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Austin and Central Texas

Kitchen Countertop Replacement

Pick your slab off a 299-lot floor in Austin, then one crew templates, fabricates, and installs. No handoffs, no surprises.

· Pick your own slab· Template, fabricate, install· Austin & the I-35 corridor

Replacing kitchen countertops starts with tearing out the old tops. The crew removes laminate, tile, or dated stone, disconnects the sink, and clears the debris. If the backsplash is tile or stone, it usually comes off with the countertop. If it’s painted drywall, the crew tries to leave it in place so you don’t have to repaint the whole wall.

After tear-out, the cabinets stay in place. The crew checks that the boxes are level and shimmed where needed. If the cabinets are damaged or out of plumb, they’ll note it on the template sheet so the new tops can be scribed to fit. No cabinet modifications are included, but the crew can point out issues before fabrication starts.

Once the base is ready, the crew templates with a laser or digital scanner. The template is sent to the shop for fabrication, and the crew gives you a written schedule for install. The whole job, tear-out, template, fabrication, and install, is handled by the same crew from start to finish.

What this comes down to

One crew, start to finish

You pick the slab, then one crew handles tear-out, template, fabrication, and install. No handoffs between subcontractors, no scheduling gaps. The crew works seven days a week and gives written dates with the quote so you know when the job will be done.

Direct slab floor access

The slab yard in Austin has 299 lots on the floor, granite, quartzite, engineered quartz, marble, dolomite, soapstone, porcelain, and semi-precious. You walk the floor, pick the actual slab that will be cut for your job, and avoid the risk of a mismatch or last-minute substitution.

Sink cutout and set included

Fabrication includes the sink cutout and setting the sink. If you’re keeping the existing sink, the crew templates it in place. If you’re upgrading, they’ll template the new sink before fabrication so the cutout matches the exact model you chose.

What happens during tear-out

The crew starts by disconnecting the water supply and removing the sink. If the countertop is glued down, they use pry bars and oscillating tools to break the seal without damaging the cabinets. Tile or stone backsplashes usually come off with the countertop; if the backsplash is drywall, the crew tries to leave it intact to avoid repainting. Debris is bagged and hauled off the same day.

After tear-out, the crew inspects the cabinets. They check for level, plumb, and structural integrity. If the cabinets are out of alignment, they’ll note it on the template sheet so the new tops can be scribed to fit. No cabinet repairs are included, but the crew will point out issues before fabrication so you can decide whether to fix them first.

If the old countertop was overhanging the cabinets, the new tops may need to be deeper or wider to cover the same area. The crew measures the overhang during tear-out and confirms the new dimensions with you before templating. If the cabinets are too shallow for the new slab, they’ll discuss options like adding a plywood deck or adjusting the overhang.

How the material choices affect the job

Granite is a natural igneous stone that’s hard and heat tolerant but porous. In most cases, it needs sealing after install and periodically afterward. Quartz is engineered from ground stone and resin, so it’s non-porous and needs no sealing, but it can be damaged by direct heat or long UV exposure outdoors. Marble is calcium-based and etches from acids like lemon or vinegar, even if it’s sealed.

Quartzite is metamorphosed sandstone and is usually very hard, though some slabs sold as quartzite are softer and behave more like marble. Dolomite is similar to marble but generally more durable. Soapstone is non-porous and doesn’t need sealing, but it’s softer and can scratch or chip. Porcelain slabs are thin, lightweight, and resistant to heat and stains, but they can crack if the substrate isn’t perfectly flat.

For rental or flip-grade projects, the crew works with a partner to source lower-cost slabs that still look good but aren’t showpiece material. You still pick the slab off a real floor, so you know what you’re getting. The same crew handles fabrication and install, so the process is identical to a higher-end job.

The fabrication and install process

After templating, the crew sends the digital file to the shop for fabrication. The slab is cut to match the template, edges are routed, and the sink cutout is made. If you chose a polished, honed, or leathered finish, it’s applied in the shop. The crew gives you a written install date with the quote, so you know when to expect the new tops.

On install day, the crew brings the fabricated tops to the job site. They set the slabs in place, check for level, and secure them to the cabinets with adhesive and clips. If the cabinets aren’t perfectly level, they’ll shim the tops to compensate. The sink is set and connected, and the crew tests the water supply to make sure there are no leaks.

After install, the crew cleans up the workspace and removes all debris. They’ll walk you through the job to confirm everything meets your expectations. If there are any issues with the install, they’ll note them on the job sheet and schedule a callback to fix them. No job is considered complete until you sign off.

Tradeoffs to consider before replacing countertops

Replacing countertops usually means losing the backsplash if it’s tile or stone. If the backsplash is drywall, the crew can try to leave it in place, but it may need touch-up paint or a full repaint depending on how cleanly it comes off. If you’re keeping the existing cabinets, the new tops may not align perfectly with the old backsplash, leaving a gap that needs to be filled or covered.

Natural stone like granite or marble can vary in color and pattern from the sample you saw in the showroom. Since you pick the actual slab, you’ll see exactly what you’re getting, but there’s still some natural variation. Engineered quartz is more consistent, but the colors and patterns can look less natural. Porcelain slabs are thin and lightweight, but they can crack if the substrate isn’t perfectly flat or if they’re hit with a heavy object.

Some materials, like marble or softer quartzite, can etch or scratch over time. Others, like granite or engineered quartz, are more durable but may not have the same high-end look. The crew can explain the tradeoffs of each material during slab selection, but the final choice depends on your priorities, durability, maintenance, or appearance.

How to get started with ATX Granite King

The first step is to call or email to schedule a slab viewing. The crew will meet you at the Austin slab floor, where you can walk the 299 lots and pick the actual slab that will be cut for your job. They’ll answer questions about material choices, fabrication, and install, and give you a straight quote on the spot.

If you’re not ready to pick a slab, the crew can still give you a quote based on the material type and square footage. They’ll note any potential issues with the cabinets or layout during the initial visit, so you know what to expect before fabrication starts. Quotes are good for 30 days, and the crew can hold a slab for you if you’re ready to move forward.

Once you’ve picked a slab and signed the quote, the crew schedules tear-out, templating, and install. They give you written dates for each phase of the job, so you know when to expect the work to be done. The same crew handles the entire process, from tear-out to install, so there are no handoffs or scheduling gaps.

Flat, honest pricing

Priced by the square foot.

StandardKitchens, baths, bars
$38per sq ft
Over 1,000 sq ftBuilders, multifamily, whole-house
$30per sq ft

$38 per square foot, cut, measure, and install included. Jobs over 1,000 square feet: $30 per square foot.

Sink cutout and sink set are included in the fabrication work. Non standard work is still quoted before work begins. Send the rough square footage and the rooms involved, or call (512) 297-7493 for a straight quote.

Good to know

Questions, answered.

What happens to the backsplash when the countertops are replaced?

If the backsplash is tile or stone, it usually comes off with the countertop. If it’s painted drywall, the crew tries to leave it in place to avoid repainting, but it may need touch-up paint or a full repaint depending on how cleanly it comes off. If you’re keeping the existing cabinets, the new tops may not align perfectly with the old backsplash, leaving a gap that needs to be filled or covered.

Can I keep my existing sink?

Yes, the crew can template the existing sink and cut the new tops to match. If the sink is undermount, they’ll check that it’s still in good condition and properly supported. If it’s a drop-in sink, they’ll make sure the new tops have the right lip to hold it in place. If you’re upgrading to a new sink, they’ll template it before fabrication so the cutout matches the exact model.

What if the cabinets aren’t level?

The crew checks the cabinets during tear-out and notes any issues on the template sheet. The new tops can be scribed to fit out-of-plumb cabinets, but if the cabinets are severely damaged or unstable, they may need to be repaired or reinforced before install. The crew will point out any issues before fabrication so you can decide whether to fix them first.

How long does the whole process take?

The crew gives written dates for each phase of the job with the quote. Tear-out and templating are usually done in one visit, and install is scheduled after fabrication is complete. The timeline depends on the material, the complexity of the job, and the shop’s current workload, but the crew will give you a clear schedule upfront.

What’s the downside of choosing marble?

Marble is calcium-based and etches from acids like lemon, vinegar, or wine, even if it’s sealed. It’s also softer than granite or quartzite, so it can scratch or chip more easily. If you like the look of marble but want something more durable, dolomite or a harder quartzite might be a better choice. The crew can show you the options during slab selection.

Keep reading

Related pages.

Talk to the crew

Call for a straight quote.

Tell us the rooms, the rough square footage and what you have in mind for kitchen countertop replacement. You get a number for the whole job, in writing, before anyone cuts anything.