Can You Sell Back Your Granite Countertops? The Ultimate Guide

If you‘re renovating your kitchen or simply want a new look, you may be wondering what to do with your existing granite countertops. The good news is you can recoup some of your initial investment by selling your used granite. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about how to sell your granite countertops for the maximum return.

Why Homeowners Choose to Replace Their Granite Countertops

There are a few common scenarios that lead homeowners to remove and replace their granite counters:

• Kitchen remodels – When renovating your kitchen, new cabinetry, floors and appliances call for coordinating countertops.

• Change in tastes – Homeowners may want to update to a more modern, minimalist look. Granite is seen as more traditional.

• Downsizing – Moving into a condo or smaller home often requires smaller granite pieces.

• Damage – Cracks, stains and etching can damage granite. Cheaper to replace than repair.

Knowing the backstory on why your granite is being replaced can help you get it ready for selling and determine the best outlets.

Accurately Appraising Your Granite Countertops‘ Value

Not all granite is created equal when it comes to resale value. There are several aspects that determine what your used slabs are worth:

Granite Quality

Higher-end granite brands like Silestone, Ceasarstone, Santa Margherita, and Cambria will command higher prices than generic unbranded granite. On average, premium granite costs $120-$250 per square foot when bought new.

Granite Pattern

Rarer and more unique granite patterns will naturally increase value over common colors and designs. Bold colorful patterns with striking veining tend to sell for more. Subtle salt-and-pepper speckled granite is less unique.

Granite Color

Rich, darker granite colors like black, bold blues, and textured reds are in greatest demand. Used granite prices are 30-50% higher for deeper colors than light whites, tans, and grays which are less popular.

Age

Granite less than 5 years old will sell for higher amounts close to 50-75% of original cost. 10-15 year old granite sees more depreciation, selling for 25-50% of initial price.

Size

In general, the larger the slab, the higher the market value. It‘s more difficult to find buyers looking for small corner pieces or unusual shapes. Standard longer straight runs are ideal.

Condition

Chips, cracks, stains and etching from improper cleaning all reduce granite‘s resale value. Pristine granite can fetch premium pricing while damaged pieces may only be bought for scrap.

Consider where your granite falls across these different value factors when pricing it to sell. Rarer, premium granite in great shape will sell for the most.

How to Determine the Type of Granite You Own

There are many varieties of natural stone sold as granite. Being able to accurately identify what type of material you have allows for proper pricing. Here are a few tips:

• Quartzite – Harder and less shiny than granite. Shows layering and less visible grain.

• Marble – Softer and etching/staining. Has less random patterning with sweeping veins.

• Soapstone – Smoother feel, grayish/greenish tone. Scratches and stains easily.

• Granite – Hardest and most shiny. Mottled specks over less distinct grain background.

Check with your original stone provider if possible to identify your exact material. This prevents any sale issues down the line.

Top Options for Selling Your Used Granite Countertops

Once you know what your granite is worth, it‘s time to find it a new home. Here are your best options for selling your used stone:

Online Listings

Local online classifieds like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace allow you to easily list your granite. Include sizes, photos, brand, and description.

Pro tip: Time listings for spring when most kitchen remodels happen.

Be patient, as online buyers may need more nurturing to purchase an unseen big-ticket item like granite. But the large audience makes a sale likely.

Stone Yards

Check with stone distributors, granite fabricators, and countertop installers in your area. Many buy used stone for resale or recycling. Their expertise also helps proper valuation.

Lisa‘s Tips: I always contact at least 3-4 stone yards when selling our remodel granite. More potential buyers means more chances for the best deal.

Reclaimed Building Materials Networks

National non-profits like Habitat for Humanity ReStores and The ReUse People specialize in deconstructing homes and reselling reusable materials.

Donating granite to these types of organizations helps fund their charitable work. And you can claim the donation amount for a tax deduction.

Granite Resale Services

Some countertop installers now offer used granite removal and resale programs. They handle taking out your existing granite and reselling, offering cost savings versus new granite installation.

I recommend getting multiple bids from resale stone contractors to price compare. Make sure to verify they have strong resale networks before signing any contracts.

Prepping Your Granite Countertops for Successful Resale

To ensure you get the maximum return when selling your granite countertops, proper prep is crucial. Here are my pro tips:

Thorough Cleaning

Use a granite cleaner to fully wash your counters and remove any residues, stains, or marks. This showcases the granite‘s original radiant shine.

Photography

Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles to give buyers the full picture. Laying out slabs helps visualize the full layout.

Precise Measuring

Note the precise length, width, and thickness of each slab, along with any customized cutout dimensions. Accurate sizes allow proper planning for replacements.

Careful Removal

Take great care removing granite without cracking, chipping, or breaking pieces. Watch for weak points like thin edges. Hire pros if unsure.

Safe Transportation

Wrap slabs securely in old blankets or padding and use A-frames when moving. Preventing cracks keeps values highest.

Invest time prepping your granite for sale in order to maximize your profits. Rushed jobs mean mistakes happen.

How Much Can You Get for Used Granite Countertops?

Granite pricing depends on the various value factors noted earlier. Some typical used granite price ranges:

• Premium granite – $100-$150 per square foot

• Mid-range granite – $50-$100 per square foot

• Low-end granite – $25-$50 per square foot

• Scrap/leftover pieces – $0.50-$2 per pound

These assume granite in good condition. Severely damaged or low-demand granite may be harder to sell or limited to scrap value.

When pricing your granite, research current asking prices for comparable stone online and locally. Consider your area‘s market – prices vary across the country.

And don‘t be afraid to negotiate! Many buyers will make lower offers so room to come down helps finalize sales.

Sweetening the Deal – Offering Installation

One way to garner more interest and better offers when selling your granite is to offer professional installation:

"We discovered buyers were much more eager when we offered to include installing the granite for an extra fee on top of the counter price. Well worth looking into." – Mark K., Phoenix Reclaimed Granite

Having an installer ready makes it a turnkey kitchen countertop solution. Sweeten your asking price accordingly to cover labor costs.

Just be sure to use only reputable experienced granite installers. Check reviews and examples of past work before committing to any installation offers. Poor workmanship means wasting your valuable granite investment.

Should You Consider Buying Used Granite Countertops?

Purchasing pre-owned granite countertops provides big savings over buying new stone. Here are the main pros and cons to weigh:

Used Granite Pros

• Cost savings around 50-75% off new stone
• Eco-friendly – Avoids new mining and fabrication
• Unique aesthetics – One-of-a-kind patterning and colors

Used Granite Cons

• Unknown history – Prior damage or care is uncertain
• Professional installation required
• Limited supply – Finding what you want can take time

Inspect used granite very carefully before purchasing. But the cost savings and environmental benefits often make it worth seeking out.

"We saved over $2,000 buying recycled granite for our kitchen remodel. You just need patience to find the perfect pieces." – Carrie S., Austin Granite Buyers

What to Inspect When Buying Pre-Owned Granite

To avoid getting stuck with a lemon, meticulously examine any used granite slabs:

• Check all edges for any chips, cracks, or nicks. These weak points lead to future cracking.

• Look at thickness – 3/4" minimum is best for kitchen counters. Too thin risks breaking.

• Ensure granite lies completely flat without any warping or raising.

• Inspect closely for stains or etching. Not all damage can be fixed.

• Match up pieces to confirm proper fit, especially around intricate cutouts.

• Bring in a professional if possible to inspect seams, polish, etc.

Taking your time to thoroughly examine the granite protects against expensive future problems after installation. Trust your instincts – if anything seems off, it likely is.

What Can You Do With Leftover Unsellable Granite?

You likely will end up with small scraps or rejected pieces that don‘t sell. Here are some creative ways to reuse them:

• Break down into gravel to use in landscaping and drainage projects

• Donate to local schools or community centers for art projects

• Use as accent cobblestones or garden path pavers

• Upcycle into cheese boards, trivets, or serving platters

• Many accept construction debris like granite for recycling

With a little imagination, you can find ways to repurpose your leftovers instead of sending them to the landfill.

The Environmental Benefits of Granite Resale

Beyond just making money from your old granite, reselling offers significant environmental advantages over mining new stone:

• 9 tons less waste – Recycling 1 ton of granite avoids 9 tons of quarry waste

• 1,100 gallons of water saved – Per square foot of granite recycled

• 374 pounds less CO2 – Emissions eliminated for every slab reused

By selling or repurposing your old granite, you help reduce the demand for new granite mining and all its impacts – air pollution, wasted water, and land disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions on Granite Resale

Here are answers to some common questions on reselling granite countertops:

How is granite value determined?

The age, brand, color, size, condition and custom cutouts primarily drive pricing. Rarer, pristine granite commands higher prices.

Who will buy used granite?

Individuals looking for deals, stone suppliers, countertop fabricators, contractors, and recycled building materials resellers.

What‘s better for resale, granite or quartz?

Granite generally holds value better long-term. Natural stone remains in demand while quartz can appear more dated over time.

Does unique granite cost more?

Yes, unusual colors and bold dramatic patterns fetch much higher prices than common variations.

Can you make money reselling used granite?

Absolutely – 50-75% savings off new granite means room for profits while still offering buyers savings.

What about cracks or stains – does that ruin value?

Not necessarily. Small chips may be repairable. But extensive damage means only scrap pricing is possible. Inspect carefully!

Key Takeaways for Successfully Selling Your Granite Countertops

Here are the top tips to maximize your returns when selling your existing granite:

• Accurately identify your specific type of granite to support proper valuation

• Carefully prep and package slabs to avoid any damage that reduces value

• Reach multiple buyers through online listings and local stone yards

• Price competitively based on age, quality, size, color, and condition

• Consider offering professional installation as an added incentive

• Repurpose any leftover granite creatively rather than landfilling

• Understand that reselling benefits the environment by reducing new granite demands

With some time invested finding the ideal buyer, you can successfully recoup a large portion of your original investment in granite countertops. And feel good knowing you are giving stone a second life and avoiding the impacts of new quarrying.