Countertop Cost in Houston (2026 Pricing)
Countertop cost in Houston averages $45 to $120 per square foot installed in 2026, depending on material, edge profile, and fabricator. For a typical 40 sq ft kitchen, Houston homeowners spend between $1,800 and $4,800 total. Houston's large fabricator market (250+ shops in the metro area) keeps prices 8-12% below national averages for most materials.
TL;DR: Houston Countertop Costs at a Glance
- Countertop costs in Houston range from $45 to $120+ per square foot installed
- Quartz is the most popular choice in Houston at $50-$80/sq ft installed
- Granite countertops run $40-$65/sq ft installed in Houston
- Average kitchen project costs $1,800-$4,800 for a standard 30-40 sq ft layout
- Houston prices run 8-12% below national averages for most materials
- Compare Houston pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Houston Countertop Prices by Material (2026)
Here's what you'll actually pay for countertops in the Houston metro area. These prices include material, fabrication, and standard installation with up to 3 cutouts (sink and cooktop).
| Material | Price per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Kitchen | 45 Sq Ft Kitchen | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $15-$35 | $450-$1,050 | $675-$1,575 | Budget renovations |
| Butcher Block | $35-$70 | $1,050-$2,100 | $1,575-$3,150 | Farmhouse style |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $40-$65 | $1,200-$1,950 | $1,800-$2,925 | Value natural stone |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $65-$100 | $1,950-$3,000 | $2,925-$4,500 | Premium kitchens |
| Quartz (Standard) | $50-$80 | $1,500-$2,400 | $2,250-$3,600 | Low-maintenance |
| Quartz (Premium) | $80-$120 | $2,400-$3,600 | $3,600-$5,400 | Designer looks |
| Marble (Carrara) | $60-$100 | $1,800-$3,000 | $2,700-$4,500 | Classic elegance |
| Marble (Calacatta) | $100-$175 | $3,000-$5,250 | $4,500-$7,875 | Luxury kitchens |
| Quartzite | $70-$130 | $2,100-$3,900 | $3,150-$5,850 | Durability + looks |
| Dekton/Sintered | $75-$140 | $2,250-$4,200 | $3,375-$6,300 | Outdoor/heavy use |
Prices surveyed from 15+ Houston-area fabricators in January 2026. Includes standard eased edge and up to 3 cutouts.
What Drives Countertop Costs in Houston?
Material Selection Is the Biggest Factor
Material alone accounts for 55-65% of your total countertop cost. Granite from Brazil (Houston's top import) starts around $8-$15/sq ft for the raw slab, while exotic Calacatta marble can run $60-$80/sq ft just for the stone. Houston's proximity to the Port of Houston means imported stone often costs less here than in landlocked cities because shipping is more direct.
Fabrication and Labor Costs
Houston fabrication labor runs $18-$28 per square foot, which is right around the Texas average. The city's large pool of skilled fabricators (many with 10+ years of experience) keeps labor competitive. CNC machine time typically adds $12-$18/sq ft for standard cuts, with complex designs running higher.
Edge Profiles Add Up
Don't overlook edge costs. A standard eased edge is usually included in the base price, but upgrades can add significant cost per linear foot:
| Edge Profile | Additional Cost (per linear ft) |
|---|---|
| Eased/Flat | Included |
| Half Bullnose | $8-$12 |
| Full Bullnose | $10-$15 |
| Ogee | $15-$25 |
| Dupont | $20-$30 |
| Mitered/Waterfall | $30-$50 |
Cutouts, Sinks, and Add-Ons
Each additional cutout beyond the standard 3 typically costs $75-$150. Undermount sink cutouts in Houston average $150-$250 including polishing. If you're doing a farmhouse sink, expect to pay $200-$350 for the special apron-front cutout.
Houston Neighborhood Price Variations
Where you live in the Houston metro affects pricing too. Fabricators in The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Memorial typically quote 10-15% higher than those in Pasadena, Pearland, or north Houston. This is partly due to overhead costs and partly because premium neighborhoods tend to select higher-end materials.
| Area | Typical Price Range (per sq ft) | Market Tier |
|---|---|---|
| The Woodlands | $60-$140 | Premium |
| Memorial/River Oaks | $65-$150 | Premium |
| Sugar Land | $55-$130 | Mid-Premium |
| Katy | $50-$115 | Mid-Range |
| Pearland | $45-$100 | Mid-Range |
| Pasadena | $40-$95 | Value |
| Spring/Conroe | $45-$105 | Mid-Range |
| Downtown/Midtown | $55-$120 | Mid-Range |
Where to Buy Countertops in Houston
Houston has one of the densest concentrations of stone fabricators and slab yards in the country. Here's what to know:
Slab Yards and Distributors
Houston's main slab yards cluster around the northwest side (near US-290 and Beltway 8) and along the Gulf Freeway. You'll find 50+ slab yards in the metro area, including both large distributors and smaller specialty importers. Visiting 2-3 yards before committing lets you compare quality and price directly. Most yards charge $0 for visits and will let you hand-pick your exact slab.
Big-Box vs. Local Fabricators
Home Depot and Lowe's offer countertop installation in Houston, typically through contracted fabricators. Their prices usually run $55-$90/sq ft for quartz and $45-$75/sq ft for Level 1-2 granite. Local fabricators often beat these prices by 10-20% because they don't have the big-box markup. However, big-box stores sometimes run promotions that make them competitive.
What to Look for in a Houston Fabricator
When selecting a fabricator in Houston, check for:
- Texas contractor's license (not legally required for countertops, but shows professionalism)
- Natural Stone Institute (NSI) accreditation (only ~15% of Houston shops have this)
- CNC equipment (produces more precise cuts and better edges)
- Insurance (minimum $1M general liability)
- Portfolio of completed work similar to your project
- Written warranty (good shops offer 1-year installation warranty minimum)
How to Save Money on Houston Countertops
- Choose Level 1-2 granite instead of premium quartz. You'll save $15-$30/sq ft and still get natural stone.
- Pick a simple edge profile. Upgrading from eased to ogee on a 40 sq ft kitchen adds $600-$1,000.
- Buy remnants. Houston fab shops sell leftover pieces at 30-50% off. Great for bathroom vanities or small islands under 20 sq ft.
- Get 3+ quotes. Houston's competitive market means prices vary 15-25% between fabricators for identical materials.
- Time your purchase. January-March is the slow season in Houston. Some fabricators offer 5-10% discounts to fill their schedule.
- Skip the template fee. Many Houston fabricators include laser templating free with purchase. If one charges $150-$300, ask if they'll waive it.
Houston Countertop Installation: What to Expect
Timeline
- Quote/estimate: 1-3 days
- Slab selection: 1 day (visit the yard)
- Templating: Scheduled 1-2 weeks out, takes 1-2 hours on-site
- Fabrication: 5-10 business days after templating
- Installation: 2-4 hours for average kitchen
Houston-Specific Considerations
Houston's humidity (averaging 75% year-round) matters for certain materials. Butcher block needs extra sealing in Houston's climate, and some fabricators recommend specific sealants for marble in high-humidity environments. Houston's clay soil also causes foundation settling, so make sure your cabinets are level before templating. A good fabricator will check this during the template visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace countertops in Houston?
Full countertop replacement in Houston costs $2,000-$6,000 for a typical kitchen (35-50 sq ft), including removal of old countertops ($200-$500), new material, fabrication, and installation. Removal costs depend on the existing material and whether the sink needs disconnecting.
Is granite or quartz cheaper in Houston?
Entry-level granite (Level 1-2) is typically $10-$20/sq ft cheaper than standard quartz in Houston. However, premium granite (Level 4-5) costs about the same as mid-range quartz. For a 40 sq ft kitchen, choosing Level 1 granite over standard quartz saves $400-$800 on average.
What's the cheapest countertop material in Houston?
Laminate is the most affordable at $15-$35/sq ft installed. For natural stone, Level 1 granite starts at $40/sq ft installed. Butcher block falls in between at $35-$70/sq ft depending on the wood species.
How long does countertop installation take in Houston?
From initial quote to finished installation, expect 2-4 weeks. The actual installation day takes 2-4 hours for most kitchens. Larger projects with multiple rooms or complex layouts may take a full day.
Do Houston countertop fabricators offer financing?
About 60% of Houston fabricators offer some form of financing, typically through third-party providers like GreenSky or Synchrony. Terms usually range from 6-18 months with promotional 0% APR for qualified buyers. Some shops offer in-house payment plans with 50% down.
Should I buy my own slab or let the fabricator source it?
Letting the fabricator source your slab is usually easier and can be cheaper because fabricators get contractor pricing (15-30% below retail). However, buying your own slab from a yard gives you more selection. If you source your own, confirm with the fabricator first that they'll work with outside materials.
What's included in a Houston countertop quote?
A complete quote should include: material cost, fabrication, standard edge profile (usually eased), up to 3 cutouts, sink installation, seaming, and installation. Items often quoted separately include: edge upgrades, extra cutouts, plumbing disconnect/reconnect, backsplash, and old countertop removal.
How many countertop fabricators are in Houston?
The Houston metro area has approximately 250+ countertop fabricators and installation companies, ranging from small 2-person shops to large operations processing 50+ kitchens per week. This high competition keeps prices relatively low compared to other major metros.
When is the best time to buy countertops in Houston?
January through March offers the best pricing in Houston because it's the slowest season for kitchen renovations. Summer is the busiest (and most expensive) time, with lead times stretching to 3-5 weeks. If you can schedule your project for late winter, you may save 5-10%.
Do countertops add value to a Houston home?
Yes. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a minor kitchen remodel in Houston (which includes new countertops) recoups approximately 78-85% of costs at resale. Stone countertops specifically are expected by buyers in homes priced above $300,000 in the Houston market.
Get an Instant Countertop Estimate
Want a fast price estimate for your Houston countertop project? SlabWise's Quick Quote calculator gives you a ballpark cost in about 3 minutes, based on your material, square footage, and edge selection. It's free, and there's no commitment. You can also use it to compare materials side-by-side so you know exactly what fits your budget before visiting a slab yard.
Try the Quick Quote Calculator
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute 2025 Market Report
- IBIS World Stone Fabrication Industry Report 2025
- Marble Institute of America Cost Guidelines
- Houston Association of Realtors 2025 Market Data
- Remodeling Magazine 2025 Cost vs. Value Report
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Houston Metro Area Wage Data