Granite — price, types and what to check
The hardest-working stone — counters, stairs, sills.
Granite is an igneous rock — very hard, scratch-resistant and stain-resistant. It's the natural choice for kitchen counters, staircases and high-traffic floors.
The basics
- Polished finish is glossy; flamed and leathered finishes are textured and anti-skid.
- Most Indian granite comes from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
- Counters are usually 18–20 mm thick with polished edges.
Granite types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Black | Rajasthan / South | Kitchen counters | ₹120–300 |
| Black Galaxy | Andhra Pradesh | Counters and flooring | ₹150–350 |
| Tan Brown | South India | Counters and stairs | ₹110–250 |
| Steel Grey | South India | Flooring and cladding | ₹90–180 |
| Sadarali / Imperial White | Rajasthan | Light counters and floors | ₹70–160 |
| Jhansi / Lakha Red | UP / Rajasthan | Steps and exteriors | ₹60–140 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- Pour water on the slab: good granite doesn't darken.
- Rub black granite with acetone — colour on the cloth means it's dyed.
- Check counter thickness and edge polish.
- Inspect edges for chipping and resin-filled cracks.
- Check thickness at several points on each slab.
- Match colour in daylight, not showroom lights.
Pro tips
- Use flamed or leathered finish on stairs and outdoor floors.
- Support sink cut-outs with an under-mount frame.
- Join slabs with epoxy tinted to match the stone.
- Pick slabs in person at the yard; photos hide patterns.
- Keep a 20 mm overhang on counters.
- Seal light-coloured granite every 1–2 years.
- Leave a small sealant gap between counter and wall.
Mistakes to avoid
- Dyed black granite that fades.
- Unsealed light-coloured granite.
- Sharp, unrounded counter edges.
- Slabs with cracks near the sink cut-out.
- Cutting sink holes on site without proper tools.
Where you can save
- Local granites like Steel Grey or Sadarali cost far less than Black Galaxy.
- Use offcuts for steps and sills.
How much you need
Kitchen counter: running length × 2 ft depth, plus back-splash strip.
Brands to know
Pokarna, South India quarries, Rajasthan stone markets