Installing new countertops can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular choice due to their stylish appearance, durability, and low maintenance. But before you visit a countertop store and decide on darker quartz countertops, it’s important to understand the quartz countertop costs and what impacts the total price. This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about the cost of quartz countertops.
What Are Quartz Countertops?
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered quartz or engineered stone countertops, are made from crushed quartz combined with resins and pigments. The natural quartz itself makes up over 90% of the material, making quartz countertops extremely hard and durable. The resin binds the crushed quartz into a sturdy surface. Pigments are added to achieve different color options.
Unlike natural stone countertops like granite and marble, no two quartz slabs will have the same pattern. This makes the quartz countertops expensive compared to unique while still having a stylish, high-end look. Quartz countertops provide homeowners with a one-of-a-kind appearance for their kitchens and bathrooms without having to deal with some drawbacks of natural stone like staining or etching.
Quartz Countertop Cost Per Square Foot
So how much do quartz countertops cost? The total price depends on several factors, but looking at the per-square-foot cost is a good starting point.
On average, installed quartz countertops cost between $50 to $100 per square foot. Basic quartz slabs from home improvement stores tend to start around $50 per square foot. The Consumer Affairs buying guide advises homeowners to budget $80 to $140 per square foot for higher-end quartz installed.
According to most sources, expect to pay:
- Low end: $45 to $55 per square foot
- Mid-range: $55 to $75 per square foot
- High-end: $75 to $125+ per square foot
Many variables like slab thickness, edge treatments, and local labor costs can drive these prices up or down. We’ll break down exactly what impacts labor cost and the total price below.
Factors That Impact Quartz Countertop Costs
When estimating your full quartz countertop costs, four main elements impact the final price:
1. Quartz Slab Cost
The biggest portion of your overall budget will go toward the quartz slabs themselves. Slab cost is calculated per square foot, with quartz slab prices starting around $40 for basic colors and styles from home improvement stores. More unique quartz slab designs can cost over $100 per square foot. More factors that impact slab cost include:
Color
Whites, grays, and blacks tend to be the most affordable options. Beiges, creams, blues, and greens have medium prices. Some specialty colors and patterns can increase the price exponentially.
Thickness
Basic thickness options start at .80 inches (2 cm) up to 1.25 inches. 3 cm slabs are standard. Thicker options are more durable and resist cracking if properly supported.
Quartz Brand
Some recognizable high-end quartz brands like Caesarstone and Cambria cost more than generic quartz slab brands you’ll find at home improvement stores. Designer brands range $70 to $150+ per square foot.
Edges & cutouts
Any required edgework or cutouts for sinks and cooktops will add to the final slab prices. More intricate edge profiles, double bullnose edges, polished finishes, and curved corners all increase fabrication time and costs.
When comparing different quartz brands and styles, be sure to compare apples to apples by verifying:
- Slab thickness
- Edge details
- Any cutouts needed
- Warranties and maintenance requirements
This ensures you get accurate cost comparisons between options. Don’t assume all quartz countertop prices or warranties are equal across suppliers.
2. Quartz Countertop Installation
In most situations, professional installation is highly recommended for any natural stone and quartz countertops. The stone is extremely heavy, making removal of old countertops and proper handling of new slabs difficult for DIY installations. The right tools and experience are needed to cut holes for sinks and faucets properly without damaging the slab.
You’ll need to account for labor costs for:
Transportation of the Slabs
Quartz slabs are very heavy, making transportation from the warehouse to your home difficult without proper equipment. Fabricators need to carefully load, unload, and maneuver these heavy materials using lifts, dollies, and additional helpers to avoid damaging the slabs.
Removal and Disposal of Old Countertops
The installation process begins by safely removing and disposing of your old countertop and base cabinets if needed. This includes disconnecting plumbing, electricity, and appliances, and then safely extracting materials without damaging walls or floors. Old kitchen countertops also need to be broken down to safely haul away debris.
Accurately Measuring and Templating the Space
Precise measurements are crucial for a perfect fit and seamless look. Your installer will measure multiple times and create cardboard templates ensuring each section is cut and aligned properly around walls, windows, appliances, etc.
Cutting, Edging, and Polishing
Skilled fabrication operators will precision cut your slabs according to sink measurements and template outlines. The right edging tools and techniques are used to get flawless bullnose edges, bevels, engravings, and polished finishes. Any mistakes during cutting or edging mean wasted expensive materials.
Securing Slabs Properly Into Place
Special adhesives and braces securely bond quartz countertop slabs onto base cabinets. Supporting underneath the countertop correctly prevents future cracking or collapse. The heavy stone also requires at least two workers to maneuver into place.
Sealing Seams
Where sections of quartz meet, installers fill gaps with matching adhesive for an imperceptible seam. The right color-matched filler and smoothing techniques deliver seamless, solid counters.
Depending on your provider and location, average installation costs range $35 to $75 per hour. This can add $150 to $500+ for installation depending on the size of the job. Be sure to get an itemized estimate so you know exactly what is covered in those labor costs.
3. Other Countertops Costs
On the top edge of the physical countertop price, here are some other elements that make up the total project cost:
Sink cutouts and plumbing
If you are replacing kitchen or bathroom countertops, ensure proper sink cutouts and plumbing work are included in the estimate. Accurately measuring and expertly cutting holes for undermount sinks is crucial. This also includes disconnecting and reconnecting faucets and drains.
Backsplash installation
While not mandatory, most kitchens pair countertops with a matching quartz backsplash. Backsplash installation often costs an additional $10 to $15 per linear foot depending on height. Expect to budget $500 to $800 extra for a countertop removal full backsplash installment.
Edge treatments
The standard edge treatment for most countertops is a polished finish with slightly rounded top and bottom edges. Upgrading to special edge treatments like double bullnose edges, beveled edges, Ogee edges, or custom patterns could add $8 to $20 per linear foot.
Electrical or outlets
If adding any outlets, lighting, or pop-up receptacles that are flush with the other countertop edges, you may need to ask for an electrician to install or extend wiring.
Average Cost of Installing Quartz Countertops by Room
To estimate the full budget, the easiest way is to calculate the total square footage needed and multiply based on the installed per-square-foot price range for your desired quartz.
Here are some average costs for common rooms:
- Kitchen quartz countertops – With an average of 35 square feet of counter space for a standard 10×10 kitchen, expect to pay $1,750 to $3,500 installed.
- Master bathroom – A double vanity sink with 6 feet of counter space could cost $300 to $600 to install.
- Secondary bathroom remodels – A smaller single vanity bathroom may need 15 square feet of quartz at around $750 to $1,500 installed.
Use these $ per square foot estimates as a starting point for your quote. Exact measurements and details for each job impact the final price.
How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost Compared to Other Materials?
Quartz has outstanding performance at an affordable price point compared to other natural stones. Here’s how quartz stacks up:
- Quartz vs. Granite countertops
- Granite leads in uniqueness with dramatic veins and swirls. However, the tradeoff is periodic sealing to prevent staining.
- Material costs for granite vs quartz are similar, but granite needs more frequent sealing and maintenance.
- Quartz vs. Marble
- Marble is gorgeous, but much lower on durability and scratch resistance. Higher maintenance tradeoffs.
- Material prices can be comparable, but marble staining/etching issues from daily use make long-term costs higher.
- Quartz vs. Laminate or Butcher Block
- Laminate and butcher block counters cost significantly less than quartz material. But they lack in appearance, durability, and resale value.
- Go with laminate or butcher block if on a very tight budget. Otherwise, quartz leads in quality and performance.
While not the absolute cheapest route, quartz provides an outstanding combination of durability, appearance, and value compared to other popular countertop options. The slightly higher material costs pay off with lower lifetime maintenance needs.
Enhancing Your New Quartz Countertops
After committing a significant budget to new quartz counters, spend a little extra effort making sure you get the most from your investment:
- Purchase a commercial-grade water filtration system for sinks – Keeping drinking and cooking water pure preserves quartz’s flawless finish and prevents etching over decades of use.
- Apply a penetrating sealant once per year – Though quartz resists staining and etching, an added shield of sealant ensures liquids bead up instead of seeping into microscopic pores.
- Immediately wipe spills – Quartz stands up extremely well to stains. But letting juices, wines and oils sit increases chances for absorption into the stone over hours.
- Use cutting boards and trivets – Protect the surface integrity by providing a buffer against sharp knife edges and hot pans.
- Clean with non-abrasive pH-neutral cleaners – Avoid harsh chemicals and scrubbing pads which could dull areas over time.
Caring properly for quartz has minimal effort but makes a difference in maintaining its durable, vibrant beauty. When you’re ready to sell your home, it allows your investment to retain its luster and value-boosting impact.
5 Tips for Saving on Your Quartz Countertop Cost
Look for ways to keep quartz countertop prices reasonable with these budget tips:
- Measure precisely – Get accurate measurements to buy only what you need. Having to buy extra materials or return unused slabs means wasted budgets.
- Standard edges – Skip fancy edge profiles for straight polished edges to reduce fabrication time and costs.
- Do the demo yourself – Save on labor by managing any demolition and removal of old countertops yourself before the installers arrive.
- Buy base packages – Opt for stock colors and styles the installer has bulk pricing on already versus custom ordering one-off materials.
- DIY backsplash – Have the pros install the countertop then handle the backsplash tile yourself later.
Long-Term Savings and Resale Value with Quartz
Quartz may come with higher upfront costs compared to some options like laminate counters. But over a 10-15 year period, quartz offers outstanding durability that saves homeowners money when factoring replacement and upgrade costs down the road. Laminate and solid surface materials tend to show wear faster than seamed and polished quartz surfaces.
Not only is the strong engineered stone built to last decades, but quartz counters can also boost resale appeal. Natural stone is consistently most desired by buyers. Quartz delivers on this expectation of quality more than imitation options. Home shoppers recognize quartz countertops add value versus lower priced counters that appear less high-end to prospective buyers.
So if planning to sell your home within 5-10 years, quartz’s superb functionality and visual elegance help home values stand out to buyers who appreciate quality finishes.
The Bottom Line
There’s no denying it – quartz delivers a brilliant surface and stellar performance to justify the investment over cheaper options. When you start pricing out a kitchen or bath remodel, quartz countertops quickly stand out for their stellar blend of form and function. While quartz comes at a higher initial price than laminates or ceramic tile, few other materials can match quartz beauty paired with outstanding scratch, scorch, and stain resistance. Unlike natural stone, quartz lacks annoying sealing and polishing needs. Compared to wood or laminate countertop options, quartz boasts superior durability that retains its elegant appearance decade after decade.
Yes, quartz costs more upfront than some options. But when factoring in lengthy lifespans with little maintenance required, quartz delivers outstanding long-term value. Few counters offer the easy-care maintenance routine that allows you to simply enjoy the stylish quartz surface stress-free. Just be sure to get an itemized estimate accounting for quartz slab expenses, precise fabrication, skilled installation, and any edge treatments or backsplash costs. With smart planning and budgeting, you can take full advantage of quartz’s virtues to amplify the aesthetics of your home for years to come.
