Surfaces & Lighting

Countertops & Surface Work in Houston, TX

Quartz, stone, solid surface and wood countertops planned with the cabinetry so seams, overhangs and edges land right.

Countertops and surface work are where cabinetry meets daily use. A counter has to sit flat on its cabinets, carry its own weight across overhangs, and handle hot pans, knives, spills and cleaning products for years. Ace Kustoms plans countertops together with the cabinetry we build, so cabinet heights, support for overhangs, sink bases and appliance cutouts are designed around the surface you choose from the start.

Most countertop problems trace back to what is underneath. Cabinets that are out of level by an eighth of an inch over ten feet can crack stone or leave visible gaps at the backsplash. Overhangs over 10 to 12 inches need hidden steel supports or corbels. Undermount sinks need proper clips and support. Our crew sets cabinets dead level on your slab and builds in the support each material requires before templating begins.

We work with quartz, granite, marble, solid surface, butcher block and other hardwoods for kitchens, bathrooms, bars, laundry rooms and built-ins. For seamless tops with integrated sinks, see our solid surface countertops. Countertops are often part of a kitchen remodel, but we also replace counters on existing cabinets when the boxes are sound and level enough to support the new surface.

Why choose Ace Kustoms for countertops & surface work

Cabinets ready for the top

We level and shim base cabinets to within a sixteenth of an inch across the run, add solid blocking at seams and sink bases, and install steel supports for overhangs. A flat, rigid base is the best protection against cracked stone.

Seams planned, not discovered

Slab sizes limit how long a single piece can be, so we plan seam locations during design, keeping them away from sinks and cooktops and where they will be least visible, rather than letting a fabricator decide on the day of templating.

Material guidance

We explain the real-world differences between quartz, granite, marble, solid surface and wood, including heat resistance, staining, etching and maintenance, so you choose a surface that suits how you actually cook and clean.

Coordinated schedule

Templating happens as soon as cabinets are set and secured, so there is no gap waiting for someone else's crew. We coordinate sink, faucet and cooktop models in advance so cutouts are right the first time.

Edge and detail options

Eased, beveled, bullnose and mitered edges, waterfall ends, full-height backsplashes and integrated drainboards are all planned with the cabinet layout so the finished surface looks deliberate from every angle. Nothing is left to chance.

One point of contact

You do not have to manage a separate countertop vendor and cabinet installer who blame each other when something does not fit. We handle the coordination and take responsibility for how the cabinets and tops come together.

Styles, materials and options

Quartz

Engineered quartz is non-porous, does not need sealing and resists stains well. It comes in consistent colors and marble-look patterns. It can be damaged by direct high heat, so trivets are recommended for hot pans.

Granite

Natural granite resists heat and scratches well and offers unique patterns in every slab. It needs periodic sealing depending on the stone. We recommend viewing and selecting the actual slab before fabrication.

Marble and quartzite

Marble is beautiful but softer and etches from acids like lemon juice and wine. Quartzite looks similar to marble but is much harder. We help you understand the patina and care each material requires.

Solid surface

Solid surface is non-porous, repairable and can be joined with nearly invisible seams and integrated sinks. It is less heat- and scratch-resistant than stone but can be sanded and refinished if damaged.

Butcher block and hardwood

Edge-grain or end-grain maple, walnut or oak tops add warmth on islands, bars and built-in desks. Wood needs oiling or a sealed finish and should be kept away from standing water at sinks.

Built-in and bar tops

Desktops, bar tops, window seats and laundry folding counters in wood, laminate, solid surface or stone. These smaller surfaces are often coordinated with built-in cabinetry projects and sized to the piece.

Kitchen with a marble waterfall island and pendant lights

Smooth stone countertop surface in a bright kitchen

Gray shaker kitchen with a white waterfall-edge island

Our process

Consultation and selection. We review your kitchen or bath, talk about how you use the surfaces, and help you narrow materials, colors and edge profiles using real samples. We also confirm sink, faucet and appliance models.
Cabinet preparation. Our crew levels base cabinets, adds blocking at seams and sinks, installs steel overhang supports and corbels, and confirms the cabinet layout is fully secured before templating.
Templating. Precise templates are made on site from the installed cabinets, capturing wall irregularities, sink and cooktop locations, overhangs and seam positions. You review seam placement before fabrication.
Fabrication and installation. The countertop is fabricated to the templates and installed, with seams joined and leveled, sinks secured, and cutouts checked. Backsplashes and side splashes are set and sealed.
Final checks. We check the top for level, test sink mounting, review seams and caulk joints, and give you care instructions for your specific material, including sealing schedules if needed.

What affects the cost

Material choice is the biggest factor, with quartz and granite in the mid range and premium marble or quartzite at the top.
Total square footage and the number of slabs needed set the base cost.
Edge profiles, mitered edges, waterfall ends and full-height backsplashes add fabrication labor.
Sink, cooktop and faucet cutouts, and undermount sink installation, add per-item costs.
Removing existing tops, especially tile or stone, and cabinet repairs add site work.

As a general planning range, installed countertops in Greater Houston often run about $50 to $120 per square foot for quartz and granite, $40 to $90 for solid surface, and $100 to $200 or more for premium marble and quartzite. A typical kitchen may need 40 to 60 square feet. Pricing varies with materials and site conditions, so get a written estimate.

Built for Houston conditions

Houston slab foundations can shift slightly with the expansive clay soils common in the region, which is one more reason we set cabinets carefully level and add solid support at seams. Stone does not tolerate flex, so a rigid base matters. Humidity affects wood tops more than stone, so butcher block near sinks needs a well-maintained finish on all sides, including the underside. Outdoor kitchens and covered patios face heat, UV and moisture, and some quartz products are not rated for outdoor use, so we recommend granite or other suitable materials there. Older homes often have walls that bow, so we template carefully and use backsplashes to cover small gaps.

Countertops & Surface Work FAQs

Can I put new countertops on my existing cabinets?

Often, yes, if the cabinets are sound, level and strong enough to support stone. We check the boxes, especially at the sink base, which often has water damage. Particleboard cabinets with swelling may need repair or replacement before a heavy top can go on safely.

What is the most durable countertop?

For most kitchens, quartz and granite are the most durable all-around choices. Quartz resists stains without sealing; granite handles heat well. Quartzite is very hard but must be properly identified. Every material has tradeoffs, and we help you choose based on cooking habits and maintenance.

How much overhang can a stone island have?

Without additional support, most stone can overhang about 10 to 12 inches. Seating overhangs of 12 to 15 inches need hidden steel brackets or corbels. Longer overhangs need more substantial supports. We design and install supports with the cabinetry before templating.

How long does countertop installation take?

Templating happens after cabinets are installed. Fabrication typically takes one to three weeks, depending on material and workload. Installation usually takes a day. Plumbing reconnection follows, and stone that needs sealing is sealed at installation. Your kitchen is usually usable again within a day or two of install.

Do I need a backsplash with my countertop?

A backsplash protects the wall from water and splatter. Options include a 4-inch splash in the countertop material, a full-height slab backsplash or tile. We help you choose based on your design and how much protection the wall behind the sink and cooktop needs.

How do I schedule an estimate?

Call (281) 660-3903 or use our contact form to book a free in-home estimate. Have an idea of the materials you like and know whether you are replacing cabinets too. We measure, check the cabinets and give you a written estimate.

Related services

Surfaces & LightingSolid Surface CountertopsNon-porous solid surface countertops with nearly invisible seams and integrated sinks for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and built-ins.

Kitchens & BathsCustom Kitchen CabinetsSolid hardwood and furniture-grade plywood kitchen cabinets, sized to your walls and appliances, built locally and installed by our own team.

Kitchens & BathsKitchen RemodelsComplete kitchen remodels in Greater Houston, from layout and cabinetry to countertops, backsplash tile, trim and lighting, managed by one in-house crew.

Surfaces & LightingInterior Tile & Stone WorkInterior tile and natural stone for backsplashes, showers, floors and fireplace surrounds, with careful substrate prep, waterproofing and layout.

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Countertops & Surfaces · 8 min read