Prefabricated Granite Countertops

• Prefabricated granite countertops are most commonly produced outside of the U.S. in countries such as India and China. This manufactured product comes in standard measurements, making it ideal for use in situations where multiple pieces of the same size are needed, such as in an apartment or a condo. Prefabricated granite countertops often require multiple seams in larger kitchens. They currently are only available with one standard edging choice.
  
  

Slab Granite Countertops

• Slab granite countertops are actual slabs of real granite rock that is cut into slabs for use in homes, apartments and other buildings. These countertops can be custom cut to size to match an individual home's measurements, which is especially helpful in situations where standard kitchen measurements are not present. Slab granite countertops also give the customer the option of walking through the company's warehouse and choosing her own individual slab. Slab granite is a naturally occurring rock that has been cut and polished, so chances of seeing the exact same pattern in another person's home is slim to none.
  
  

Similarities

• Both options offer the look and feel of granite, and many people cannot tell the difference between the two. Prefabricated and natural granite slabs can both support cutout sink installations, such as a drop-in or under-mounted sink. Both products are easy to clean and both must be regularly cared for to maintain their appearance. And both products can also become stained or damaged under certain situations, but both can be sealed to add additional protection against staining or scratches.
  
  

Differences

• Prefabricated granite tends to be cheaper than granite slab countertops. However, granite slabs can be custom cut to fit unusual kitchen measurements whereas prefab granite is only available in standard measurements. Granite slab countertops also seam up better than prefabricated granite countertops. And granite slab countertops can be made to feature custom edges and colors while prefabricated granite is only available in a single type of edge with limited color choices.