How Long for a Countertop Quote?
Quick Answer
How long for a countertop is a frequent question from homeowners and contractors.
Getting a countertop quote typically takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 7 days, depending on the method. A quick phone estimate might happen during a single call. A detailed in-home quote with templating and material selection usually takes 3-7 business days from initial contact to final number.
TL;DR
- Phone or online ballpark estimates take 10-20 minutes
- Detailed in-home quotes take 3-7 business days from first contact
- The template visit itself takes 30-60 minutes
- Most shops need 1-3 days after templating to produce a final quote
- Busy seasons (spring and summer) can push timelines out by a week or more
- Digital quoting tools are shrinking the process from days to minutes
- Getting 3 quotes is standard - budget 2-3 weeks for comparison shopping
Why Countertop Quotes Take Time
Unlike buying a dishwasher or picking out flooring, countertop pricing depends on variables that are hard to pin down without a site visit. Every kitchen is different, and the final price depends on:
- Exact square footage (including overhangs and backsplash areas)
- Number and type of cutouts (sink, cooktop, faucet holes)
- Edge profile selection (eased is cheap; mitered is expensive)
- Material choice and slab availability (a common quartz color is easy to price; a rare quartzite may need a special order)
- Seam placement and count
- Demolition and removal of existing countertops
- Plumbing disconnect/reconnect needs
This is why a responsible fabricator will not give you a binding price over the phone. They can give you a range, but the real number comes after measuring.
The Quoting Process, Step by Step
Step 1: Initial Contact (Day 1)
You call, email, or fill out a web form. Most shops respond within 24 hours on business days. During this first interaction, you will typically discuss:
- Kitchen size and layout (rough dimensions)
- Material preferences (granite, quartz, marble, quartzite)
- Budget range
- Project timeline
A good shop will give you a ballpark range at this point. For example: "A 40-square-foot quartz kitchen with an undermount sink usually runs $3,200-$4,800 in our area."
Step 2: In-Home Measurement or Template (Days 2-5)
The fabricator sends a technician to your home. This visit usually takes 30-60 minutes and covers:
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Measuring all counter runs | 10-20 min |
| Checking wall straightness | 5-10 min |
| Documenting sink and cooktop locations | 5-10 min |
| Noting cabinet condition and leveling | 5-10 min |
| Discussing edge profiles and backsplash | 5-10 min |
Some fabricators use digital laser templating systems (like LT-2D3D or Proliner), which capture measurements with sub-millimeter accuracy. Others still use physical strip templates. Digital templating is faster and more accurate, but both methods work.
Step 3: Quote Preparation (Days 3-7)
After the measurement visit, the fabricator goes back to the shop and:
- Enters dimensions into their estimating system
- Calculates material needed (adding waste factor, usually 10-20%)
- Checks slab inventory and pricing
- Factors in edge work, cutouts, and installation labor
- Prepares a written quote
This step can take 1-3 business days depending on the shop's workload and systems.
Step 4: Quote Delivery (Days 5-7)
You receive the quote via email, mail, or in person. A proper countertop quote should include:
- Itemized material cost (price per square foot x total square footage)
- Edge profile and linear footage charges
- Sink and cooktop cutout fees
- Demolition and removal costs (if applicable)
- Installation charges
- Plumbing disconnect/reconnect (if included)
- Lead time estimate from approval to installation
- Material warranty terms
- Payment schedule (deposit, balance due at install)
Why Some Quotes Come Faster
Small or Simple Projects
A single bathroom vanity with a drop-in sink might get a same-day quote. The dimensions are standard, the cutouts are simple, and the pricing is straightforward.
Shops with Digital Quoting Systems
Fabrication shops that use modern quoting software can turn around estimates significantly faster. Tools that automate slab pricing, waste calculation, and labor estimates cut the administrative time from hours to minutes.
For example, shops using SlabWise's Quick Quote feature can produce a preliminary estimate in about 3 minutes - compared to the traditional 15-20 minutes of manual calculation. That does not eliminate the need for a physical measurement, but it gets the homeowner a reliable number faster.
Repeat Customers and Contractors
If you are a builder or contractor who regularly works with the same fabricator, quoting is faster because the shop already knows your typical specs, pricing tier, and expectations.
Why Some Quotes Take Longer
Busy Season
Spring through late summer is peak countertop season. Shops are booked out for templating visits, and quote preparation gets backlogged. If you are shopping for quotes in May or June, expect timelines to stretch by 3-7 additional days.
Exotic or Special-Order Materials
If you want a specific slab of Calacatta Gold marble or a rare quartzite like Taj Mahal, the fabricator may need to check with distributors, get current pricing, and confirm availability. This can add 2-5 days.
Complex Layouts
A U-shaped kitchen with a waterfall island, mitered edges, and an integrated drain board involves more calculation time than a straight 10-foot run. More complexity means more time to quote accurately.
How to Get Quotes Faster
Here is what you can do to speed up the process:
- Have rough measurements ready: Measure your counter runs (length x depth) before you call. Even approximate numbers help the shop estimate faster.
- Know your material preference: "I want white quartz" gives the shop a pricing lane. "I am not sure yet" means they have to price multiple options.
- Send photos: Kitchen photos showing the layout, current countertops, sink type, and cooktop help the estimator prepare before the site visit.
- Be flexible on scheduling: If you can accommodate a measurement visit on a slower day (Tuesday or Wednesday), you will get in sooner than requesting a Saturday.
- Respond promptly: When the fabricator follows up with questions or scheduling options, quick responses keep things moving.
What a Good Quote Looks Like
Here is an example of a properly detailed countertop quote:
| Line Item | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Caesarstone 5143 White Attica, 3 cm | $2,450 |
| Fabrication | 42 sq ft @ $18/sq ft | $756 |
| Edge | Eased edge, 28 LF included | $0 |
| Sink cutout | Undermount, single bowl | $175 |
| Faucet holes | 3 holes | $75 |
| Demolition | Remove existing laminate tops | $250 |
| Installation | Standard installation | $480 |
| Total | $4,186 |
If a quote is just a single number with no breakdown, ask for itemization. You need to see what you are paying for, especially when comparing quotes from multiple shops.
Comparing Multiple Quotes
Plan on getting 3 quotes from different fabricators. Here is a realistic timeline:
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Research and contact 3 shops | Days 1-2 |
| Schedule measurement visits | Days 3-10 |
| Receive all 3 quotes | Days 10-17 |
| Compare, ask follow-up questions | Days 17-21 |
| Make decision | Day 21+ |
Total: about 3 weeks from start to selecting a fabricator. You can compress this if shops respond quickly and you are decisive.
What to Compare Beyond Price
- Warranty terms: How long? What is covered?
- Fabrication method: CNC vs. manual cutting
- Slab selection process: Do they let you pick your exact slab?
- Template method: Digital laser vs. physical strips
- Lead time: From deposit to installation
- References: Ask for 3 recent customer references
- Insurance: Verify they carry general liability and workers' comp
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a countertop quote over the phone?
You can get a rough estimate, but not a binding quote. Phone estimates are typically accurate within 15-25% of the final price.
Do fabricators charge for quotes?
Most fabricators provide free estimates. Some charge $50-$150 for the in-home template visit, which is usually credited toward the job if you hire them.
How accurate are online countertop calculators?
Online calculators are useful for ballpark budgeting (within 20-30%) but cannot account for layout complexity, slab pricing variations, or regional labor costs.
Should I get the cheapest quote?
Not automatically. The cheapest quote may mean thinner slabs, lower-quality fabrication, or no warranty. Compare the scope of work, not just the bottom line.
What if the final price is higher than the quote?
A well-written quote should be binding for 30 days. Price increases after quoting usually come from scope changes - adding cutouts, upgrading edge profiles, or switching to a more expensive material.
How long is a countertop quote valid?
Most quotes are valid for 30 days. Material prices fluctuate, so a quote from 3 months ago may no longer be accurate.
Can I negotiate a countertop quote?
Yes. Fabricators have some margin flexibility, especially on larger jobs. Asking for 5-10% off is reasonable. Bundling multiple rooms (kitchen + bathrooms) also gives you leverage.
Why do quote prices vary so much between shops?
Overhead, equipment, labor rates, material sourcing, and profit margins all differ. A shop with a brand-new CNC saw and high rent charges more than a two-person shop in a warehouse. The quality of work often - but not always - correlates with price.
What time of year is best for getting quotes?
Late fall and winter (October through February) is the slow season for most fabricators. You will get faster responses, shorter lead times, and sometimes better pricing.
Do I need to be home for the measurement visit?
Yes. The technician needs access to the kitchen and may have questions about your preferences (sink placement, edge selection, etc.).
Get a Quick Estimate Right Now
Do not want to wait days for a ballpark number? Use our online countertop cost calculator to get a rough estimate in under 3 minutes. It is not a substitute for a professional measurement, but it gives you a solid starting point for budgeting.
Try the SlabWise Quick Quote Calculator →
Sources
- National Kitchen and Bath Association - Kitchen Project Timeline Guide, 2024
- HomeAdvisor - How Much Do Countertops Cost?, 2025
- Angi - Countertop Installation Cost Guide, 2025
- Countertop Specialty - What to Expect from a Countertop Estimate, 2024
- Consumer Reports - How to Buy Countertops, 2024
- Remodeling Magazine - Cost vs. Value Report, 2025