Is granite worth it in a rental?

Question

Hey all! I have my first rental house under contract! The kitchen is gonna be an interesting one to figure out. There isn’t much counter space and we will have to add two cabinets on either side of the stove. My question is for types of counter tops to put in a rental. It’s in a market where rent is roughly 750-800 and homes from 80k-120k. Would it be worth it to put granite in the kitchen or is it better to go laminate? I’m concerned about durability and if we decide to resale I don’t want to have to redo the counter tops. Thanks!

Also, what are yalls thoughts on butcher block counter tops as far as durability as cost?

J Scott · Answer

Use granite/stone. Not because you need it to attract renters (though it helps) but more because stone countertops will be much more resilient to damage, and will last much longer than laminate.

Long term, the cost will probably be about the same -- granite will cost 3-4 times laminate, but will last about 3-4 times longer.  But, spending the money upfront means you won't be replacing the countertops every couple years.  This reduces the time/effort you put into the property, which is also worth money.

For the same reasons, I will typically "harden" my rentals using more expensive (but more resilient) flooring, fixtures and doors.

Matt M. · Answer

@Morgan Granger

I have done a ton of rental kitchens and used Formica counters off the self from the big box stores. Normally you can do a standard size kitchen for about $200. I have had to replace none in the last 10 years. I’ll take that over spending $1500+ for granite.

Isaac S. · Answer

Depends on you granite cost....her in LA its only a $120 for a finished 9 foot piece and back splash, Bainbridge Brown the most basic color-pattern. Cost more for delivery and installation than the counter.

I have installed formica from big box and granite....formica is way more forgiving and easier for one man to do solo....granite must have at least two guys and one must be very skilled with an angle grinder and have the correct polishing and cutting blades.

depending on how competitive the market is, it can make the difference on attracting the primo tenant, and some tenants don't even notice or care about that specific feature.

good luck!

Marian Smith · Answer

@Morgan Granger  Granite colors go out of favor.  use the in stock laminates.  very durable.

Brit F. · Answer

@Morgan Granger, look for the builder surplus shops in your area.  You might be able to find cut & polished, aka prefinished, granite slabs for kitchens & bathrooms, which can be cheaper than some laminates.  One shop near us regularly stocks 7-9 foot long slabs for $300-$500.  We almost always use these in bathrooms.  Kitchens can be trickier, depending on the layout.  Simple galley kitchens are good candidates, but the more complex the layout, the less sense it makes.  An installer will still need to cut & fit the prefinished granite in place, but if you're handy with an angle grinder, it's easy peasy.

Max T. · Answer

@Morgan Granger

The granite fabricators also will install. If you’re paying for installation the price difference between stone and laminate, especially in a small kitchen, is minimal.

Once I cut and installed laminate myself and I ruined a piece and it took a whole day.

Account Closed · Answer

If you don't want to re-do and are concerned about sale value, then go with the granite type counter tops for sure.

Chad Haubrich · Answer

@Morgan Granger

We usually do granite, will last longer and looks better 🤷🏽‍♂️

Butcher block can look nice but needs a lot of maintenance. Needs to be cleaned, and oiled a lot. And can be cut/scratched easily compared to granite.

Justin V. · Answer

@Morgan Granger

I used to do butcher block. Have it in my home and some rentals.

I just always thought laminate looked cheap and personally hate the backsplash lip.

At my house I did the mineral oil method and hated it. Everything ended up pretty greasy. Never could set a piece of paper down. At some point we’ll convert to granite at our home.

At three duplexes I put in butcher block. It would take me a day to cut the counter pieces and sink holes, a day to stain and poly and another day to install (pieces in place and get the sink and faucet placed)... the product held up well and still looks good, but you can’t have an under mount sink and it just turned into a time thing.

I now do granite. It’s not too expensive compared to my time and other trades. They easily figure out the complicated pieces and they just let themselves in via lockbox for measure and install. I wish I had converted sooner but needed to realize the value of my time first.

Luke Marsh · Answer

If you are planning on having the property for a while I would recommend getting granite counter tops. We were able to increase rent slightly after installing them, and our current tenants love them. The durability on them will not only save you money long term but time too. We havent had to deal with any issues on our granite since installing them, and had to deal with issues regularly on the laminate counter tops we previously had.

Is granite worth it in a rental?

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