When it comes to creating a beautiful space, your dream design doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. One of the best-kept secrets in countertop remodeling? Remnant countertops — those leftover pieces from larger slabs — can be reimagined into stunning, functional, and affordable upgrades throughout your home.
At Tops Countertops, we help homeowners across the South Puget Sound transform these smaller pieces of stone into bold design features that pack a punch without breaking the budget. Whether you’re updating a powder room, adding a wet bar, or creating a custom bench in your entryway, remnants offer a high-end look at a fraction of the cost.
Let’s explore why remnant countertops are one of the smartest design choices you can make — and what kinds of projects are perfect for them.
What Are Remnants?
Remnants are the leftover sections of stone slabs (quartz, granite, marble, and porcelain) after the main part has been used for a larger job — like a kitchen or full bath install. These pieces vary in size and shape but are often large enough to be used for vanities, laundry rooms, backsplashes, shelving, shower thresholds, and more.
Because the original slab was already paid for by a previous client, the remnant itself is deeply discounted. That means you’re only paying for fabrication and installation — which makes remnants one of the best deals in the countertop world.
6 High-Impact Projects You Can Do with Remnant Stone
1. Bathroom Vanities
This is one of the most common (and beautiful) uses for remnant stone. A remnant piece can typically cover a standard single- or double-sink vanity with ease. Add an undermount sink and backsplash, and you’ve got a luxury bathroom feel for hundreds less than a full-slab install.
2. Laundry Room or Mudroom Counters
Remnants are perfect for functional utility spaces. Want a folding counter in the laundry room? A stone-topped bench in the mudroom? A quartz or granite surface adds durability, resists staining, and looks polished — even in the messiest corners of the house.
3. Bar Tops and Beverage Centers
Thinking about a built-in bar or wine nook? Remnants shine in these areas. You can even find pieces with unique veining or bold colors that wouldn’t normally fit in a full kitchen — but are perfect as statement pieces for smaller surfaces.
4. Custom Shelves and Ledges
Stone remnants make gorgeous shelving in bathrooms, showers, kitchens, or by the fireplace. They’re especially great for niches, recessed shower shelves, or decorative wall-mounted ledges.
5. Fireplace Hearths and Mantels
Give your fireplace a modern refresh with a granite or quartz hearth. Remnants can often be cut to size and polished to elevate the look of any fireplace surround — without the cost of a full reface.
6. Tabletops and Built-In Desks
Have a small corner that needs a desk? Want to upgrade a coffee table or console with a stone top? Remnants make it easy to add durability and luxury to furniture-style pieces or built-in workspaces.
Benefits Beyond Budget
Yes, remnants are budget-friendly. But they also come with a few unexpected perks:
- Eco-Friendly: Using remnant stone reduces waste — keeping beautiful materials out of landfills.
- Faster Turnaround: Since the stone is already on hand, there’s no wait time for slab ordering or shipping delays.
- Surprising Variety: Our remnant yard features an ever-changing inventory of colors and materials — from soft neutral quartz to bold marbles and exotic granites.
- Perfect for Risk-Free Creativity: Always wanted to try a bold or unique pattern? Remnants give you permission to go for it on a small scale.
Pro Tips When Shopping Remnant Countertops
If you’re considering a remnant project, here’s how to get the most out of your experience:
- Bring Measurements: Having rough dimensions helps us guide you to pieces that will fit your space.
- Visit the Yard in Person: Because remnant inventory changes constantly, it’s best to walk through and hand-pick your piece.
- Be Flexible: You might come in looking for white quartz and walk out with a stunning green granite. Being open to options can yield incredible results.
Let’s Make Something Beautiful (and Smart)
At Tops Countertops, we have one of the largest and most diverse remnant inventories in the South Sound. From luxury quartz to unique natural stone slabs, we’re always adding new pieces — and we love helping homeowners get creative with them.
Whether you have a specific project in mind or just want to explore the possibilities, our team is here to help you design something functional, beautiful, and budget-conscious.
Ready to explore remnant options?
Schedule a free consultation, browse our mini slabs (remnants) on our website, or stop by our shop to walk the yard — your next great project might already be waiting in our remnant bin.