How Much Do Countertops Cost? A Complete Guide for Texas and Dallas Homeowners

Are you planning a kitchen renovation or upgrading your bathroom vanity? One of the first questions you likely have is: “How much do countertops cost?” It’s a fair question, but the answer isn’t always straightforward. Whether you are building a new home in the suburbs of Dallas or remodeling a historic property in Texas, understanding the price tag attached to new counters is crucial for setting a realistic budget.

Countertops are often the centerpiece of a room. They take up a lot of visual space and endure daily wear and tear. Because of this, pricing can vary wildly depending on the material you choose, the size of your kitchen, and even where you live.

In this guide, we will break down the real costs of buying and installing countertops in Texas and Dallas. We will explore the price differences between popular materials like granite and quartz, discuss the hidden factors that influence the final bill, and share insider tips on how to get the look you want without breaking the bank.

What Is the Typical Price Range for Countertops?

When you start shopping around, you’ll see prices quoted in “square feet.” This is the industry standard. But just looking at the sticker price on a slab of stone doesn’t tell the whole story.

Average Costs in Texas and Dallas

In general, homeowners in Texas can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $100+ per square foot for installed countertops.

• Texas State Average: According to recent market data, granite installation in Texas typically ranges between $77 and $87 per square foot for quality custom slabs.
• Dallas Specifics: If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, you might find competitive pricing starting as low as $50 per square foot for certain materials, often with fabrication and installation included.

Why the difference? Dallas is a major hub with many suppliers and fabricators competing for business, which can drive prices down compared to rural areas where options are limited.

The National Context

To give you some perspective, the national average for a full countertop installation project typically lands between $1,800 and $4,100. Most homeowners end up spending around $3,000 total. If your quotes are coming in significantly higher or lower than this, it’s worth digging into the details to understand why.

How Much Do Different Countertop Materials Cost?

The biggest factor in your budget is the material itself. Just like cars, you have economy models, mid-range reliable options, and luxury sports cars. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for the most popular countertop materials.

Granite Countertops

Granite remains the king of Texas kitchens. It offers a unique, natural look that no two slabs share.

• Cost: $50 to $100 per square foot
• Why choose it: It’s incredibly durable, heat-resistant, and adds resale value to your home.
• The Price Variance: You might see “Level 1” granite (basic speckles) for $40/sq ft, while “Level 3” or exotic granite (rare colors and veins) can soar over $100/sq ft.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz has surged in popularity because it mimics stone but requires zero maintenance. It is an engineered product made of crushed stone and resin.

• Cost: $55 to $150 per square foot
• Why choose it: It is non-porous, meaning it won’t stain and never needs sealing. It offers a clean, consistent look.
• The Price Variance: Basic colors are affordable, but designs that mimic high-end marble with realistic veining command premium prices.

Marble Countertops

Marble is the epitome of luxury. It’s the white, veined stone you see in high-end magazines.

• Cost: $75 to $250 per square foot
• Why choose it: Nothing beats the classic beauty and brightness of real marble. It stays cool, making it great for baking.
• The Reality Check: It is softer than granite and can scratch or stain easily (think red wine or lemon juice). It’s a high-maintenance beauty.

Laminate Countertops

If you are flipping a house or remodeling on a tight budget, laminate is your best friend. Modern high-definition laminate looks surprisingly like real stone.

• Cost: $25 to $50 per square foot
• Why choose it: It’s the most affordable option and comes in thousands of patterns.
• The Downside: It’s not heat-resistant, can scratch, and doesn’t add as much value to your home as stone.

Butcher Block

Wood countertops bring warmth and a farmhouse feel to a kitchen.

• Cost: $40 to $100 per square foot
• Why choose it: You can cut directly on it (if unsealed) and sand out scratches.
• Maintenance: It requires regular oiling to prevent drying out or cracking.

What Affects the Price of Countertops?

You might pick a granite that is listed at $50 per square foot, but your final quote comes out to $75 per square foot. What gives? Several factors beyond the raw material influence the final countertop cost in Texas.

1. Complexity of the Layout

If your kitchen is a simple straight line or an “L” shape, installation is easy. However, if you have:

• Multiple corners or angles
• A large island with curves
• Uneven walls that require scribing
  …the labor cost goes up. Fabricators have to spend more time cutting and fitting the stone.

2. Cutouts and Holes

Every hole in the stone costs money.

• Sink Cutout: An undermount sink requires a polished rim, which takes time to finish perfectly.
• Faucet Holes: Drilling through 3cm of granite requires diamond bits and expertise.
• Cooktop Cutouts: Dropping in a stove requires a large, reinforced rectangular cut.
  Each of these add-ons is usually itemized in your quote.

3. Edge Profiles

The edge of the countertop doesn’t come finished from the quarry. It has to be shaped and polished.

• Standard Edges: Eased (square) or Bullnose (rounded) are often included in the base price.
• Premium Edges: Ogee (S-shape), Beveled, or Triple Pencil edges require multiple passes with specialized tooling, adding cost per linear foot.

4. Removal and Disposal

Unless you are building a new home, the old countertops have to go. Contractors will charge for the labor to tear out your old laminate or tile counters and the fee to dump them at the landfill. This can add $300 to $600 to your project.

At America’s General Contractor, we provide transparent quotes that break down these costs so you never encounter surprise fees. We believe in helping you understand exactly where your money is going.

How Do Countertop Prices Vary Across Texas and Dallas?

Location matters. The countertop cost in Dallas might look different than in a smaller town like Abilene or Tyler.

The Dallas Advantage

Living in a metroplex like Dallas/Fort Worth has perks.

• Supply Chain: Major stone importers have warehouses in Dallas. This means lower shipping costs for fabricators, savings which are often passed to you.
• Competition: With dozens of granite and quartz companies fighting for your business, you can often find “package deals” that include a free sink or upgraded edge profile.

Rural Texas Considerations

In more remote areas of Texas:

• Travel Fees: Installers may charge extra for mileage if they have to drive an hour or more to your site.
• Limited Selection: You might have fewer stone yards to visit, meaning you’re picking from what’s available rather than hunting for a specific exotic slab.

However, labor rates in rural areas can sometimes be lower than the premium rates charged by high-end city designers, balancing out the cost.

How to Save Money on Countertops Without Sacrificing Quality

Renovations are expensive, but there are smart ways to stretch your budget. You don’t have to settle for cheap materials to save money.

1. Shop for Remnants

This is the number one secret for small projects. When a fabricator cuts a kitchen from a large slab, they often have leftover pieces. These “remnants” are perfect for bathroom vanities, laundry rooms, or small islands. Since the material is already paid for, you can get high-end stone for a fraction of the price.

2. Choose Standard Colors

In the world of stone, supply and demand rule. Rare blue granites from Brazil or pure white marbles from Italy are expensive because they are scarce. Common colors—like Santa Cecilia Granite or Ubatuba—are quarried in huge quantities and are very affordable. They are just as strong and durable; they just aren’t as rare.

3. Stick to Standard Edges

An Ogee edge looks fancy, but does it really change the function of your kitchen? Probably not. Sticking to a simple Eased or Half-Bullnose edge can save you hundreds of dollars on a large kitchen. Plus, simple edges are more modern and easier to clean.

4. Do Your Own Demo

If you are handy, you can remove your old countertops yourself. Tearing out laminate is relatively easy with a pry bar and a screw gun. By having the cabinets ready for the installers, you can save on the tear-out and disposal fees. Just be careful not to damage the cabinets!

5. Mix and Match Materials

Who says all your countertops have to match? A popular trend is to use a less expensive material (like butcher block or a standard granite) on the perimeter counters and splurge on a luxury quartz or exotic stone for the island. This creates a stunning focal point without the luxury price tag for the whole room.

Tips for Hiring the Right Installer

The stone you choose is only as good as the person who installs it. A bad installation can ruin an expensive slab. When looking for countertop cost in Texas, don’t just look at the bottom line number.

• Ask about Seams: Ask the fabricator where the seams will be. A good fabricator will place seams in inconspicuous spots (like near the sink) and match the grain of the stone so it flows naturally.
• Check Reviews: Look for companies with a history of satisfied customers in the Dallas area.
• Visit the Slab Yard: Never buy natural stone from a tiny sample. Visit the warehouse and approve the specific slab they will cut. Natural stone varies, and you want to make sure you love the specific swirl and pattern on your slab.

Frequently Asked Questions About Countertop Costs

Q: What is the absolute cheapest countertop material?
A: Laminate (Formica) is the most budget-friendly, often starting around $25 per square foot installed. Ceramic tile is also cheap for materials, but the labor to install it can drive the price up.

Q: How much does installation cost on its own?
A: If you buy your own slabs, expect to pay a fabricator $35 to $100 per square foot just for the labor of cutting, polishing, and installing. This depends heavily on the complexity of the job.

Q: Are there hidden costs I should watch for?
A: Yes. Watch out for fees related to:

• Plumbing disconnect/reconnect (countertop installers usually don’t do plumbing).
• Sealing (some stones need specialized sealers).
• Stairs (if you live in a walk-up condo, carrying heavy stone up stairs costs extra).

Q: Is Quartz cheaper than Granite?
A: Not usually. Entry-level granite is often cheaper than entry-level quartz. However, high-end exotic granite can be much more expensive than high-end quartz. In the mid-range, they are often comparable in price.

Conclusion

Understanding how much countertops cost involves looking at the whole picture: the material, the layout of your home, and the expertise of the installer. While the average project in Dallas or Texas might run around $3,000, your project is unique. You might find a beautiful remnant for $500 or invest in a chef’s dream kitchen for $10,000.

The key is to prioritize what matters to you. Is it the durability of quartz? The natural beauty of granite? Or the budget-friendliness of laminate? Once you know your priorities, you can make decisions that add value to your home and joy to your daily life.

Don’t let the numbers overwhelm you. With the right partner, you can navigate these choices with confidence. If you are ready to transform your kitchen or bathroom, we are here to help.

Visit America’s General Contractor today for a free consultation. We specialize in countertop installation and customization across Texas, helping homeowners like you find the perfect match for your style and budget. Let’s build something beautiful together!