Remnants and Their Uses
May 25, 2025
What Are Countertop Remnants and What Can They Be Used For?
When it comes to home improvement projects, especially kitchen or bathroom renovations, countertops are often one of the most significant investments. However, many homeowners are surprised to learn that there’s a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for smaller projects—countertop remnants.
But what exactly are countertop remnants, and how can they be used? In this post, we’ll dive into what remnants are, where they come from, and some creative ideas for incorporating them into your home.
What Are Countertop Remnants?
Countertop remnants are leftover pieces of stone, quartz, granite, marble, or other materials from larger countertop slabs. These smaller pieces are typically remnants from fabrication projects, where a full-size countertop slab is cut into various pieces for specific installations. After the larger pieces are used, smaller sections—often referred to as "remnants"—remain. These leftover sections can range in size from small scraps to larger slabs, making them perfect for various applications in your home.
Countertop remnants are often sold at a discounted price since they are not large enough to be used for full countertops. These remnants may be available through countertop fabricators, home improvement stores, or specialty showrooms. They are a fantastic option for smaller projects or for those looking to add a touch of luxury to a space without breaking the bank.
Why Should You Consider Using Countertop Remnants?
There are several advantages to using countertop remnants, including:
- Cost Savings: Since remnants are leftover pieces from larger slabs, they’re typically much cheaper than buying a brand-new slab of the same material. This can save you money, especially if you’re only working on a smaller project.
- Eco-Friendly: By using remnants, you're helping to reduce waste and repurpose material that might otherwise go unused. This is a great option for eco-conscious homeowners.
- Unique, One-of-a-Kind Pieces: Remnants often come in unusual shapes and sizes, which means you can create a custom look that’s completely unique to your space.
- High-Quality Materials: Countertop remnants are often made from high-end materials like granite, quartz, or marble. By choosing remnants, you can afford materials that might otherwise be out of your price range.
What Can Countertop Remnants Be Used For?
Countertop remnants may be smaller pieces of material, but they can be used in a variety of creative ways throughout your home. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Small Kitchen or Bathroom Countertops
If you’re renovating a small kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, remnants are an excellent choice for creating a high-quality countertop. Whether it’s a small kitchen island, a vanity countertop, or a bar area, remnants can be cut to size and installed as a beautiful, functional surface.
For example:
- Bathroom Vanities: Remnants are often perfect for creating custom vanity tops in powder rooms or guest bathrooms. You can get a luxurious look without the cost of a full-sized countertop.
- Mini Islands or Bar Counters: If you want a small prep island in your kitchen or a bar counter for entertaining, a countertop remnant can be an ideal fit.
Accent Pieces or Cutting Boards
Remnants can be cut and polished to make a variety of accent pieces, including cutting boards, serving trays, or decorative displays. A custom cutting board made from the same material as your countertops can tie your kitchen together beautifully. Additionally, if you’re looking for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, remnants can be shaped into smaller items that add a personal touch to your space.
Shelves or Floating Shelves
For a modern and sleek design, use remnants to create shelves or floating shelves. Quartz, granite, or marble shelves can provide both beauty and function, adding a luxurious touch to any room. Whether in the kitchen for spices or in the bathroom for toiletries, countertop remnants can make stylish and durable shelves.
Table Tops
Countertop remnants can also be transformed into gorgeous table tops for coffee tables, side tables, or even desks. Whether you’re building furniture from scratch or updating an existing piece, a remnant can be a stunning top for a unique piece of furniture. Depending on the size of the remnant, you may be able to create a round, square, or rectangular table top that suits your space.
Fireplace Surrounds
Using countertop remnants as a fireplace surround is another great way to utilize leftover material. The durable, heat-resistant properties of granite make it an excellent material for creating a stylish fireplace surround that will withstand the test of time.
Coasters or Trivets
For smaller pieces of remnant material, consider using them to create coasters, trivets, or placemats. These functional and stylish items can be made from a variety of stones, adding an elegant touch to your dining table or kitchen.
Outdoor Applications
If you have a patio or outdoor kitchen, countertop remnants can be used to create outdoor countertops, bar tops, or tabletops. Durable stones like granite and quartz are perfect for outdoor settings as they can stand up to the elements while adding a sophisticated look to your backyard space.
Remnants Available at MGL Granite!
At MGL Granite, we have a variety of remnants available at both our Hampton and Norfolk locations. These remnants are perfect for your creative projects, whether it’s a small kitchen island, bathroom vanity, or any other custom creation you have in mind.
Stop by either of our showrooms to view the remnants we have in stock. Our team will be happy to help you select the perfect piece, assist with fabrication, and guide you in bringing your vision to life.
Conclusion
Countertop remnants offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and creative way to incorporate high-quality materials into your home design. Whether you’re renovating a small kitchen, building custom furniture, or simply want to add unique accents to your space, remnants can be used in a wide variety of applications.
By thinking outside the box and considering the possibilities for these leftover pieces, you can enhance your home while staying within budget and making an environmentally conscious choice. So, the next time you're looking to update your space, be sure to explore the world of countertop remnants at MGL Granite. We might just have the perfect solution for your next project!
The combination of beauty, resilience, and low upkeep means the countertop will continue to perform and look attractive for years.
Wonder why granite countertops stay popular? Read on or contact GML Granite Inc, the countertop company, for timeless durability!
If you’re shopping for new countertops or starting a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you’ve probably come across a few different types of companies: stone wholesalers, fabricators, and kitchen & bath companies. But what exactly does each one do—and who should you go to for what? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you better understand the roles these businesses play in your project: 1. Stone/Slab Wholesalers What They Do: Stone wholesalers import and distribute slabs of natural and engineered stone (like granite, quartz, marble, quartzite, etc.). They typically sell only to fabricators, not directly to the public. Who They Work With: Fabricators (like us at MGL Granite) Designers and contractors (through fabricators) What to Know: If you’ve ever visited a slab yard, it was probably through a fabricator. You can typically browse and choose your slab(s) from the wholesaler, but the wholesaler won’t cut, polish, or install it—that part comes next. 2. Fabricators (That’s Us!) What We Do: Fabricators like MGL Granite cut, polish, and install stone slabs to fit your custom countertop dimensions. We’re the ones who turn a raw slab into a beautiful, finished countertop that fits perfectly in your home. Services Typically Include: Field measurements (on-site measurements) Custom cutting and edging Seaming and polishing Delivery and installation Supply and installing support brackets Optional sealing and aftercare services What to Know: Fabricators are your go-to for anything related to stone surfaces—whether you need a kitchen countertop, a bathroom vanity, a fireplace surround, or a custom stone feature. We source slabs through wholesalers or showrooms, and then fabricate them to suit your space and style. 3. Kitchen & Bath Companies What They Do: Kitchen and bath companies usually offer full-service remodeling, including layout design, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and appliances. Many of them also coordinate countertops as part of the process, but they don’t fabricate the stone themselves. Who They Work With: Homeowners doing full remodels Subcontractors like plumbers, electricians—and countertop fabricators Designers What to Know: If you’re doing a full kitchen or bath remodel and want one company to manage everything, a kitchen & bath company might be the right choice. But keep in mind, they’ll likely hire a fabricator (like us) behind the scenes to handle the actual countertop work. Why This Matters to You Understanding who does what can save you time, money, and stress. If you're focused on choosing the perfect countertop and want to work directly with the experts who will cut and install it, a fabricator is your best bet. At MGL Granite, we walk you through the entire process—from selecting the right stone to installation—making your project as smooth and enjoyable as possible. If you’re working with a designer or remodeler already, just ask who they use for fabrication. And if you want to work directly with a trusted local fabricator, we’d love to help! Have Questions? Ready to Start Your Project? Contact MGL Granite today—we’re here to help you understand your options and bring your vision to life, one project at a time.
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