Installing a new quartz countertop can transform the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. With its durability, low maintenance, and customizability, quartz has become an increasingly popular choice for countertops. However, installing a quartz countertop requires careful planning and skilled workmanship to get it right. So, how long does a typical quartz countertop installation take?
The total time needed to install a quartz countertop will depend on several factors:
Size and Layout of the Countertop
The total size and number of sections of the countertop will have a direct impact on installation time. A small, straightforward layout with just one or two sections will take less time than a large countertop with multiple seams and cutouts.
For a relatively simple 30-40 sq. ft. countertop installation with just one or two seams, most installers estimate 4-6 hours for removal of old countertop, preparation, fitting, securing, and finishing the edges.
For a larger or more complex layout of 60-90 sq. ft. with multiple seams and cutouts, installation time can increase to 8-12 hours. Intricate designs with unusual shapes or patterns may take even longer.
Thickness and Edges
Standard quartz thickness is 3/4 inch, but thicker options like 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 inches are available for a more substantial look. The thicker the slab, the more time needed to maneuver and secure it into place.
The edge profiles chosen, like bullnose, ogee, or dupont, can also add time, especially if multiple profiles are mixed, requiring more cuts and precision grinding. Simple eased or pencil round edges will be the quickest options.
Seams and Cutouts
Seams between countertop sections and any cutouts for sinks, cooktops, or other appliances will add steps to the installation.
Each seam needs to be carefully aligned, glued, and secured. Cutouts require precise templating and cutting to enable a smooth fit for the sink or appliance. The number of seams and cutouts will determine how much additional installation time is required.
Removal and Prep Work
If you’re replacing an existing countertop, adequate time has to be allowed for proper removal and disposal of the old countertop and prep work to get the base ready. Removing an old countertop and cleanup can take 2-3 hours or more, depending on materials, adhesives used, and the amount of damage to the base cabinets.
Once the old top is out, the installer will check the base structure and make any repairs, which could take 1-2 hours. The base also has to be cleaned, leveled, and prepared to ensure proper support and fit for the new quartz countertop.
Edging and Finishing
Edging helps define the look of the finished installation. After securing the slabs, the installer has to cut and grind the edges. More elaborate ogee, bullnose or dupont edges take more time than simple eased or pencil edges.
Finishing steps like cleaning up adhesive squeeze-out and polishing add another 30-60 minutes or more per section, depending on the countertop’s length and configuration.
Travel and Setup
The installers’ travel time to your location and setup time for tools and materials will add at least an hour or more to the total installation time, even for relatively simple jobs. Larger or more distant jobs may require significantly more setup and breakdown time.
Skill Level and Crew Size
An experienced, skilled fabrication and installation crew will work more quickly and efficiently than less experienced crews. Solo installers will generally take longer than 2-3 person crews on larger jobs.
Most quartz countertop installers estimate needing 2-3 workers for typical jobs. More complex projects and hard-to-access spaces may need additional workers.
What the Process Looks Like
To better understand what’s involved in a typical quartz installation, it helps to break the process down step-by-step:
Step 1: Remove Existing Countertop
If replacing an old countertop, the first step is to remove and dispose of it properly. The installers will disconnect any water/drain lines and remove appliances or sinks to fully access the countertop.
After disconnecting everything and clearing the surrounding area, the old countertop is cut into manageable sections using a circular saw with a diamond blade. These sections are disconnected from the base cabinets and removed.
Adhesive, silicone, or other residue is scraped and sanded to prep the base. Any garbage or debris is cleaned up.
Step 2: Repair Base Cabinets
With the old top gone, the installers can inspect the underlying support structure. Any problems like damaged cabinet facings, uneven surfaces, or missing support braces must be repaired to provide a sound base.
Shimming or filling gaps may be needed to flatten the top surfaces of the cabinets. Some minor adjustments can be done on site, while larger issues may require offsite work or cabinet replacement.
Step 3: Dry Fit the New Quartz Slabs
The quartz slabs are brought in and dry fit into place without any adhesives to check fit and alignment. The installers will look for any gaps at the seams or areas that may need adjustment.
Some minor grinding or smoothing of the slabs may be done at this stage. For custom edging, they router and prepare the edges based on the profiles specified.
Step 4: Apply Adhesive and Set the Slabs
Once the dry fit is approved, adhesive is applied to join the slabs. The type of adhesive depends on the quartz product, cabinet materials, and installers’ preference.
The slabs are carefully lowered into place, aligned at the seams, and securely pressed into the adhesive bed. Weights or clamps keep the slabs flush while the adhesive sets.
Step 5: Clean Up Squeeze Out
Some adhesive will squeeze out along the seams and edges as the slabs are pressed together. This needs to be quickly cleaned up before it dries using scrapers and solvent.
A heat gun helps soften any dried adhesive to remove it without marring the quartz finish. Any remaining residue is sanded down.
Step 6: Cut and Finish Edges
The installed countertop will now have visible seams where the slabs meet. The installer cuts these edges with a special router for a smooth seamless transition between slabs.
For custom edging like ogee or bullnose, the profiles are carefully cut, ground, and polished. Edges are smoothed and corners mitered for a seamless finish.
Step 7: Attach Backsplash and Accessories
If the project includes a matching quartz backsplash, this is cut to fit the space and secured to the wall over the countertop. Integrated accessories like drain boards, trivets, or spice racks are also installed now.
Step 8: Seal and Finish
The installers give the countertop a final precision polish, removing any remaining adhesive or residue. Sealers are applied if specified by the manufacturer to enhance stain resistance and durability.
Once the countertop installation is complete, you can reconnect and reinstall sinks, faucets, appliances, and other accessories. Finally, the installers clean up their equipment and work area, completing the project.
Factors That Increase Installation Time
While simple quartz countertop installations can often be completed in a single day, there are many factors that can add hours or even extra days to the project timeline:
- Large surface area over 90 sq. ft.
- Multiple disjointed sections and seams
- Intricate edge profiles like ogee or dupont
- Thicker 3cm slabs that are heavier to maneuver
- Numerous cutouts for sinks and appliances
- Existing countertop that’s difficult to remove
- Extensive repairs needed to cabinet base
- Access challenges – narrow doorways or stairs
- Additional features like backsplashes or accent strips
- Travel distance over an hour for remote locations
It’s important to discuss all these factors with your installation company ahead of time so they can give you an accurate estimate on total installation hours.
How Long Does Quartz Countertop Fabrication Take?
The fabrication process must be completed before installation can begin. Fabrication includes:
- Digital templating and measurements
- Selecting and inspecting the slabs
- Cutting the slabs to size
- Shaping cutouts and edge profiles
- Polishing and finishing
For 10-15 linear ft. of countertop, most fabricators estimate needing 1-2 days for templating, cutting, edging, and polishing. More complex projects with multiple surfaces and cutouts may take 2-3 days or more of fabrication time.
Fabrication shops work concurrently on multiple jobs, so your countertops will just be scheduled into their overall workflow. The lead time between templating and installation may range from 7-21 days, depending on the shop’s workload.
Rushing the fabrication risks mistakes, so it’s generally best to plan ahead and allow the normal fabrication time your installer recommends. Any change orders or adjustments after templating will likely add days to their schedule.
Scheduling Delays Around Installation
Other than fabrication lead times, there are some additional delays that can happen around your installation date:
- Template verification – the installer may do a site check the day before installation to verify everything matches the digital template. If any discrepancies are found, it may delay installation a day or two.
- Material or personnel shortages – supply chain issues can occasionally result in slab shipment delays. Lack of installers may push the schedule back as well.
- Appliance delivery issues – if sinks, cooktops or other appliances aren’t on site, installers may have to delay installing the countertop cutouts.
Leaving a buffer of a few days around your expected installation date is wise to accommodate any potential hiccups in scheduling. Maintaining flexibility helps ensure your installers can be as efficient as possible when on site.
Cost Factors for Installation
For estimating your total project costs, it helps to know what factors affect installation pricing:
- Location – accessibility and distance from shop affects travel fees
- Layout complexity – simple vs. complex designs, seams, edges
- Thickness – standard 3/4″ vs. thicker 1 1/4″ – 1 1/2″ slabs
- Size – total sq. footage of countertop sections
- Demo and site prep – effort to remove old top and prepare base
- Special features – backsplashes, accent strips, extras
- Fabrication costs – will be charged separately from install
Many quartz installers charge per linear foot, with typical costs ranging $150-$250 per linear foot depending on materials, edges, and other factors.
Be sure to get a detailed written estimate from installers to understand exactly what is covered in their pricing. Never rely on rough verbal estimates, always get every charge documented before starting your project.
Hiring Professional Installers
Quartz countertop installation is a job best left to experienced professionals. Proper tools and techniques are needed to accurately cut, seam, and secure the slabs while minimizing any damage or cracking.
When hiring installers, look for these signs of expertise:
- Specialized in quartz fabrication and installation – it requires different skills than natural stone or other materials.
- Have 5-10+ years of experience working with quartz. It takes time to master the nuances.
- Positive reviews mentioning quality of workmanship and professionalism.
- Offer full-service – templating, fabrication, installation and finishing. Capability for complete in-house processing reduces risks.
- Provide a detailed written estimate outlining exactly what is covered.
- Carry insurance including liability and workers compensation.
While DIY quartz countertop installation is not impossible for a dedicated DIYer, the risks of cracking slabs or having seams misalign are high. Unless you have the proper tools and experience, hire a pro to get it right the first time.
FAQs About Installing Quartz Countertops
How long does it take to install a kitchen countertop?
For a typical 10 foot long straight kitchen countertop, most installers estimate around 4-6 hours. More complex L-shaped and U-shaped layouts with seams, edges, and cutouts may take 8-12 hours depending on size and accessories.
Can quartz countertops be installed in 1 day?
It’s possible for small, straightforward layouts under 40 sq. ft. For larger surfaces or complex designs, most installers recommend scheduling 2-3 days to ensure adequate time for proper installation.
How long does it take for quartz countertop adhesive to dry?
Adhesives begin curing in about 2-3 hours initially. But allow 24-48 hours for the adhesive to fully cure before using the countertop. Avoid sitting or putting weight on it during this period.
What delays quartz countertop installation?
Potential delays include templating discrepancies requiring re-fabrication, slab shipment hold ups, lack of proper base cabinet prep, and missing sinks/appliances. Leaving a buffer of a few days helps avoid most issues.
Can quartz be installed in cold weather?
Yes, quartz can be installed down to around 50°F though some adhesives have limitations. Tenting and heating the workspace helps. The slabs should be acclimated at room temp for 1-2 days before installing in cold conditions.
How soon can you use a new quartz countertop after installation?
Avoid use for 24-48 hours after install to allow adhesive to fully cure. After that, normal use is fine but continue avoiding sitting or putting heavy loads on it for a week or two as a precaution.
Conclusion
Installing new quartz countertops gives you an opportunity to upgrade both the appearance and functionality of your kitchen or bath. Understanding how the process works and how many hours to budget will help your project go smoothly from start to finish.
While every home and installation process is unique, you can expect to budget 6-12 hours for most straightforward quartz countertop installations, from demolition to completion. Larger or more intricate projects may take 15-25 hours spread over multiple days.
Hiring an experienced, professional quartz specialist is key to getting your new countertop fitted and seamed flawlessly. A quality installation makes your investment look amazing while providing many years of durable low maintenance service. With some thoughtful planning and expert workmanship, your new quartz countertop can transform your space beautifully and functionally.