Where to Buy Remnant Stone
The best place to buy remnant stone is directly from a local countertop fabrication shop. Fabricators accumulate remnant pieces from every kitchen and bathroom project they complete, and most sell these leftover pieces at 30-60% below full slab pricing. A quick phone call to 3-5 fabricators in your area will give you a good sense of available inventory, pricing, and whether they'll also fabricate and install the remnant for you.
TL;DR
- Local fabrication shops are the #1 source for remnant stone at 30-60% off full slab pricing
- Stone distributors and slab yards also carry remnants, though selection varies
- Online marketplaces (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) list remnants from homeowners and small shops
- Expect to pay $15-$60 per square foot for remnant material depending on stone type
- Always inspect remnants in person before purchasing to check for cracks and color accuracy
- Budget an additional $25-$50 per square foot for fabrication and installation labor
- Popular colors like White Ice granite and Calacatta quartz sell within days of becoming available
Local Fabrication Shops
Countertop fabricators are your most reliable remnant source. Every time they cut a 45-square-foot slab for a 35-square-foot kitchen, the leftover 10 square feet becomes inventory.
Why fabricators offer the best deals:
- They've already paid for the full slab and recovered most of the cost from the primary job
- Storing remnants takes up valuable shop and yard space
- Selling remnants generates pure profit on material they'd otherwise discard
- Many fabricators will bundle fabrication and installation with the remnant purchase
How to find fabricators with remnants:
- Search "countertop fabricator near me" or "granite shop near me"
- Call 3-5 shops and ask specifically about remnant inventory
- Ask if they maintain a remnant list or photo gallery online
- Visit in person during weekday mornings when yards are less busy
Most metro areas have 10-30 countertop fabricators within a 30-mile radius. The average fabrication shop generates 15-25 remnants per month, so combined local inventory can be substantial.
Stone Distributors and Slab Yards
Major stone distributors like MSI, Arizona Tile, Daltile, and Cosentino operate showrooms and slab yards across the country. While their primary business is full slabs, many locations maintain a separate remnant section.
| Distributor | Remnant Availability | Direct-to-Consumer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSI | Most locations | Yes, with fabricator referral | Large quartz remnant selection |
| Arizona Tile | Select locations | Yes | Strong natural stone variety |
| Daltile | Limited | Through fabricators only | Primarily full slabs |
| Cosentino | Select locations | Through fabricators only | Silestone and Dekton remnants |
| Bedrosians | Select locations | Yes | Good porcelain slab remnants |
Key difference: Distributors price remnants higher than fabricators because they haven't already recovered the slab cost from a primary job. Expect distributor remnants to be 20-40% below full slab pricing (versus 30-60% at fabricators).
Home Improvement Stores
Big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's don't sell loose remnants, but they do stock prefabricated vanity tops that serve a similar purpose:
- Prefab granite vanity tops: $150-$400 for standard sizes (25", 31", 37", 49" wide)
- Prefab quartz vanity tops: $200-$500 for standard sizes
- Available with pre-cut sink holes and finished edges
- Limited color selection compared to fabricator remnants
These work well if your project matches a standard vanity size, but you lose the ability to choose from dozens of colors and materials.
Online and Secondhand Sources
Several online channels connect buyers with remnant stone:
Facebook Marketplace: Search "granite remnant," "quartz remnant," or "countertop remnant" in your local area. Homeowners who purchased extra material and fabricators advertising inventory both post here. Prices are often negotiable.
Craigslist: The "materials" section under "for sale" frequently lists remnant stone. Quality varies significantly, so always inspect in person.
Nextdoor: Your neighborhood platform sometimes surfaces remnants from recent remodel projects. These are typically very affordable since the seller just wants the piece gone.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Donated remnant stone appears irregularly at ReStore locations. Prices are typically 50-80% below retail. Call your local ReStore and ask to be notified when stone arrives.
OfferUp and similar apps: Useful for finding homeowner-listed remnants at bargain prices.
Important caution: When buying from individuals, you lose any material warranty, have no guarantee of accurate labeling, and will need to arrange your own transport. Always verify the stone type, check for hidden damage, and confirm dimensions before paying.
What to Look for When Buying Remnants
A careful in-person inspection prevents costly surprises:
Size verification: Bring a tape measure. Remnant dimensions listed in ads are often approximate. Measure the actual usable area, accounting for rough edges that will be trimmed during fabrication.
Surface condition: Run your hand across the surface and check for:
- Chips or nicks along edges (minor ones can be polished out)
- Hairline cracks (these will worsen under stress and usually can't be repaired)
- Stains or discoloration (some can be removed, others are permanent)
- Pitting or rough patches (common in certain granites, not necessarily a defect)
Color accuracy: Stone looks different under warehouse lighting versus natural daylight. Ask to see the piece near an open door or loading dock. If you're matching to existing stone, bring a sample piece with you.
Thickness consistency: Standard countertop thickness is 3cm (about 1.18"). Measure at multiple points to confirm the remnant hasn't been ground unevenly.
Material identification: If the remnant isn't labeled, ask for verification. Common misidentifications include:
- Quartzite labeled as granite
- Marble labeled as quartzite
- Dolomite labeled as marble
This matters because each stone type has different maintenance requirements, heat resistance, and durability characteristics.
Remnant Pricing Guide by Material
Current remnant pricing across common materials:
| Material | Full Slab ($/sq ft) | Remnant ($/sq ft) | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1-2 Granite | $40-$60 | $15-$30 | 50-60% |
| Level 3-5 Granite | $60-$100 | $25-$50 | 50-58% |
| Quartz (standard) | $50-$75 | $20-$40 | 47-60% |
| Quartz (premium) | $75-$120 | $35-$60 | 50-53% |
| Marble | $60-$100 | $25-$50 | 50-58% |
| Quartzite | $80-$150 | $35-$70 | 53-56% |
| Porcelain slab | $40-$80 | $15-$35 | 56-63% |
Total project cost includes fabrication ($25-$50/sq ft) and installation. A complete remnant bathroom vanity project typically runs $400-$1,000 all-in, compared to $700-$2,000 using a full slab.
Negotiation Tips
Remnant prices are almost always negotiable, especially at fabrication shops:
- Buy during slow months (January-March) when fabricators are more motivated to move inventory
- Bundle fabrication and installation with the remnant purchase for a package discount
- Ask about imperfect pieces that have minor chips or color variations for deeper discounts
- Offer cash for small transactions; some shops pass along the credit card processing savings
- Buy multiple remnants for several small projects at once for volume pricing
- Ask about pieces that have been in inventory for 6+ months; fabricators want to free up space
FAQ
How much do remnant countertops cost? Remnant material costs $15-$60 per square foot depending on the stone type, compared to $40-$150 for full slabs. A complete bathroom vanity project using a remnant typically costs $400-$1,000 including fabrication and installation.
Can I negotiate remnant prices? Yes. Remnants are almost always negotiable, especially pieces that have been in inventory for several months. Fabricators would rather sell at a discount than store indefinitely. Cash purchases and bundled fabrication services give you additional negotiating power.
Do I need to buy the whole remnant? Usually, yes. Most fabricators sell remnants as-is, and cutting down a remnant to a smaller size wastes usable material. However, if the remnant is significantly larger than your project, ask if the fabricator will charge only for what you use and keep the rest.
Will a fabricator install a remnant I bought elsewhere? Some will, but expect to pay a standalone fabrication and installation fee ($25-$50/sq ft) with no warranty on the material itself. Many fabricators prefer to supply their own material to maintain quality control.
How do I transport a stone remnant? Small remnants (under 40 lbs) can ride upright in a car backseat. Larger pieces should stand upright in a truck bed or van, supported on their long edge with padding. Never lay stone flat over an unsupported span, as it can snap from its own weight.
What's the smallest remnant a fabricator will work with? Most fabricators have a minimum project size of 4-6 square feet. Below that, the setup time for CNC programming and edge finishing makes the job uneconomical. Some shops set minimum job charges of $300-$500 regardless of size.
Are online remnant photos accurate? Photos give a general sense of color and pattern but never capture stone perfectly. Lighting, camera settings, and screen calibration all affect appearance. Always view remnants in person before purchasing.
Can I get a remnant of a discontinued color? Fabricator remnant yards are one of the few places to find discontinued stone colors. When a manufacturer drops a color, existing inventory and remnants are all that remain. If you're matching to an existing countertop, checking remnant yards is your best bet.
How quickly do remnants sell? Popular neutral colors (whites, grays, light veined patterns) sell within days. Less common colors (blues, greens, bold exotics) may sit for months. If you find a remnant you like, put a deposit down immediately.
Is remnant stone good for outdoor use? Granite and quartzite remnants work well outdoors. Quartz is not recommended for outdoor applications due to UV sensitivity. Marble can be used outside but stains easily. Check material suitability for your specific outdoor use before purchasing.
Estimate Your Remnant Project
Considering a remnant for your next project? Use our free cost calculator to estimate total pricing for your bathroom vanity, bar top, or small countertop project. Compare remnant pricing to full slab options and see the potential savings.
[Try the SlabWise Cost Calculator →]
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Remnant Management Best Practices, 2024
- Marble Institute of America - Dimension Stone Design Manual
- National Kitchen & Bath Association - Bathroom Planning Guidelines
- IBIS World - Stone Countertop Manufacturing Industry Report, 2025
- Freedonia Group - Countertops Market in the US, 2024
- SBA - Small Business Cost Analysis for Stone Fabrication