Quartz countertops are a popular choice for modern kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and relatively low maintenance. Unlike natural stone countertops like granite or marble, quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. This makes quartz more consistent in color and pattern compared to natural stone.
One of the common questions homeowners have about quartz countertops is whether they can be recut or reshaped after the initial installation. The answer is yes, with some caveats. Here is a detailed overview of recutting quartz countertops.
What Does Recutting Quartz Countertops Involve?
Recutting or reshaping quartz countertops involves carefully cutting into the existing slabs to remove a portion of the material. This may be done to:
- Accommodate new appliances, sinks, or fixtures
- Resize sections of the countertop
- Repair damaged edges or corners
- Create a new edge profile or look
The process requires specialized tools like diamond-tipped blades and cutters to precisely reshape the engineered stone. Water is also used to keep the quartz cool while cutting to prevent cracking.
Professional fabricators or installers are needed to recut quartz counters. Attempting to cut quartz yourself risks damaging the material.
Factors That Determine If Quartz Can Be Recut
There are a few factors that determine if recutting or altering your existing quartz countertop is possible:
Original Thickness
Most quartz slabs are 0.5 to 1.25 inches thick. Thinner quartz has less material to work with for recutting. Quartz edges under 1 inch thick are generally not suitable for recutting.
Complexity of Cuts
Simple straight cuts along the edge or creating inside corners in a quartz top can usually be done. But complex curved cuts or removing large sections of the quartz may not be possible.
Location of Needed Cuts
Parts of the quartz near seams, cooktops, or sinks may be difficult to recut depending on how it was originally installed.
Amount of Recutting Needed
Removing a small section of overhang or reshaping a small area is simpler than recutting a major portion of your existing quartz countertop.
Edge Profiles
Some edge profiles like beveled edges are easier to alter than decorative edges like ogee, dupont, or triple pencil.
Age of Installation
Older quartz tops may become more brittle and prone to chipping or cracking when cut. Recutting counters installed over 5 years ago brings higher risk.
The Recutting Process Step-By-Step
If a professional determines your quartz countertop is suitable for recutting, the basic process involves:
- Carefully examining the existing installation and areas to be cut.
- Building a plan for cutting, including necessary supports or braces.
- Cleaning the surface and taping off any nearby walls, backsplashes, etc.
- Setting up tools and guards to contain water and debris.
- Making precise cuts with specialized saws and cutters. Small final adjustments may be made by grinding or sanding.
- Polishing and cleaning up the recut surfaces and edges. Resealing or grouting seams as needed.
Pros and Cons of Recutting Quartz Countertops
Pros:
- More affordable than full replacement.
- Retains most of your existing quartz surface.
- Less wasteful than tearing out countertops.
- Alter size, shape or edges without changing slab.
Cons:
- Limitations based on original thickness and installation.
- May see visible seams or color differences along cut edges.
- Risk of damage if cuts are made incorrectly.
- No guarantee that all desired changes will be achievable.
Cost to Recut Quartz Countertops
The cost to recut quartz varies based on the complexity and scope of cuts needed. Small recuts or edge updates may cost $200-500. Major resizing or alterations to multiple areas of a countertop could run $1000-2000+.
Get quotes from 3-4 fabricators before approving the job. Also factor in costs to reconnect plumbing, electrical, or appliances if applicable.
Maintaining Your Recut Quartz Surface
With a properly executed recutting, your altered quartz countertops should provide many additional years of beauty and enjoyment. Follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines to keep them looking like new. This usually involves:
- Using mild cleaners and avoiding abrasive chemicals.
- Wiping up spills promptly to prevent stains.
- Avoiding excessive heat.
- Resealing if needed.
- Handling cracks or damage promptly.
Key Takeaways
- Quartz countertops can be recut by skilled professionals in many cases. The original thickness and design impacts recutting options.
- The process involves precision cutting new edges or removing sections using specialized tools.
- Recutting can cost $200-2000+ depending on the scope. It still offers cost savings over full replacement.
- With proper care, recut quartz countertops can provide many additional years of service. But some imperfections may be visible.
Recutting allows you to give your existing quartz countertops new life with a different shape or layout. Consult fabrication experts to determine what alterations makes sense based on your specific counters. With careful planning and execution, recutting quartz opens up exciting design possibilities without requiring full replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recutting Quartz Countertops
Can you cut a straight line into quartz?
Yes, straight line cuts along the edges or to resize sections of a quartz countertop are usually possible depending on the thickness and condition of the slab. A skilled fabricator uses specialized cutters and diamond blades to make straight cuts into a quartz surface.
Does cutting quartz cause cracks?
Cutting quartz does not inherently cause cracks if done properly. However, improper cutting or attempting to reshape very thin areas of the slab does increase the risk of cracks forming during or after the recutting process.
Can you cut out around a sink in quartz?
It is possible to cut out the area around an existing sink in a quartz countertop to enlarge the opening. But this is one of the more complex recutting jobs given the need to account for the sink supports and plumbing. Consult an expert to see if your existing installation allows room for expanding the sink cutout.
Is it cheaper to recut or replace quartz?
In most cases recutting only portions of your quartz countertop is cheaper than full replacement. However, if the cuts needed are very extensive, replacement may make more sense than recutting more than half of your existing slab. Get quotes on both options to compare.
Can you cut quartz yourself?
It is not advisable for homeowners to try cutting or recutting quartz themselves. The engineered stone requires special cutting tools and techniques best handled by professional stone fabricators and installers to get clean, precise cuts without damaging the material.
Conclusion
Recutting quartz countertops allows you to give an existing installation new life and customize it to your current needs. With careful evaluation of your current counters, experienced installers can determine what alterations make the most sense. While some limitations and imperfections are inevitable, recutting quartz ultimately provides a cost-effective way to update your space compared to a full replacement. With proper care, your recut quartz countertop can look amazing for many years.