How to Start a Countertop Fabrication Business in 2026
The US countertop fabrication market generates $22.1 billion annually, served by roughly 8,000-10,000 fabrication shops. Most are small operations - 5 to 15 employees - and many owners started as installers or saw operators before launching their own shops. If you have stone fabrication experience and capital to invest, here's the real-world roadmap for getting from zero to your first year of operation.
TL;DR
- Minimum startup capital: $250,000-$500,000 for a basic shop; $500,000-$1.2M for a well-equipped operation
- Equipment alone costs $150,000-$600,000+ (bridge saw, CNC, and polishing equipment are the big three)
- You need 3,000-8,000 sq ft minimum for a functional shop layout
- Licensing requirements vary by state - most require a general contractor's license or specialty license
- Expect 6-12 months before reaching profitability; plan for 12 months of operating capital
- Average revenue per employee in established shops: $150,000-$250,000/year
- The sweet spot for profitability: 15-25 kitchen jobs per month at $3,000-$6,000 average
Step 1: Assess the Market in Your Area
Before investing $300,000+, make sure your local market can support another fabrication shop.
Market Research Checklist
Count your competition: Search Google Maps for "countertop fabrication" and "granite countertops" within a 50-mile radius. In a healthy market, you'll find 1 fab shop per 50,000-80,000 households. More shops than that, and you're entering a crowded market. Fewer, and there may be unmet demand.
Identify your customer base:
- Single-family home permits filed in the past 12 months (check your county building department)
- Kitchen and bath remodeling volume (local contractor associations can provide estimates)
- Number of general contractors, kitchen designers, and home builders active in your area
- Median home value (higher values correlate with higher countertop spending)
Price the market: Get quotes from 3-5 existing shops as a "homeowner." Note their prices per square foot, lead times, and included services. This tells you what the market will bear.
Growth indicators: Look for:
- Population growth above 1% annually
- Active new construction (subdivisions, multi-family projects)
- Rising home values (homeowners invest more in renovations during rising markets)
- Shortage of fabricators (long lead times from existing shops signal unmet demand)
Target Market Selection
Most new shops succeed by focusing on one of these segments initially:
| Segment | Avg. Job Value | Volume Needed | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Builder/new construction | $2,000-$4,000 | 25-40/month | 25-35% |
| Retail/homeowner remodel | $3,500-$7,000 | 12-20/month | 35-50% |
| Commercial (restaurants, offices) | $5,000-$25,000 | 3-8/month | 30-40% |
| Multi-family/apartments | $1,500-$3,000/unit | 20-50 units/month | 20-30% |
Builder work provides consistent volume but lower margins. Retail remodel work is higher margin but requires more sales effort. Most new shops start with builder relationships for base volume, then add retail work for profitability.
Step 2: Write a Business Plan
Your business plan isn't just a formality - it forces you to think through the numbers before committing capital. Banks and SBA lenders require one for loan applications.
Key Financial Projections
Year 1 Revenue Targets (conservative):
| Month | Jobs | Avg. Revenue | Monthly Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 3-5/month | $3,500 | $10,500-$17,500 |
| 4-6 | 8-12/month | $3,500 | $28,000-$42,000 |
| 7-9 | 12-18/month | $4,000 | $48,000-$72,000 |
| 10-12 | 15-22/month | $4,000 | $60,000-$88,000 |
| Year 1 Total | $440,000-$660,000 |
Year 1 Expense Budget:
| Category | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (5,000 sq ft) | $3,000-$6,000 | $36,000-$72,000 |
| Payroll (4-6 employees) | $20,000-$35,000 | $240,000-$420,000 |
| Material (40% of revenue) | Variable | ~$200,000-$260,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500-$3,000 | $18,000-$36,000 |
| Utilities | $1,500-$3,000 | $18,000-$36,000 |
| Equipment maintenance | $1,000-$2,000 | $12,000-$24,000 |
| Marketing | $1,000-$3,000 | $12,000-$36,000 |
| Software/technology | $500-$1,000 | $6,000-$12,000 |
| Vehicle expenses | $1,000-$2,000 | $12,000-$24,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $500-$1,000 | $6,000-$12,000 |
| Total | $560,000-$932,000 |
The numbers show why you need operating capital for at least 12 months: Year 1 expenses will likely exceed revenue until month 8-10.
For a detailed template, see our Business Plan Template.
Step 3: Secure Financing
Funding Sources
SBA 7(a) loan: The most common financing for fabrication startups. Up to $5 million, 10-25 year terms, rates at prime + 2-3%. Requires 10-20% down payment and a solid business plan. Processing takes 30-90 days.
SBA 504 loan: Specifically for real estate and equipment purchases. Combines a bank loan (50%), CDC/SBA loan (40%), and your down payment (10%). Lower rates than 7(a) but restricted to fixed assets.
Equipment financing: Many CNC and saw manufacturers offer financing through dealer networks. Terms: 5-7 years, 6-10% interest, 10-20% down. Easier to qualify for than SBA loans since the equipment serves as collateral.
Self-funding: Many shop owners start with personal savings, home equity, or retirement funds (via ROBS - Rollover for Business Startups). Less paperwork, but higher personal financial risk.
Investor/partner: A silent partner or investor provides capital in exchange for equity or profit share. Common when an experienced fabricator partners with someone who has capital but no industry experience.
How Much You Actually Need
| Component | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment purchase | $150,000 | $600,000 |
| Facility prep (electrical, plumbing, floor) | $20,000 | $80,000 |
| Initial slab inventory | $30,000 | $100,000 |
| Vehicles (1-2 install trucks) | $30,000 | $80,000 |
| Tools and supplies | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Working capital (6-12 months) | $50,000 | $200,000 |
| Deposits (rent, utilities, insurance) | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Total | $300,000 | $1,120,000 |
Step 4: Choose and Prepare Your Location
Facility Requirements
Minimum space: 3,000 sq ft for a one-saw shop; 5,000-8,000 sq ft for a 2-saw operation; 10,000+ sq ft for high-volume production.
Zoning: Must be zoned for light manufacturing or industrial use. Stone fabrication generates noise (90-100 dB), water discharge, and truck traffic that residential or commercial zones won't allow.
Power: Bridge saws need 30-60 amp 3-phase circuits. CNC machines typically require 40-80 amp 3-phase. Total shop electrical service: 200-400 amp 3-phase minimum.
Water: Continuous water supply for wet cutting (500-3,000 gallons/day). You need a water treatment/recycling system and may need a discharge permit for your municipality.
Floor: Must support slab weight. A-frame racks loaded with 15-20 slabs concentrate 15,000-20,000 lbs on a small footprint. Minimum floor specification: 4" reinforced concrete with 3,000 PSI rating.
Ceiling height: 14-18 feet minimum for overhead crane operation. 16 feet is ideal for most bridge saw and crane configurations.
Loading dock or grade-level access: Slabs arrive on flatbed trucks and need to be offloaded. A loading dock or drive-in bay is essential.
See our Shop Layout Design guide for detailed floor plan recommendations.
Location Selection Criteria
| Factor | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity to customer base | High | Within 45-60 min drive of your primary market |
| Truck access/loading | Critical | Flatbed delivery access is non-negotiable |
| Power (3-phase) | Critical | Upgrading power costs $10,000-$50,000 |
| Zoning | Critical | Verify before signing a lease |
| Floor condition | High | Cracked or undersized floors need $20,000+ repairs |
| Ceiling height | High | Below 14' limits crane and equipment options |
| Rent cost | Moderate | Industrial space: $4-$10/sq ft/year in most markets |
| Visibility | Low | Retail traffic matters less than for consumer businesses |
Step 5: Purchase Equipment
Essential Equipment List
Priority 1 - Must have on day one:
| Equipment | New Price Range | Used Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge saw | $50,000-$150,000 | $20,000-$70,000 | Your primary cutting machine |
| Overhead crane (1-3 ton) | $8,000-$25,000 | $4,000-$12,000 | For slab movement |
| A-frame slab racks (5-10) | $500-$1,500 each | $200-$700 each | Slab storage |
| Edge polisher (hand) | $500-$2,000 | $200-$800 | Edge finishing |
| Router (hand) | $300-$1,000 | $150-$500 | Sink cutouts, edge profiles |
| Fabrication table | $1,000-$5,000 | $500-$2,000 | Work surface |
| Install truck + rack | $25,000-$60,000 | $15,000-$35,000 | Delivery vehicle |
| Water system (basic) | $3,000-$10,000 | - | Water supply and treatment |
| Safety equipment | $2,000-$5,000 | - | PPE, dust control, first aid |
Priority 2 - Add within 6-12 months:
| Equipment | New Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machine | $80,000-$350,000 | Automates cutouts and edge profiles |
| Inline polisher | $15,000-$50,000 | Speeds edge finishing |
| Digital templating system | $15,000-$30,000 | Laser Products or Prodim |
| Forklift | $15,000-$40,000 | Outdoor slab handling |
| Second install truck | $25,000-$60,000 | Scale installation capacity |
Priority 3 - Scale equipment:
| Equipment | New Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Second bridge saw | $50,000-$150,000 | Doubles cutting capacity |
| Water recycling system | $10,000-$30,000 | Reduces water costs 70-85% |
| Slab photography station | $2,000-$5,000 | For customer slab selection |
| Additional A-frames | $500-$1,500 each | As inventory grows |
New vs Used Equipment
Buying used saves 40-60% but comes with risks:
- No warranty (or limited seller warranty)
- Unknown maintenance history
- May need $5,000-$20,000 in repairs immediately
- Parts availability varies by manufacturer and age
- Software may be outdated and expensive to update
When to buy used: Bridge saws from reputable brands (Park Industries, Breton, Intermac) less than 10 years old with documented service records are usually good investments.
When to buy new: CNC machines - the software and programming are as important as the hardware, and new machines come with training and support that used machines don't.
Step 6: Licensing, Insurance, and Legal
Business Registration
- Register your business entity (LLC is most common for fab shops - limits personal liability)
- Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
- Register with your state's Secretary of State
- Apply for a state sales tax permit (if your state charges sales tax on fabrication and installation)
Contractor Licensing
Requirements vary widely by state:
| State Type | License Needed | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| States requiring contractor license | General or specialty contractor license | Experience, exam, bond, insurance |
| States with registration only | Business registration + insurance | Proof of insurance, bond in some cases |
| States with minimal requirements | General business license | Varies by municipality |
Check your state's contractor licensing board for specific requirements. Common prerequisites:
- 2-4 years of documented experience in the trade
- Written examination (business law + trade knowledge)
- Surety bond ($10,000-$25,000 typical)
- Proof of general liability and workers' comp insurance
Insurance Requirements
| Coverage | Annual Premium | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| General liability ($1M/$2M) | $2,000-$5,000 | Customer property damage, slip-and-fall |
| Workers' compensation | $5-$15 per $100 payroll | Employee injuries (required by law in most states) |
| Commercial auto | $2,000-$6,000 | Delivery and installation vehicle coverage |
| Inland marine/tools | $500-$2,000 | Equipment coverage on job sites |
| Property/equipment | $1,000-$4,000 | Shop equipment and inventory |
| Umbrella ($1M) | $1,000-$3,000 | Additional liability above primary limits |
| Total | $15,000-$40,000+ |
See our Fabrication Shop Insurance Guide for detailed coverage recommendations.
Step 7: Hire Your First Team
You need a minimum viable team to operate:
Core Positions
| Position | Salary Range | When to Hire |
|---|---|---|
| Shop manager/lead fabricator | $55,000-$80,000 | Day one (or owner fills this role) |
| Saw/CNC operator | $40,000-$60,000 | Day one |
| Fabricator/finisher | $35,000-$50,000 | Day one |
| Installer (2-person crew) | $35,000-$55,000 each | Day one |
| Office/sales coordinator | $35,000-$50,000 | Month 3-6 |
Minimum viable team: 4-5 people (owner/manager, saw operator, fabricator, 2-person install crew)
Finding experienced stone fabricators is the single hardest hiring challenge in the industry. The talent pool is small, and good operators are rarely available. Budget 4-8 weeks to find qualified candidates. Consider hiring from adjacent trades (tile, masonry, CNC machining) and training them on stone-specific processes.
See our Hiring Fabrication Employees Guide for recruitment strategies.
Step 8: Set Up Operations
Supplier Relationships
You need reliable sources for:
Slab suppliers: Establish accounts with 2-3 distributors. Major distributors include MSI, Arizona Tile, Daltile, Bedrosians, and Cosentino. Opening terms typically require credit applications and may start as cash-on-delivery before you establish credit history.
Consumables: Diamond blades, polishing pads, adhesives, and abrasives. Annual spend: $15,000-$40,000. Buy in bulk for 15-25% savings.
Hardware: Sink clips, support brackets, seam connectors, and caulk. Specialty suppliers like Braxton-Bragg, GranQuartz, and Alpha Professional Tools.
Pricing Your Work
| Pricing Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Per square foot | Simple, customers understand it | Doesn't account for complexity |
| Per square foot + extras | Balanced, covers edge work and cutouts | Requires detailed quoting |
| Job-based pricing | Most accurate margins | Time-intensive to quote |
Most shops use a hybrid: base price per square foot ($40-$80 for material + fabrication) plus line items for:
- Edge profiles ($8-$25/linear foot)
- Sink cutouts ($150-$300 each)
- Cooktop cutouts ($100-$200 each)
- Backsplash ($15-$45/sq ft)
- Template fee ($150-$300, often waived with job confirmation)
- Installation ($8-$15/sq ft)
Technology Setup
From day one, you need:
- Accounting software: QuickBooks or similar ($25-$80/month)
- Fabrication management software: SlabWise or similar ($199-$349/month) for quoting, scheduling, and job tracking
- Digital templating software: Comes with your templating hardware (Laser Products or Prodim)
- Website: Professional site with project photos and quote request form ($2,000-$5,000 to build)
- Google Business Profile: Free, essential for local search visibility
Step 9: Build Your Sales Pipeline
No jobs = no revenue. Your first-year marketing priorities:
Month 1-3: Builder Relationships
Visit every residential builder in your area. Bring a sample kit (6-8 material samples), your pricing sheet, and references from previous employers if available. Builders care about:
- Price (competitive with existing suppliers)
- Reliability (on-time installation)
- Quality (low callback rate)
- Communication (answering the phone and responding to change orders quickly)
Month 3-6: Online Presence
- Optimize your Google Business Profile with photos, services, and hours
- Collect reviews from every completed job (aim for 20+ reviews in 6 months)
- Set up a basic website with before/after project photos
- List your business on Houzz, HomeAdvisor, and Angi
Month 6-12: Retail Marketing
- Run Google Ads targeting "countertop installation [your city]" ($500-$1,500/month)
- Develop relationships with kitchen designers and interior designers
- Create social media content showing your work process
- Ask satisfied customers for referrals with a small incentive
See our Marketing Your Business Guide for detailed strategies.
Step 10: Manage Cash Flow
Cash flow kills more new fabrication shops than lack of work. The timing gap between material purchase and customer payment can stretch 30-60 days.
Cash Flow Best Practices
- Collect deposits: 50% at contract signing, 40% before installation, 10% at completion
- Control material costs: Don't stock inventory you haven't sold; order slabs per-job initially
- Invoice immediately: Send the final invoice on installation day
- Manage receivables: Follow up on unpaid invoices at 15, 30, and 45 days
- Separate business and personal finances: Use dedicated business accounts from day one
Financial Milestones
| Milestone | Typical Timeline | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| First profitable month | Month 6-10 | Revenue exceeds all costs including owner salary |
| Break-even on startup costs | Year 2-3 | Cumulative profit covers initial investment |
| Consistent profitability | Year 2-4 | 8+ months/year above break-even |
| Reinvestment capacity | Year 3-5 | Cash flow supports equipment upgrades |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to start a countertop fabrication shop?
Absolute minimum with used equipment and a leased space: $250,000-$350,000. A well-equipped shop with new machinery and 12 months of operating capital: $500,000-$1,200,000. The biggest variable is equipment - a new CNC alone can cost $80,000-$350,000.
Can I start from my garage or a small warehouse?
Technically possible with a small bridge saw, but zoning restrictions usually prevent residential fabrication. You also need 3-phase power, adequate water supply, and dust control systems that residential locations rarely support. Start in a properly zoned industrial space.
How long before I'll be profitable?
Most new shops reach monthly profitability between month 6 and month 12. Break-even on the initial investment typically takes 2-3 years. Shops that launch with established builder relationships reach profitability faster.
Do I need experience in stone fabrication?
Strongly recommended. Operating a bridge saw and CNC, understanding stone properties, managing templating and installation - these skills take years to develop. If you don't have hands-on experience, partner with someone who does, or work in an existing shop for 1-2 years before launching.
What's the biggest mistake new fabrication shops make?
Undercapitalization - not having enough cash to survive the first 6-12 months of slow growth. Second most common: buying expensive equipment before having the job volume to justify it. Start lean, prove the demand, then invest in upgrades.
Should I buy or lease my building?
Lease initially. You need to prove the business works before committing to a property purchase. A 3-5 year lease with renewal options gives flexibility. If the business takes off, you can explore purchasing in year 3-5 when you have revenue history for a commercial mortgage.
How many employees do I need to start?
Minimum of 4-5: one saw operator/fabricator, one finisher, a 2-person installation crew, and yourself managing sales, templating, and operations. You'll quickly need a 5th or 6th person once volume exceeds 10-12 jobs per month.
What material should I focus on first?
Engineered quartz (Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, etc.) - it's consistent, popular, and forgiving to fabricate. Granite is the next addition. Avoid marble and natural quartzite until your team has experience; they're more expensive and less forgiving of errors.
Can I subcontract installation instead of hiring installers?
Yes, many new shops start this way. Subcontract installation costs $8-$15/sq ft but eliminates the need for install trucks, insurance riders, and employee overhead. The downside: you lose control over quality and scheduling.
What software do I need from day one?
At minimum: accounting software (QuickBooks), a quote/invoice system, and a way to manage job scheduling. Fabrication-specific software like SlabWise combines quoting, scheduling, and customer management in one platform - saving the typical shop owner 5-10 hours per week on admin work.
Build Your Shop on the Right Foundation
Starting a fabrication business is a serious financial commitment. Make sure you're building on solid operational systems from day one. SlabWise gives new shops the same quoting speed, slab tracking, and customer management tools that established shops use - at a price point designed for startups.
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Sources
- IBISWorld - Stone & Marble Countertop Manufacturing in the US (2025 Report)
- Natural Stone Institute - Stone Industry Market Report 2025
- SBA - Small Business Lending Statistics and Loan Programs
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wages for Stone Cutters
- NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) - Kitchen Planning Guidelines
- Kitchen & Bath Business - Market Size and Growth Report 2025
- Equipment dealers: Park Industries, Breton, Intermac - Published price ranges
- US Census Bureau - Building Permits Survey (2024-2025)