Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for home renovations due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. When considering quartz countertops, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how much do quartz countertops cost? Understanding what factors impact the pricing of quartz can help homeowners budget and plan for a new countertop installation.
What is Quartz?
Before diving into quartz countertop pricing, it’s helpful to understand exactly what quartz countertops are. Quartz countertops are engineered stone slabs made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz crystals and 10% resins and pigments. The quartz provides the countertop its signature hardness and durability, while the resins bind the material together into a slab.
The resins also allow manufacturers to introduce different colors and patterns into the material during fabrication. This gives quartz much more visual variety than natural stone materials like granite or marble.
Factors That Impact Quartz Countertop Pricing
There are several key factors that influence the installed price of quartz countertops for your home. These include:
Quartz Brand
There are many major quartz brands to choose from, including Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, and Viatera. Premium designer brands like these are priced higher than value-oriented options. The brand you choose can account for $10-15 differences per square foot installed.
Color and Pattern
Quartz comes in a diverse array of colors, from whites to bold colors like reds or blues. More intense colors and unique patterns are generally more expensive than white or light-colored slabs. Prices for specialty colors can be $5-10 more per square foot.
Thickness
Standard quartz thickness is 3/4″, but thicker 1 1/4″ slabs are available for a more substantial look. The thicker material costs $3-5 more per square foot installed. Thickness does not affect durability.
Edge Profiles
The edge of the countertop – such as a standard square edge or beveled edge – also affects the final price. More complex edges like ogee, dupont, or triple waterfall edges add $4-8 per linear foot.
Installation Considerations
The specifics of your installation space can also increase costs. Factors like a large number of seams, complicated cutouts for sinks, requiring demolition of old countertops, or installation on difficult to access surfaces like islands will raise the total price.
Location
Regional variables like cost of living and local supply and demand also impact quartz pricing. Pricing is generally a bit higher in areas like New York City or San Francisco compared to the Midwest.
Average Quartz Countertop Prices
Taking all these factors into account, here are some typical price ranges for quartz countertops:
- Low end: Value quartz options from home improvement stores installed by independent contractors run $40-70 per square foot. This assumes 3cm thickness, standard edges and patterns.
- Mid-range: Selecting mid-tier brands at specialty showrooms with some upgrades like edge treatments and patterns lands in the $70-100 per square foot range.
- High end: Opting for premium designer brands with maximum thickness and intricate edge details often costs over $100 per square foot installed. Unique colors and patterns also push prices higher.
- Islands: Due to the need for overhangs on multiple sides, quartz island installation averages $10-15 more per square foot.
- Backsplashes: Adding a 4” quartz backsplash tacks on $7-12 per linear foot depending on intricacy.
Factors That Do Not Impact Pricing
It’s also helpful to understand what does not impact quartz pricing:
- Thickness: Once the slab is fabricated, a 1/4″ thick piece costs the same as a 2″ thick piece. However thicker slabs are more expensive upfront.
- Color consistency: Thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques, color variation within the same slab or between different slabs is minimal.
- Durability: All major quartz brands offer similar lifetime warranties and durability. Thickness does not change this.
- Maintenance: Simple cleaning is recommended for all quartz brands. No need for sealing or polishing like natural stone.
Should You Buy Based on Price?
Because of the relatively small price differences between quartz brands once installed, it is not recommended to choose a countertop solely based on being the cheapest option. Instead, focus on choosing a color and style you love from a reputable brand known for quality. This will ensure you get beautiful, durable countertops that will last for many years in your home. With some smart budgeting and shopping, quartz can be an affordable investment that adds real value and elegance to your kitchen or bath.
Getting an Accurate Quote
To get an accurate estimate on what new quartz countertops will cost for your specific kitchen or bath, there are a few steps to take:
- Measure your existing space to calculate the square footage needed. Include separate measurements for islands or unusual angles.
- Narrow down the quartz colors and patterns you are interested in. Samples can be ordered from manufacturers.
- Select a retailer or showroom with a range of brands and options. They will help guide quartz selection.
- Discuss your budget upfront so options in your range can be presented.
- Communicate any special installation considerations like challenging cutouts.
- Get a written estimate outlining material, labor, timeframe, and payment schedule.
Taking the time to get a detailed and clearly communicated estimate will help set proper pricing expectations when budgeting for your quartz countertop installation. With some smart shopping and cost comparisons, it is possible to get quality, stylish quartz countertops at a competitive price for your home improvement project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable quartz brand?
Affordable quartz options are available from home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot in the $40-50 per square foot range. Brands include Silestone, Cambria, Caesarstone, Viatera and Corian.
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
On average, quartz runs $5-15 more per square foot than granite. However, higher end designer granites can also get quite expensive on par with premium quartz. The biggest price advantage for granite is very budget-friendly options under $40 per square foot.
Should I expect extra costs beyond just the countertop price?
It’s common for additional costs to apply like plumbing or electrical work, sink replacement, backsplashes, and demolition/disposal of old countertops. Discuss these items upfront to avoid surprise charges after installation.
Can I install quartz countertops myself?
Quartz is quite heavy, making DIY installation difficult. Professional installation by a skilled fabricator is strongly recommended to ensure proper cutting, seam placement, support, and alignment.
Is quartz maintenance free?
Quartz requires very little routine maintenance. Simply clean with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. No sealing or polishing is required. Quartz does not need to be refinished over time like solid surface.
Conclusion
When selected thoughtfully, quartz countertops can be an excellent investment that provides beauty, durability, and easy maintenance all in one package. While quartz is not the absolute cheapest option, competitive pricing makes it attainable for most kitchen and bath remodels. With some research and smart shopping, finding high quality quartz countertops at an affordable price point is certainly possible. Focusing on the style and color you love over minor price differences is the smart approach when choosing your new quartz countertops.