Countertop Cost in San Antonio (2026 Pricing)
Countertop costs in San Antonio range from $30 to $140 per square foot installed, depending on material, fabricator, and project scope. San Antonio homeowners typically spend between $1,750 and $5,600 for a standard 35-square-foot kitchen countertop installation in 2026.
TL;DR
- Countertop costs in San Antonio range from $30 to $140+ per square foot installed
- Quartz is the most popular choice in San Antonio at $45-$75/sq ft installed
- Granite countertops run $35-$55/sq ft installed in San Antonio
- Average kitchen project costs $1,750-$5,600 for a standard 30-40 sq ft layout
- Lead times average 3-5 weeks for standard projects, longer during spring/summer peak
- Compare San Antonio pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
San Antonio Countertop Pricing by Material
San Antonio benefits from Texas's large and competitive fabrication industry. The city's proximity to Houston - one of the largest stone distribution hubs in the US - means material availability is strong and shipping costs are minimal. Combined with a lower cost of living than Austin or Dallas, San Antonio offers some of the best countertop pricing in Texas.
| Material | Price Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 35 Sq Ft Kitchen | 50 Sq Ft Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $12-$35 | $420-$1,225 | $600-$1,750 |
| Butcher Block | $22-$58 | $770-$2,030 | $1,100-$2,900 |
| Tile | $18-$45 | $630-$1,575 | $900-$2,250 |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $35-$55 | $1,225-$1,925 | $1,750-$2,750 |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $55-$90 | $1,925-$3,150 | $2,750-$4,500 |
| Quartz (Standard) | $45-$75 | $1,575-$2,625 | $2,250-$3,750 |
| Quartz (Premium) | $75-$108 | $2,625-$3,780 | $3,750-$5,400 |
| Marble | $55-$140 | $1,925-$4,900 | $2,750-$7,000 |
| Quartzite | $65-$130 | $2,275-$4,550 | $3,250-$6,500 |
| Concrete | $55-$88 | $1,925-$3,080 | $2,750-$4,400 |
| Soapstone | $60-$108 | $2,100-$3,780 | $3,000-$5,400 |
Key Cost Factors in San Antonio
Texas Distribution Advantage
Houston is the top stone distribution hub in the southern US, with massive slab warehouses from MSI, Arizona Tile, Daltile, and others. San Antonio sits just 3 hours away, which means:
- Lower freight costs compared to cities farther from major hubs
- Wider material selection at local distributors
- Faster special-order turnaround (often 3-5 business days vs. 1-2 weeks)
Labor Rates
San Antonio's labor costs are below the national average. Fabrication and installation labor in the San Antonio market typically runs $20-$38/hour, compared to $30-$50/hour in markets like Austin, Dallas, or Houston.
Outdoor Kitchen Demand
San Antonio's warm climate (250+ days above 60°F) makes outdoor kitchens a major market segment. Outdoor countertop work runs 10-20% more than indoor projects due to material requirements and outdoor-specific fabrication.
Best materials for San Antonio outdoor kitchens:
| Material | Outdoor Suitability | Price/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Granite | Excellent | $40-$95 |
| Dekton/Porcelain | Excellent | $50-$105 |
| Concrete | Good (sealed) | $60-$95 |
| Quartzite | Good | $70-$135 |
| Quartz | Not recommended | N/A |
Edge Profile Costs
| Edge Profile | Additional Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Eased (flat) | Included |
| Half Bullnose | $6-$10 |
| Full Bullnose | $8-$14 |
| Ogee | $12-$22 |
| Dupont | $18-$28 |
| Waterfall | $22-$38 |
| Mitered | $28-$45 |
Cutouts and Add-Ons
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Sink cutout | $75-$225 |
| Cooktop cutout | $125-$275 |
| Faucet holes (each) | $20-$40 |
| 4-inch backsplash | $12-$24/linear foot |
| Full-height backsplash | $30-$55/sq ft |
| Old countertop removal | $125-$425 |
San Antonio Area Price Variations
| Area | Typical Price Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Downtown / Alamo Heights | +5-8% (premium market) |
| Terrell Hills / Olmos Park | +5-10% (premium market) |
| Stone Oak / TPC | +3-5% (higher demand) |
| Helotes / Grey Forest | +3-5% (travel distance) |
| Boerne | +5-8% (travel distance, Hill Country premium) |
| New Braunfels | +5-8% (travel distance) |
| Schertz / Cibolo | Baseline pricing |
| Converse / Live Oak | Baseline pricing |
| South Side / Southtown | Baseline pricing |
| Leon Valley / Balcones Heights | Baseline pricing |
Regional Comparison
| City | Avg. Quartz Cost (Installed/Sq Ft) | Difference from San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | $45-$75 | Baseline |
| Austin | $52-$88 | +15-20% |
| Houston | $48-$80 | +5-8% |
| Dallas | $50-$85 | +10-15% |
| El Paso | $40-$70 | -8-10% |
| Corpus Christi | $42-$72 | -3-5% |
San Antonio vs. Austin Pricing
Many San Antonio homeowners wonder whether it's worth getting quotes from Austin-based fabricators (or vice versa). Here's the breakdown:
- San Antonio pricing runs 15-20% lower than Austin for the same materials
- Austin fabricators typically won't travel to San Antonio without a travel surcharge
- San Antonio fabricators sometimes serve northern suburbs (New Braunfels, San Marcos) that overlap with Austin's market
- For the best pricing, stick with fabricators based in your own metro area
Climate and Material Performance
San Antonio's hot, semi-arid climate (average summer highs of 95°F+, moderate humidity) affects material choice:
- Granite performs well in San Antonio's heat and is the top choice for outdoor kitchens
- Quartz is excellent indoors but degrades in direct outdoor sun exposure
- Marble works well indoors with regular sealing. Avoid for outdoor use.
- Butcher block needs regular oiling. Less humidity than coastal Texas helps, but summer heat near windows can dry out unfinished wood.
Saving Money on Countertops in San Antonio
- Get 4-5 quotes. San Antonio has strong fabricator competition. Take advantage of it.
- Visit local slab yards. With Houston distributors nearby, San Antonio yards are well-stocked. Seeing slabs in person helps you make faster, more confident decisions.
- Use remnants. San Antonio's active construction market generates plenty of remnant pieces. Great for bathrooms and secondary spaces.
- Choose Level 1-2 granite. Popular Texas choices like Santa Cecilia, Giallo Ornamental, and New Venetian Gold are widely available at $35-$55/sq ft.
- Schedule strategically. Late summer (August-September) is hot enough to slow construction activity, which can free up fabricator capacity.
- Keep edges simple. Eased and half-bullnose edges save $200-$500 per project.
- Compare San Antonio shops to suburb shops. Fabricators in Schertz or Converse may have lower overhead.
Project Timeline
| Phase | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Getting quotes | 1-2 weeks |
| Material selection and deposit | 1-3 days |
| Templating | 1 day (scheduled 3-7 days out) |
| Fabrication | 5-8 business days |
| Installation | 1 day (3-5 hours typical) |
| Total from deposit to done | 2-3 weeks |
For San Antonio Fabricators
San Antonio's competitive pricing environment means margins are tight. Every wasted slab section and every remake cuts into your profit. With material costs running $40-$120/sq ft and remakes costing $1,500-$4,000 each, efficiency is everything.
SlabWise helps San Antonio fabricators cut slab waste by 10-15% with AI-powered nesting, generate quotes in 3 minutes instead of 20, and reduce customer calls by 70% through an automated portal. Plans start at $199/month with a 14-day free trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does granite cost in San Antonio?
Granite countertops in San Antonio cost $35-$90 per square foot installed. Level 1 granites start around $35/sq ft, while exotic grades reach $90/sq ft or more.
How much does quartz cost in San Antonio?
Quartz countertops in San Antonio range from $45-$108 per square foot installed. Standard colors fall in the $45-$75 range, with premium patterns costing more.
Is San Antonio cheaper than Austin for countertops?
Yes. San Antonio countertop prices are typically 15-20% lower than Austin due to lower labor costs, lower commercial rents, and a more affordable cost of living overall.
How long does countertop installation take in San Antonio?
Most San Antonio fabricators complete a project in 2-3 weeks from deposit to installation. The actual install takes 3-5 hours for a standard kitchen.
What is the best countertop for a San Antonio outdoor kitchen?
Granite is the most popular outdoor countertop in San Antonio. It handles Texas heat, UV exposure, and occasional rain without damage. Dekton and porcelain slabs are also excellent outdoor options.
Do San Antonio fabricators offer free quotes?
Most San Antonio countertop fabricators provide free estimates. Some offer free in-home measurements, while others work from dimensions you provide by phone or email.
How much does it cost to replace countertops in San Antonio?
A full kitchen countertop replacement in San Antonio costs $1,750-$5,600 for a standard 35-square-foot project, including removal, material, fabrication, and installation.
What granite colors are popular in San Antonio?
Popular granite choices in the San Antonio market include Santa Cecilia, Giallo Ornamental, New Venetian Gold, Colonial Gold, and Alaska White. These Level 1-2 granites offer good looks at affordable pricing.
Is it worth driving to Houston to buy a slab?
Generally not for homeowners. San Antonio distributors carry large inventories sourced from Houston warehouses. Your fabricator can access the same slabs without you making the 3-hour drive. However, for a very specific exotic slab, visiting a Houston mega-warehouse might be worthwhile.
When is the best time to get countertops in San Antonio?
Late summer (August-September) and winter (November-February) are typically slower periods for San Antonio fabricators, offering shorter lead times and sometimes better pricing.
Prices reflect 2026 market conditions in the San Antonio metropolitan area. Actual costs vary by fabricator, material selection, and project specifics. Get multiple quotes for the most accurate pricing.
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute 2025 Market Report
- IBIS World Stone Fabrication Industry Report 2025
- Marble Institute of America Cost Guidelines
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Regional Wage Data 2025
- Remodeling Magazine 2025 Cost vs. Value Report
- Freedonia Group Countertop Market Study 2025