels to be considered dangerous to humans or pets.

Generally granite comes polished (high gloss), honed (satin sheen), leathered (to look and feel like leather), or antiqued (rougher finish than leathered with open pores).  The other natural stone materials and engineered quartz usually come polished or honed. 

Yes, as a matter-of-fact we encourage you to select the slabs that will be used in your project.  We can hold the slabs you select at our facility, or if you select them from one of several local suppliers, they will hold them for you, and deliver them to us for fabrication when the time is right. 

Yes.  We welcome you to be part of that process.

We offer the following edge profiles:  eased edge, ¼” bevel, half bullnose, full bullnose, demi-bullnose, Hollywood bevel, chiseled, small ogee, and large ogee.  These profiles can be viewed on our Edge Profiles page.  

Care for your tops varies depending on the type of stone you selected for your project.  We have written care instructions for engineered quartz countertops as well as for natural stone surfaces.

Badger Granite seals all natural stone at the time of installation.  We do not seal engineered quartz. 

When exposed to UV light engineered quartz can fade.  This usually isn’t a problem in an indoor application.  Engineered quartz should be avoided in outdoor applications for this reason.

You may remove and dispose of them yourself, or you may contract with us or another party to remove them.  If you want us to remove your tops, all of the plumbing must be disconnected prior to our arrival.  We can typically remove and dispose of them on the same day of your new countertop installation.  Let us know at the time we give you an estimate and we will include it in your quote. 

Since Badger Granite is not licensed to connect electrical, gas or plumbing you will need to contract with subcontractors licensed in those trades.

Badger Granite installers are professionals who are very careful and respectful of your home and its furnishings.  We take precautions to make sure there is little to no collateral damage done to walls or cabinets in the installation process.  Like any remodeling project sometimes touchup work is necessary at the end of the job, and this is typically the responsibility of the homeowner. 

Seam necessity and location is dependent upon several factors including slab size(s), countertop configuration, movement in the slab(s), and how the countertops lay out on the slabs.  You are always welcome to be part of the layout process at our facility.  If, like many of our happy customers, you prefer to leave the “details” to us and we will use our experience judgment to create the best layout for your project.

Badger Granite has always taken great pride in making the best seam(s) possible.  In some cases seams may be nearly invisible, and in no event will your seam(s) exceed the industry standard of 1/16” ± 1/64” wide. 

Overhangs can be up to 10” unsupported on standard 3cm (1 ¼” typ.) material.  On 2cm material unsupported overhangs may be up to 6”.  If the desired overhangs are to be greater than 10” and 6” respectively, corbels are installed to provide additional support.  In some instances where the stone is extremely fragile Badger Granite may reduce the length of unsupported overhangs allowed.

No.  We want to deliver the quality product you deserve.  This requires all cabinetry to be anchored in its final location prior to our templating your project.