Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. With their durability, low maintenance, and customization options, it’s no wonder many homeowners are choosing quartz over natural stone or laminate.

If you’re considering new quartz countertops, you may be wondering: can you sell quartz countertops after they’ve been installed? Will upgraded quartz countertops add resale value to your home? Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Quartz Countertops?

Before diving into the resale value of quartz countertops, let’s first look at what exactly quartz countertops are.

Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone countertops, are made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The quartz provides strength and durability, while the resins bind the material together.

Here are some key features of quartz countertops:

• Extremely durable – Quartz is one of the hardest minerals, making countertops scratch and stain resistant. They can withstand hot pots, sharp knives, and more.
• Low maintenance – Quartz resists staining, etching, and heat damage better than natural stone. Simple cleaning with soap and water is often all it needs.
• Non-porous – With very low porosity, quartz does not require regular sealing like natural stone.
• Customizable aesthetic – Quartz can mimic looks of marble, granite, and more. Pigments provide nearly unlimited color options.
• Seamless appearance – Large slabs minimize obvious seams compared to tile or laminate.
• Doesn’t require conditioning – Natural stone may need periodic resealing but quartz does not.

With this overview of the material, let’s now discuss the resale value.

Can You Sell Quartz Countertops?

The short answer is yes, upgraded quartz countertops can increase your home’s resale value. They are an on-trend, luxurious material that will appeal to most home buyers.

However, as with most home upgrades, you are unlikely to recoup 100% of the original installation cost at resale. The increase to your home’s value depends on factors like:

• Quality of the quartz – Higher-end, name brand quartz usually adds more value than budget options. Going for a timeless white or gray color palette also keeps it stylish for years to come.
• Other kitchen updates – If the quartz installation was part of a larger kitchen remodel that also included new cabinets, appliances, etc., it boosts the return on investment.
• Home type – Quartz may bring more value in higher-end homes than affordable properties. Luxury buyers expect high-end finishes.
• Local housing market – In high-growth areas with housing shortages, sellers often get closer to full ROI on renovations. Slow markets make recouping costs harder.

To maximize the resale potential, choose quality quartz in popular neutral tones that flow with your overall kitchen or bath aesthetic. White, gray, and black quartz have the widest appeal.

How Much Value Does Quartz Add?

Since many factors impact resale value, it’s impossible to give an exact dollar figure that quartz will add to every home. But based on the latest real estate trends, quartz generally offers a higher ROI than many other renovations.

Here are some statistics on the value quartz can provide:

• According to the 2021 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS, middle-range quartz countertop installation recouped about 70% of costs at resale. Higher-end quartz recovered over 80%.
• The same report listed quartz countertops as the interior upgrade with the highest ROI after fiber cement siding replacement.
• Among kitchen remodels, Zillow shows typical ROI for quartz countertops between 65-80%, exceeding projects like cabinet refacing.
• For luxury homes, real estate experts advise that quartz countertops can have over 90% ROI, beating out stainless steel appliances.

The consensus is that for most price ranges, new quartz countertops will net 60-80% of your investment back when selling. Achieving results near the higher end of that requires strategic decisions outlined next.

Design Choices to Maximize Quartz Resale Value

If installed properly in a home best suited for quartz, you can maximize the ROI. Here are smart design choices when selecting your quartz:

Choose Neutral Colors

Stick with versatile, globally popular quartz colors and patterns like:

• White
• Gray
• Black
• Beige
• Creamy neutrals

Avoid bold blues, greens, reds, or unique patterns. You never know a future buyer’s style. Timeless neutrals have the widest appeal.

Select Name Brands

Higher-end quartz manufacturers include Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and Viatera. Their quality materials and warranties bring more value than low-cost, generic brands.

Get Large, Seamless Pieces

Minimize seams with the largest quartz slabs that your budget allows. This gives a luxurious, high-end look. Keep seams simple and subtle.

Consider Thickness

While standard quartz thickness is 3 cm (1.2 inches), opting for 4 cm (1.5 inches) thickness adds sturdiness for even more durability and style.

Design Continuity

Tie together your kitchen or bath design with coordinated cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and hardware styles. Quartz should flow seamlessly with the overall aesthetics.

Are Quartz Countertops Right for Resale?

While quartz can clearly add resale value, it also comes at a high upfront cost. Installation averages $60-$100 per square foot.

So is it the best choice for your goals? Consider the following:

Quartz makes sense if:

• You plan extended ownership before selling – More time in your home means more opportunity to enjoy the benefits yourself.
• Your market expects high-end features – Buyers compare your finishes to other luxury listings.
• You’re doing a full remodel – Combined kitchen or bath updates maximize ROI on each investment.
• You prioritize durability and low maintenance – Quartz saves costs and hassles down the road.

Alternatives like granite may be better if:

• Your goal is flipping quickly – Low-cost updates like painting provide faster payback.
• Buyers don’t expect luxury finishes – Focus investment where it matters most to your target owners.
• You’re on a tight budget – More affordable laminate or butcher block may suffice.
• You prefer natural stone aesthetics – Granite offers unique natural patterns.

As you can see, quartz is far from the only option. Its resale value depends on your specific real estate situation.

Maintaining Your Quartz for Optimal Resale Value

To get the most value from your quartz when selling, proper care and maintenance are key. Follow these tips:

• Keep surfaces clear of dirt, spills, and debris that can dull the appearance.
• Use cutting boards and trivets to protect from scratches and burns.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can damage the finish.
• Clean spills promptly before they can stain.
• Regularly wipe down with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap.
• Reseal cracks or seams if they appear.
• Repair chips immediately to avoid further damage.
• Consider professional services to restore sheen and sanitize before listing.

With the right care, your quartz can maintain its like-new appeal for buyers. Be sure to tout the benefits of quartz durability and low maintenance when marketing your home.

The Bottom Line

Quartz countertops remain one of the most valuable kitchen and bath upgrades to boost resale value. While unlikely to recoup 100% of your investment, strategic choices can get you closer to full ROI.

Focus on quality materials, popular neutrals, and professional installation. For move-up markets, luxury buyers expect quartz and other high-end finishes. Given proper care, the durability of quartz saves costs and hassles for years to come.

At resale, tout the low maintenance advantage of quartz compared to natural stone. With this strategy, quartz countertops can deliver one of the highest returns on investment versus other remodeling projects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Quartz Countertops

Selling a home with upgraded quartz countertops? As quartz grows in popularity, buyers often have questions about these engineered stone surfaces. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:

Is quartz an expensive countertop material?

Quartz is pricier than options like laminate but more affordable than natural stone. Material and installation costs typically run $60-$100 per square foot. The high-end brands cost more. Overall, quartz is a mid-range option between value and luxury choices.

How long do quartz countertops last?

With proper care, quartz can last 25 years or more. The dense material resists scratches, stains, and heat damage better than natural stone. The durability makes quartz a long-term investment that maintains appeal.

Does quartz require ongoing maintenance?

No major maintenance is required beyond daily cleaning. Simply using soap and water is sufficient since quartz resists staining and etching. No regular sealing or conditioning is needed like with granite or marble.

Can you repair damage to quartz?

Minor damage like superficial scratches can often be buffed out through polishing. Chips or cracks require professional repair. Some manufacturers offer warranty coverage of repairs within certain time frames after install.

Is quartz environmentally friendly?

While not 100% natural, leading quartz brands use recycled materials and safer resin binders. Look for low-VOC products certified under standards like Greenguard or NSF. Quartz has relatively low carbon footprint compared to other surfaces.

Does quartz add resale value?

In most cases, yes. As a high-end material, new quartz countertops generally recoup 60-80% of installed costs at resale, making it a smart investment. Luxury, neutral palette designs in good condition bring optimal added value for sellers.

Is quartz out of style?

Quartz remains one of the most popular countertop materials. Its neutral colors and pattern versatility pair well with nearly any kitchen or bath design. As long as your quartz features a timeless, high-end aesthetic, it should appeal to buyers.

Can you change the color of your quartz later?

Unfortunately, no. The pigments that color quartz run throughout the material. It is not possible to etch, stain, or dye quartz as you could with some other surfaces. One advantage is that the color will remain consistent over time.

Does quartz feel warmer than other countertops?

Quartz does not get as cold to the touch as natural stone. The resin binder makes quartz feel slightly warmer underhand. But it does not offer the heat retention of solid surface materials like Corian.

I hope these answers help provide clarity on what to expect from quartz countertops. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Enhancing Your Home With Quartz Countertops

If you’re on the fence about installing new quartz countertops, consider how they can enhance your kitchen or bath in ways that appeal to buyers:

Visual Appeal

With unique patterns and endless color options, quartz offers eye-catching visual interest that upgrades the whole room. Especially in neutral palettes, quartz adds dimension without overwhelming. The seamless appearance creates a smooth, high-end look.

Durability

Your new owners will appreciate how scratch-, stain-, and heat-resistant quartz stands up to heavy usage over time. This material can handle anything from rowdy kids to entertaining crowds. Buyers are happy to avoid repair and replacement costs down the road.

Ease of Maintenance

Life gets busy, so buyers look for low-maintenance features like quartz that clean up quickly and easily. No sealing or polishing makes carefree upkeep a breeze. Quartz offers the beauty of stone without the hassle.

Safety

Non-porous quartz does not harbor bacteria or microorganisms that can develop in the pits and crevices of natural stone finishes. This makes quartz countertops highly hygienic in kitchens and bathrooms.

Consistency

While natural stones vary slab to slab, quartz offers consistent color and patterning throughout your kitchen or bath. The uniformity provides a designer look. There are no unexpected surprises or mismatches.

Resale Value

Updated countertops rank among the best investments for ROI. As buyers hunt for move-in ready homes, new quartz countertops add thousands back to your bottom line at resale.

With this wide range of benefits, quartz countertops add functionality, beauty, and value that buyers seek. The initial investment pays dividends when attracting top dollar down the road.

Alternatives to Quartz Countertops

While quartz countertops have many advantages, there are other surface options homeowners may prefer based on their priorities:

Granite Countertops

Pros:

• Natural beauty with unique stone patterns
• Prestigious, luxury appeal
• Retains resale value well

Cons:

• Requires periodic sealing
• Prone to staining, etching, and cracking
• Higher maintenance than quartz

Marble Countertops

Pros:

• Elegant, classic look
• Softer than granite, easier on glassware
• Attractive veining patterns

Cons:

• Stains and etches more easily than granite
• Needs frequent sealing and polishing
• Scratches show easily

Laminate Countertops

Pros:

• Most budget-friendly option
• Wide range of colors and patterns
• Easy do-it-yourself installation

Cons:

• Prone to scratches, scorches, and moisture damage
• Seams more visible than solid surface materials
• Lower resale value than natural stone or quartz

Butcher Block Countertops

Pros:

• Warm, traditional appearance
• Durable work surface for cutting
• Eco-friendly material

Cons:

• Requires occasional sanding and oiling
• Prone to scratches and water stains
• Not heat or moisture resistant

Tile Countertops

Pros:

• Durable, easy-to-clean surface
• Allows creative use of different colors and patterns
• Damaged tiles can be replaced

Cons:

• Grout lines may discolor or collect gunk
• Not seamless appearance
• Prone to cracking and chipping at tile edges

There are situations where these alternatives offer benefits that outweigh their downsides for homeowners’ needs. But for maximal long-term durability and resale potential, quartz remains hard to beat.

Should I Remove or Replace My Quartz Countertops Before Selling?

If your existing quartz countertops were quality installations and remain in good shape, there is little reason to replace them before listing your home. Here are tips on evaluating whether to remove, replace, or keep your quartz:

Keep Your Quartz If:

• Installation quality was high with minimal seams
• Popular neutral colors like white or gray
• Condition is flawless or minor scratches can be buffed out
• No major damage like chips, cracks, or stains
• Surfaces can be professionally cleaned and sanitized

Consider Replacing If:

• Heavy damage, stains, or etching that are beyond repair
• Outdated or unpopular colors and patterns
• Poor installation with obvious messy seams
• Builder-grade materials lacking depth and dimension
• Significantly custom sizes that won’t work for new owners

Remove Only If Necessary

• Defective quartz needs replacing but existing layout must change
• Ideal buyer targets more traditional tastes where quartz appears too modern

Unless your quartz is truly worn out or custom-fit for your home’s outdated layout, replacement may not be worth the cost. Simple remedies like cleaning and staging often boost appeal.

Staging Your Quartz Countertops to Impress Buyers

Showcasing your quartz countertops well can maximize their value to prospective buyers. Use these home staging tips:

Keep Surfaces Clear

Remove small appliances, utensils, drying racks, and other clutter. Clean quartz draws the eye.

Play Up Natural Lighting

Open blinds and curtains to let in daylight. Quartz surfaces shine in the sun’s luminosity. Turn on accent lighting.

Pair With Unique Fixtures

A statement chandelier, luxury faucet, or eye-catching backsplash complements stunning quartz. Don’t let the counters speak for themselves.

Organize Designer Accessories

Decorative bowls, soaps, candles, and utensil holders pop against the quartz’s neutral palette. Avoid making the space look too busy.

Add Greenery and Flowers

Vibrant plants, fresh flowers, and fruit displays make kitchens and baths feel lively and luxurious. Nature contrasts beautifully with engineered quartz.

Clean Thoroughly

Disinfect, deodorize, and remove every speck of grime. Quartz should gleam. Replace any grout or