Countertop Cost in Austin (2026 Pricing)
Countertop cost in Austin averages $50 to $128 per square foot installed in 2026, placing Austin roughly in line with Dallas but 10-15% above Houston. A typical 40 sq ft kitchen in Austin costs $2,000-$5,120 total for new countertops. Austin's rapid population growth has pushed demand and labor rates up, though the metro still has 120+ fabrication shops keeping competition healthy.
TL;DR: Austin Countertop Costs at a Glance
- Countertop costs in Austin range from $50 to $128+ per square foot installed
- Granite is the most popular choice in Austin (28% of installations) at $44-$70/sq ft installed
- Quartz countertops run $55-$88/sq ft installed in Austin
- Average kitchen project costs $2,000-$5,120 for a standard 30-40 sq ft layout
- Compare Austin pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Austin Countertop Prices by Material (2026)
Real-world installed pricing from Austin-area fabricators. Includes material, fabrication, standard eased edge, and installation with up to 3 cutouts.
| Material | Price per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Kitchen | 45 Sq Ft Kitchen | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $18-$40 | $540-$1,200 | $810-$1,800 | Rental properties |
| Butcher Block | $40-$75 | $1,200-$2,250 | $1,800-$3,375 | East Austin style |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $44-$70 | $1,320-$2,100 | $1,980-$3,150 | Budget natural stone |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $70-$108 | $2,100-$3,240 | $3,150-$4,860 | Mid-range kitchens |
| Quartz (Standard) | $55-$88 | $1,650-$2,640 | $2,475-$3,960 | Family kitchens |
| Quartz (Premium) | $88-$128 | $2,640-$3,840 | $3,960-$5,760 | Modern design |
| Marble (Carrara) | $68-$110 | $2,040-$3,300 | $3,060-$4,950 | Classic kitchens |
| Marble (Calacatta) | $110-$175 | $3,300-$5,250 | $4,950-$7,875 | Luxury homes |
| Quartzite | $72-$140 | $2,160-$4,200 | $3,240-$6,300 | Premium durability |
| Dekton/Sintered | $80-$148 | $2,400-$4,440 | $3,600-$6,660 | Outdoor living |
Pricing from 10+ Austin-area fabricators surveyed January 2026.
Factors That Affect Austin Countertop Pricing
Austin's Growth Premium
Austin has been one of America's fastest-growing metros for a decade. This has pushed construction labor costs up 15-20% since 2020. Fabrication shops report difficulty finding experienced CNC operators, driving wages (and therefore your costs) higher than other Texas metros. The average fabrication labor rate in Austin is $22-$32/sq ft.
Material Sourcing in Central Texas
Austin sits further from the Port of Houston than Houston or Dallas-area shops, adding $1-$3/sq ft in transportation costs for imported stone. However, Austin's proximity to the Texas Hill Country means locally quarried limestone is especially affordable ($30-$55/sq ft installed), making it a popular choice for outdoor kitchens and farmhouse-style interiors.
Edge Profile Upgrades
Austin fabricators typically include eased or pencil edges in the base price:
| Edge Profile | Additional Cost (per linear ft) |
|---|---|
| Eased/Pencil | Included |
| Half Bullnose | $10-$15 |
| Full Bullnose | $12-$18 |
| Ogee | $18-$28 |
| Dupont | $24-$35 |
| Mitered/Waterfall | $35-$60 |
Austin Neighborhood Price Differences
| Area | Typical Price Range (per sq ft) | Market Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Westlake Hills | $72-$165 | Premium |
| Tarrytown/Clarksville | $68-$155 | Premium |
| Lake Travis/Lakeway | $65-$145 | Mid-Premium |
| Cedar Park | $52-$118 | Mid-Range |
| Round Rock | $50-$115 | Mid-Range |
| Pflugerville | $48-$108 | Mid-Range |
| East Austin | $50-$120 | Mid-Range |
| Buda/Kyle | $45-$105 | Value |
Where to Buy Countertops in Austin
Slab Yards
Austin has 25+ slab yards, most concentrated along US-183 and in the North Austin/Round Rock corridor. The selection is smaller than Houston or Dallas, but you'll still find a solid range of granite, quartz, and marble. For rare or exotic slabs, some Austin homeowners make the 3-hour drive to Houston's larger slab yards, which can save $5-$10/sq ft on premium materials.
Local Fabricators vs. National Chains
Austin's independent fabricators typically charge 10-18% less than national chain pricing. Many Austin shops specialize in specific aesthetics (modern, farmhouse, Hill Country) and can guide material selection. The best shops invest in 5-axis CNC machines and laser templating, producing tighter tolerances and better seam matching.
What to Check Before Hiring
- Digital templating capability (reduces errors by 90% vs. manual templates)
- CNC vs. hand fabrication (CNC is more consistent)
- Minimum $1M general liability insurance
- Written warranty (1 year on installation, lifetime on fabrication for reputable shops)
- Portfolio of Austin projects similar to yours
- Clear, itemized quote (beware of "all-inclusive" quotes that hide costs)
Saving Money on Austin Countertops
- Buy during the slow season. December through February sees 15-25% less demand in Austin. Some fabricators drop prices by 5-10%.
- Use remnants for small spaces. Austin shops have remnant inventories perfect for bathrooms or coffee bars at 30-50% off slab pricing.
- Compare 3-5 fabricators. Austin's 120+ shops create healthy competition. Pricing varies 15-30% for the same material and scope.
- Choose Texas limestone for outdoor areas. Locally quarried stone saves on shipping and starts at just $30/sq ft installed.
- Skip unnecessary upgrades. That ogee edge on 30 linear feet adds $540-$840 you might not need.
- Ask about contractor pricing. If you're doing a full kitchen remodel, your general contractor may get fabricator discounts of 10-15%.
Austin Installation Process
Expected Timeline
- Quote: 2-5 days
- Slab selection: 1 day
- Templating: Scheduled 1-3 weeks out, takes 30-90 minutes
- Fabrication: 7-12 business days
- Installation: 2-5 hours for standard kitchens
Austin Climate Considerations
Austin's heat (100F+ days are common June-September) affects adhesive and caulk curing. Experienced fabricators schedule morning installs in summer. Central Texas also has expansive soils (similar to the DFW area), so checking cabinet levels before templating is essential. Foundation movement can create gaps between cabinets and walls that need addressing before countertop installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen countertop cost in Austin?
A typical Austin kitchen with 35-50 sq ft of countertop space costs $2,200-$6,400 for a full replacement, including removal, material, fabrication, and installation. Mid-range quartz projects average $3,200-$4,500.
Is Austin more expensive than Houston for countertops?
Yes, by about 10-15%. Austin's higher labor costs and greater distance from the Port of Houston drive the premium. For a 40 sq ft quartz kitchen, you'd pay roughly $300-$600 more in Austin than in Houston.
What's the most popular countertop material in Austin?
Quartz leads at approximately 48-52% of new installations. Granite holds second place at about 25-28%. Quartzite has been growing rapidly in Austin, now representing about 8-10% of the market, especially in Westlake and Lake Travis homes.
How many quotes should I get for countertops in Austin?
Get at least 3 quotes, ideally 4-5. Austin's market is competitive enough that you'll see meaningful price differences. Make sure each quote itemizes the same scope (material, edge, cutouts, removal) so you're comparing apples to apples.
Do Austin fabricators include sink cutouts in the price?
Most Austin fabricators include up to 3 cutouts (typically sink, cooktop, and faucet holes) in the base price. Additional cutouts for soap dispensers, water filters, or extra faucet holes run $75-$150 each.
What permits do I need for countertop work in Austin?
Countertop replacement alone doesn't require a permit in Austin or Travis County. If you're moving plumbing, adding electrical outlets, or altering cabinets structurally, separate permits may be required.
Can I reuse my existing sink with new countertops?
Yes, most undermount and drop-in sinks can be reused if they're in good condition. Your fabricator will template the cutout to fit your existing sink. Some fabricators charge $50-$100 for reuse/reinstallation.
How do Austin outdoor countertop costs compare to indoor?
Outdoor countertops in Austin typically cost 15-25% more due to UV-stable materials, outdoor-rated adhesives, and weather-resistant installation methods. Dekton and granite are the most popular outdoor choices, running $75-$145/sq ft installed.
What's the best countertop for Austin's climate?
Quartz, granite, and quartzite all perform well in Austin's hot climate. For outdoor kitchens, granite and Dekton are top choices because they handle UV exposure and temperature swings. Marble and butcher block require more maintenance in Austin's heat and humidity.
Are there eco-friendly countertop options available in Austin?
Yes. Recycled glass countertops ($65-$110/sq ft), sustainably sourced quartzite, and FSC-certified butcher block are available through several Austin fabricators. Local Hill Country limestone is another eco-conscious choice since it requires minimal shipping.
Get an Instant Austin Countertop Estimate
Curious about pricing for your Austin kitchen or bath? SlabWise's Quick Quote tool provides a ballpark estimate in about 3 minutes. Enter your square footage, preferred material, and edge profile to see side-by-side cost comparisons. It's free, no commitment required, and gives you solid numbers to bring along when you visit Austin slab yards.
Try the Quick Quote Calculator
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute 2025 Market Report
- IBIS World Stone Fabrication Industry Report 2025
- Austin Board of Realtors 2025 Market Data
- Marble Institute of America Cost Guidelines
- Remodeling Magazine 2025 Cost vs. Value Report
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Austin Metro Wage Data