Countertop Fabricators in San Antonio, TX: How to Choose
Countertop fabricators in San Antonio, TX number between 70 and 100 active shops serving the metro's 2.6 million residents. San Antonio is Texas's second-largest city by population and one of the fastest-growing large metros in the U.S., with strong military, healthcare, and tourism economies driving steady construction demand. The market offers good value compared to Austin and Dallas - but the quality range between shops is wide, and choosing the wrong fabricator can mean $1,500 to $4,000 in remakes and frustrating delays.
TL;DR
- San Antonio's countertop fabrication market serves a growing metro population
- Quartz leads at 48% market share; Granite at 32%
- Local consideration: high demand for outdoor kitchens and heat-resistant materials
- Local consideration: state licensing or registration required for fabrication work
- Compare San Antonio fabricators using SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fast, accurate estimates
San Antonio's Countertop Fabrication Market
San Antonio's fabrication market balances affordability with growing ambition. The city's traditionally value-conscious customer base is shifting as new residents from higher-cost metros bring different expectations about materials, design, and communication. Fabricators who can serve both the $3,000 builder-grade kitchen and the $12,000 custom remodel are positioned best.
Market Size and Competition
San Antonio's countertop fabrication market generates an estimated $120-$170 million annually:
| Segment | Market Share | Avg. Project Size |
|---|---|---|
| New construction | 36% | $2,500-$4,800 |
| Residential remodel | 37% | $3,000-$5,500 |
| Commercial/hospitality | 17% | $8,000-$30,000+ |
| Military housing | 10% | $2,200-$4,000 |
The military housing segment is distinctive to San Antonio. Joint Base San Antonio encompasses three major installations, and base housing renovations generate steady, predictable fabrication work.
Popular Materials in San Antonio
San Antonio's material preferences lean more traditional than Austin or Dallas:
| Material | SA Market Share | National Average | Avg. Price/sqft Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz | 48% | 51% | $45-$82 |
| Granite | 32% | 28% | $38-$72 |
| Quartzite | 7% | 3% | $68-$115 |
| Marble | 5% | 8% | $58-$100 |
| Porcelain slab | 4% | 4% | $50-$85 |
| Laminate/solid surface | 4% | 6% | $20-$45 |
Granite's larger share reflects San Antonio's value orientation - granite remains the most countertop for the dollar. Quartz is gaining steadily, driven by new subdivision construction where quartz is now the default builder upgrade.
How to Evaluate San Antonio Fabricators
1. Verify Insurance and Business Registration
Without Texas state licensing, you need to confirm:
- General liability insurance: $1 million minimum; covers damage to your home
- Workers' compensation: Not required in Texas, but professional shops carry it
- Google reviews and BBB standing: Check complaint patterns and resolution history
- Texas Comptroller registration: Verify active business status
2. Assess Equipment and Shop Quality
| Equipment | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| CNC bridge saw | Precise cuts within 1/32", fewer chips |
| Digital templating (LT-2D3D, Laser Products) | Accurate measurements, fewer remakes |
| CNC router | Consistent edge profiles, clean sink cutouts |
| Manual bridge saw only | Functional but more variation |
| Waterjet | Complex patterns and inlays possible |
San Antonio has a mix of well-equipped mid-size shops and smaller operations. The highest concentration of CNC-equipped shops is along the US-90/Highway 151 corridor on the west side and in the Converse/Live Oak area northeast of downtown.
3. Review Completed Work
Ask for:
- 5+ recent project photos in your preferred material
- 3 references from the last 6 months
- Their remake percentage (established shops should be under 3%)
- Examples of seam work on large island countertops
4. Break Down the Quote
A complete San Antonio countertop quote should include:
| Line Item | Typical SA Range |
|---|---|
| Material (per sqft) | $35-$100 |
| Fabrication | $7-$18/sqft |
| Template | $100-$250 |
| Installation | $6-$12/sqft |
| Sink cutout | $100-$200 each |
| Edge profile (standard) | Included or $5-$10/lf |
| Edge profile (premium) | $10-$25/lf |
| Backsplash | $18-$35/lf |
| Demolition/removal | $100-$300 |
| Plumbing disconnect/reconnect | $100-$250 |
San Antonio pricing is among the most competitive in Texas. If a quote seems significantly below even these ranges, ask what's being omitted.
San Antonio-Specific Considerations
Military Housing Projects
If you're in base housing or a military-adjacent community:
- Base access requirements: Fabricators need credentials to enter JBSA installations; not every shop has them
- Government contractor rules: Some base renovation work requires contractors to meet federal requirements
- BAH-driven timelines: Military families often work around PCS (permanent change of station) schedules, creating seasonal demand spikes around summer and winter move dates
- Standard specifications: Base housing renovations often have preset material and style requirements
The San Antonio-Austin Overlap
The I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin has blurred the boundary between the two markets. New Braunfels and San Marcos sit between the cities, and fabricators from both compete for work in this corridor. If you live in the northern suburbs (Schertz, Cibolo, New Braunfels), you may get competitive quotes from both San Antonio and Austin shops.
Summer Heat
San Antonio summers match the rest of Texas - 95-105°F regularly. For countertop work:
- Adhesives behave differently above 95°F; experienced installers adjust
- Material stored outdoors without shade can experience thermal stress
- Morning installations avoid peak afternoon heat
- Outdoor kitchen countertops need UV-resistant sealers
Tourism and Hospitality Work
San Antonio's River Walk, convention center, and hotel district generate consistent commercial fabrication demand. Shops that handle hospitality work often have different capacity patterns than residential-only operations - busy seasons for hotel renovation (January-March) differ from residential peak periods.
Pricing Comparison: San Antonio vs. National Average
| Cost Category | SA Average | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz installed/sqft | $48-$82 | $55-$85 | -12% |
| Granite installed/sqft | $40-$72 | $45-$75 | -10% |
| Template fee | $125-$250 | $150-$300 | -15% |
| Basic installation/sqft | $7-$12 | $8-$12 | -10% |
| Sink cutout | $100-$200 | $150-$225 | -15% |
San Antonio consistently prices below national averages across every category. Lower commercial rents, competitive wages, and a value-oriented customer base keep pricing accessible.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No verifiable address: Legitimate shops have physical locations you can visit
- Cash-only payments: Professional operations accept cards, checks, and digital payments
- No written contract: Get everything documented before work begins
- Prices drastically below market: Even in San Antonio's affordable market, quotes 25%+ below others signal quality concerns
- No template visit: Fabricating from measurements or plans alone invites remakes
- Unwillingness to show insurance: No Texas license requirement means insurance is your primary protection
What San Antonio's Best Fabricators Have in Common
- Digital templating on every job - 1-2% remake rate vs. 5-8% with physical templates
- CNC fabrication equipment - consistent quality across every cut
- Itemized written quotes - delivered within 24-48 hours
- Clear communication - updates at template, fabrication, and installation stages
- Written warranty - minimum 1 year on fabrication workmanship
FAQ
How much do countertops cost in San Antonio?
Installed countertop pricing in San Antonio ranges from $35 to $100 per square foot. A typical 40-square-foot kitchen project runs $2,200 to $5,000 fully installed. Quartz averages $48-$82/sqft, granite $40-$72/sqft, and quartzite $68-$115/sqft.
How long does countertop fabrication take in San Antonio?
Most San Antonio fabricators complete template to installation in 6-10 business days. Complex or premium projects may take 10-14 days. Lead times are generally shorter than Austin or Dallas due to lower overall demand volume.
Do I need a permit for countertop installation in San Antonio?
Standard countertop replacement doesn't require a City of San Antonio permit. Plumbing, electrical, or structural modifications do require permits through the Development Services Department.
What's the best countertop material for San Antonio?
Quartz is the fastest-growing choice in San Antonio - no sealing required, handles the heat well, and fits modern designs. Granite remains a strong value pick, especially for homeowners who prefer natural stone character at a lower price point. For outdoor kitchens, sealed granite or porcelain slabs handle San Antonio's climate best.
Does Texas require contractor licensing?
No. Texas does not require a state contractor license. This means anyone can offer fabrication services. Verify insurance, check references thoroughly, and visit the shop before committing.
Should I visit a San Antonio fabricator's shop?
Yes. San Antonio shops are concentrated along US-90/Highway 151 and the northeast industrial areas. A quick visit lets you evaluate equipment, see slab inventory in person, and assess professionalism. It's the single best indicator of the quality you'll receive.
Can I supply my own slab?
Most San Antonio fabricators work with customer-supplied slabs, typically for a 10-20% labor markup. San Antonio has MSI, Arizona Tile, and local importers where you can select slabs directly.
What warranty should a San Antonio fabricator offer?
Expect 1-year minimum warranty on fabrication workmanship. Material warranties from manufacturers range from 10 years to lifetime for quartz. Get all warranty terms in writing before work starts.
How many quotes should I get?
Get 3-4 quotes from different shops. San Antonio's market is competitive, and comparing quotes helps you identify fair pricing. Make sure quotes cover identical scopes for a true comparison.
What's the busiest season for San Antonio fabricators?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are peak. Military PCS moves in summer create additional demand spikes in base-adjacent communities. January-February typically offers the shortest lead times.
Get an Accurate Estimate for Your San Antonio Project
Getting a quick read on countertop costs doesn't need to take all day. Use our free countertop cost calculator to get a ballpark estimate for your San Antonio project in under 3 minutes - just enter your square footage, preferred material, and edge profile.
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - 2025 Fabricator Survey and Industry Benchmarks
- IBIS World - Stone Countertop Manufacturing Industry Report (2025)
- City of San Antonio - Building Permit Data (2024-2025)
- U.S. Census Bureau - San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA Construction Data
- San Antonio Board of Realtors - Housing Market Trends
- Joint Base San Antonio - Economic Impact Report