Quartz countertops are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens due to their visually appealing appearance, durability, and easy maintenance. For homeowners looking to renovate their kitchen on a budget, quartz presents an affordable alternative to more expensive natural stone countertops like marble or granite. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can get a high-quality 100% quartz countertop for your kitchen within a reasonable price range.

What is Quartz?

Quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed natural quartz combined with polymer resins and pigments. The quartz provides strength and hardness, while the resins bind the material together. Quartz contains over 90% crushed quartz, with the rest consisting of the polymer resins.

Unlike natural stone countertops which are cut directly from stone slabs, quartz countertops are manufactured in factories under precise conditions. This allows for a very consistent final product, with tight control over the color, pattern, and finish.

Benefits of Quartz Countertops

There are several reasons why quartz has become a top choice for kitchen countertops:

Durability

Quartz is extremely hard and scratch resistant. It’s harder than granite and less prone to chipping or cracking. The resins make it resistant to stains, acids, and heat. This makes it an ideal surface for busy kitchens. Quartz can withstand years of daily use while retaining its beauty.

Low Maintenance

Since quartz is non-porous, it does not need to be regularly sealed like natural stone. Simple wiping with a damp cloth is enough to keep quartz clean. Its resistance to stains also cuts down on maintenance requirements.

Appearance

Quartz comes in a wide array of colors and patterns that mimic natural stone. From sparkling aggregates to swirls and veins, quartz can be made to resemble marble, granite and other luxury stones. Without the high price tag. The consistent patterning gives a designer, high-end look.

Affordability

Quartz costs significantly less than natural stone. On average, quartz countertops range from $80-150 per square foot installed. While not cheap, it compares favorably to marble ($100-250 per square foot) and granite ($100-185 per square foot). The price makes quartz attainable for most kitchen renovation budgets.

What to Look for in a Quartz Countertop

When selecting a quartz countertop, pay attention to the following factors:

Quartz Content

Higher quartz content means increased durability and scratch resistance. Look for quartz content over 90%. Anything below 80% quartz may not have acceptable hardness and resilience.

Thickness

Standard quartz thickness is 3/4″. Go for at least 3cm thickness, but ideally 3.5cm for heavier use areas like kitchens. Thinner quartz is more prone to damage over time.

Warranty

Quality quartz manufacturers will provide a 10-15 year warranty. This covers defects, fabrication issues, cracking or chipping. A longer warranty indicates a more durable and resilient material.

Fabricator’s Reputation

An excellent warranty means little if the fabricator does shoddy work. Look for experienced local fabricators with training to install the specific quartz brand. Poor seam work can compromise the countertop’s durability and appearance.

Color/Pattern Consistency

Look for uniformity of color and pattern across all the slabs. Variations in tone or blotchiness indicate lower quality. The best quartz slabs will display consistent, attractive coloring all the way through.

Finish Options

Many quartz brands offer polished, matte or textured finishes. This lets you customize the look and feel you want. Matte or textured finishes can hide fingerprints and water marks better than polished.

Can You Get High Quality 100% Quartz Countertops on a Budget?

In general, yes, it’s possible to get high quality 100% quartz countertops for under $100 per square foot – if you follow a few guidelines:

Choose a Quartz Brand on the Lower End of the Price Scale

Stick with relatively affordable yet reputable quartz suppliers like Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, or MSI Quartz. High-end designer brands can cost over $200 per square foot. The more budget-friendly quartz brands start around $70 per square foot but still offer excellent quality.

Select a Simple Color and Pattern

Fancier quartz with intricate veining, sparkles or glossy finishes comes at a premium. Opt for a simple solid color or minimal patterning to save money. A straightforward white or light grey quartz can look ultramodern yet cost less.

Go for 3 cm Thickness

You can shave off a few dollars per sq.ft. by going with 3cm rather than 3.5cm thickness. Though not ideal for heavy usage areas, 3cm quartz provides adequate durability for most kitchens. Just avoid the thinnest options like 1.2cm quartz which can crack over time.

Install Smaller Pieces Rather than a Full Slab

Going with a smaller countertop area means paying for less quartz material. Use quartz only for targeted high-impact spots like a kitchen island. Get a full slab for heavy use zones like food prep surfaces, and complement with inexpensive materials like butcher block or laminate in lower traffic areas.

Shop Clearance or Discount Inventory

Check outlet warehouses or the clearance section of home improvement stores for discounted quartz remnants, irregular cuts or older color lines being discontinued. You can find quality quartz for under $50 per square foot if you don’t mind an imperfect piece or outdated color.

Avoiding Pitfalls When Buying Budget Quartz

To get a quality 100% quartz countertop on a budget, steer clear of these mistakes:

• Choosing a quartz-like material instead of actual quartz. IKEA’s Sektion quartz, for instance, contains just 20% quartz particles which compromises on durability.
• Selecting a low-end brand with questionable quality control. Stick to reputable middle-tier brands.
• Opting for a questionable overseas quartz supplier without a US warranty or customer service. This leaves you no recourse for any issues.
• Going with a fabricator offering suspiciously low prices. This could indicate cutting corners or poor workmanship.
• Neglecting to inspect the slabs beforehand. Look for any overt flaws, color mismatches or fabrication errors before installation.
• Putting an unqualified friend or handyman in charge of the installation instead of an experienced professional fabricator.

5 Tips for Keeping Quartz Countertop Costs Down

1. Measure properly and avoid overordering. Overestimation errors lead to paying for excess quartz that goes unused.
2. Ask about slab remnants or smaller cut pieces to use creatively such as for a backsplash. This repurposes what are essentially quartz scraps into an attractive design element.
3. See if any fabrication or installation discounts are available, especially during less busy seasons. You may be able to get 10-15% off regular prices.
4. Consider integrating unfinished or rough edges strategically into the design rather than paying for edging on all sides and seams. The industrial look is very on-trend right now.
5. Weigh total costs of other materials like marble, soapstone, granite, laminate etc. Before deciding on quartz. Don’t assume quartz is your cheapest option without pricing out alternatives.

Is Low Cost 100% Quartz Too Good to Be True?

The saying “you get what you pay for” often rings true. And deals that seem too good to be true usually are. The reality is that quality 100% quartz made by reputable manufacturers will rarely go below $70-80 per square foot. Prices dipping significantly lower than that should raise red flags.

However, for homeowners on a tight budget, there are ways to obtain an attractive 100% quartz kitchen countertop in the $50 – $75 per square foot range. You may sacrifice some thickness, size options, or the newest styles. But with some savvy shopping, compromises on certain specifications, and sticking to basic colors, quartz can work within constrained budgets. Avoid the impulse to go for dirt cheap quartz. But some beautiful, durable options exist on the lower end of the standard quartz price spectrum.

FAQ About Budget-Friendly 100% Quartz Countertops

Is quartz cheaper than granite?

Quartz generally costs $20-50 less per square foot than granite. Both materials have price overlaps, but you’re more likely to find quartz options in the $70-100 range compared to granite’s $100-150 range for more premium varieties.

What are the cheapest quartz countertop brands?

Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and MSI offer some relatively affordable quartz lines. IKEA and Costco also sell lower-priced quartz under $50 per square foot. However, avoid brands with questionable quality or durability.

Is white quartz cheaper than other colors?

Often yes, plain white or light quartz colors cost less than darker shades or quartz mimicking luxury stone patterns. But pricing ultimately depends more on the specific brand and product line. Don’t assume white quartz is always the cheapest option.

Should I consider quartzite instead of quartz for cost savings?

Quartzite is a natural stone that resembles quartz. It costs about the same on average. For a cheap stone look, laminate faux-quartz patterns could be a better budget choice than real quartzite.

Can you install quartz countertops yourself?

It’s possible but not advisable. Quartz is extremely heavy, difficult to cut, and requires seamless installation. Mistakes lead to expensive quartz going to waste. Hiring professionals is worth the cost.

The Bottom Line

Quality 100% quartz kitchen countertops can absolutely be obtained for under $100 per square foot. Sticking to affordable quartz brands, smaller sizes, and simple color patterns makes achieving this price point realistic. With some savvy shopping tactics, patience finding sales or remnants, and installing areas strategically, you can get an attractive quartz countertop upgrade on a limited budget. Just be sure to avoid unrealistic deals that seem too good to be true and compromise on durability or appearance. For homeowners who want the look of upscale stone for less, quartz makes a great contemporary countertop surface at an attainable price.

Can I get a 100 Quartz Kitchen Countertop: In Summary

• Quartz countertops provide an affordable, low-maintenance alternative to pricier natural stone. With durability, stylish appearance, and easy care, quartz has become a go-to option for kitchen upgrades.
• High quality 100% quartz countertops can be obtained for around $100 per square foot. This represents significant savings versus materials like marble or granite.
• Stick to middle-tier quartz brands, standard 3cm thickness, smaller surface areas, and simple colors/patterns to reduce costs.
• Shop warehouse discounts and remnant sales to find deals on quality quartz. But be wary of rock-bottom pricing that seems too good to be true.
• With smart purchasing tactics, it’s possible to install an attractive 100% quartz countertop in the average kitchen for under $100 per square foot. This makes quartz an appealing option for homeowners on a budget wanting to replace outdated laminate or tile surfaces with an elegant, contemporary quartz countertop that adds value and style.