Written by the Al Jory Marble team. Updated September 24, 2026.
Quick answer: Four things move a countertop quote more than anything else: the material tier, the slab count, the edge profile and the cutouts. Everything else — backsplash, overhang supports, tear-out, bookmatching — matters, but those four decide most of the number. The good news is that three of the four are choices you control, and the savings don't have to show. Here's what each one costs you, and where to trim without ending up with a kitchen that looks trimmed.
What Drives a Countertop Quote Up: The Four Big Levers, the Small Ones, and Where to Save Without Regret
Working to a budget? Tell us the number you want to land on — we'll show you what reaches it.
The Four Big Levers
1. Material tier
The single biggest variable. Within quartz alone, entry and premium tiers can differ by more than double per square foot — and the gap between an entry quartz and a premium marble is larger still. Tier matters more than material. A mid-tier quartz in a kitchen often costs less than a low-tier natural stone once fabrication difficulty is counted.
2. Slab count
Stone is bought by the slab and sold by the square foot. Two kitchens with identical square footage can need different slab counts depending on layout, veining and where the sink lands. Crossing from one slab into two is the biggest single jump most quotes ever take — and it can sometimes be avoided by adjusting the layout or accepting a seam in a different place. See how many slabs a kitchen needs.
3. Edge profile
Standard edges are included in our pricing. Decorative profiles take more machine time and hand finishing, and mitred edges — the ones that make a counter look thicker than the slab — take more material as well as more labour. On a large kitchen, an edge upgrade is a real line item, not a rounding error.
4. Cutouts
A standard undermount sink cutout is included. Farmhouse sinks, multiple sinks, cooktop cutouts and extra faucet holes each add fabrication time and risk. Every cutout is a place the stone can break, which is why they're priced rather than thrown in. See undermount sinks and cutouts.
The Smaller Levers
| Factor | Effect | Worth paying for? |
|---|---|---|
| Full-height backsplash | Adds square footage, sometimes a slab | Only if it's a feature wall you'll see daily |
| Waterfall island | Adds material and mitring | Yes, if the island is the centrepiece — see island costs |
| Overhang supports | Brackets or corbels for seating overhangs | Always. This is a safety item, not a style one |
| Bookmatching or vein matching | More slab, more layout time | On a statement island, yes; on a back run, rarely |
| Thicker profiles | 3cm over 2cm, or built-up edges | Depends on the look — ask to see both |
| Tear-out and disposal | Worth it unless you genuinely want to do it yourself | |
| Special-order slabs | Lead time and freight | Only if nothing in stock works |
| Upper-floor or long-carry installs | Labour | Not optional — just plan for it |
Not sure which upgrades are worth it? Walk the racks with us. Seeing the edge and the slab in person answers it in five minutes.
Where to Save Without It Showing
- Choose an in-stock slab. No freight, no lead time, and you can see the whole piece before it's cut
- Take the standard edge. Most people can't identify an edge profile in a finished kitchen, including their own
- Use a 4-inch backsplash instead of full height, and put tile behind the range instead
- Keep your existing sink if it's sound and the cutout works
- Accept a seam somewhere sensible rather than buying a second slab to avoid it
- Mix tiers — a premium slab on the island, a simpler one on the perimeter
- Book the whole job at once rather than splitting kitchen and vanities into two visits
Where Not to Save
- Overhang support. Unsupported stone cracks, and it cracks with people sitting at it
- Templating. A digital template is what makes a counter fit walls that aren't square — and no wall is square
- Seam placement. Cheap layout puts a seam in the middle of your main run
- Thickness on a big island. Long unsupported spans need the material
- Installation. A subcontracted crew that damages a slab leaves everyone pointing at each other
What Doesn't Change Your Price With Us
- The estimate itself — free measure, free written quote, no obligation
- Walking the racks and taking your time over slabs
- Asking questions before you commit
- Standard edge and standard undermount cutout — both included
Pricing ranges by material are on our countertop cost guide, and the line items to check on any quote are in our guide to reading a countertop estimate.
About Al Jory Marble
Al Jory Marble is a family-run countertop fabricator at 4711 W 135th St, Crestwood, IL 60418, serving Chicago and the suburbs. We template, fabricate in our own shop and install with our own crew — no middleman, no subcontractors. Founded by Motie Hamdan and Naser Hamdan, with decades of family stone experience behind the work. Come and see full slabs of quartz, granite, quartzite, marble and Calacatta before you choose. (708) 362-7674.
Countertop Pricing FAQs
What makes countertops expensive?
Mostly the material tier and the slab count, then the edge profile and the cutouts.
How can I lower my countertop quote?
Choose an in-stock slab, take the standard edge, use a 4-inch backsplash, keep your sink, and accept a well-placed seam instead of buying another slab.
Is quartz always cheaper than granite?
No. The tiers overlap, and a premium quartz can cost more than a mid granite.
Why does an extra slab cost so much?
Because you're buying the whole slab, not the part you use.
Do decorative edges cost much more?
Enough to notice on a large kitchen. Ask to see the standard edge first.
Is a farmhouse sink cutout extra?
Yes — it's more fabrication work than a standard undermount.
Do I need supports under my island overhang?
If the overhang is deep enough for seating, yes. It's a safety item.
Can I mix materials to save money?
Yes, and it often looks intentional — a feature slab on the island, a simpler one on the perimeter.
Does a full-height backsplash cost a lot more?
It adds square footage and sometimes a slab. Tile behind the range is the cheaper route.
Is tear-out included?
Do you charge for the estimate?
No. The measure and the written estimate are free.
Can you work to a budget I give you?
Yes. Tell us the number and we'll show you what reaches it.
Get a Free Written Estimate
Request a quote · Call (708) 362-7674 · Showroom: 4711 W 135th St, Crestwood IL · Mon–Sat 9am–6pm
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