Quartz countertops have become incredibly popular in recent years for kitchen and bathroom remodels. Made from ground quartz combined with resins and pigments, quartz offers an attractive, low-maintenance, and durable alternative to natural stone and laminate. But with so many options on the market, many homeowners wonder – how much do new quartz countertops cost? Here is an in-depth look at quartz countertop pricing.
What Impacts The Cost of Quartz Countertops?
Several factors come into play when determining the total cost of new quartz countertops in your home:
Quartz Material
- Entry-level – These budget-friendly options feature basic styles and patterns. Expect to pay $40-50 per square foot installed.
- Mid-range – The most popular options fall in this range. Styles are more unique and intricate. Expect to pay $50-70 per square foot installed.
- Premium/high-end – Luxury, designer brands with unique polished, matte, or textured finishes. Expect to pay $70-100+ per square foot installed.
Color and Pattern
- Solid colors and basic patterns are the most affordable options. Unique graphics, bold patterns, or special finishes will increase the price.
Thickness
- Standard thickness is 3/4″. Go thicker for more durability and a luxe look. 1-1/4” or 1-1/2” thickness increases cost $10-15 per square foot.
Installation
- Hiring a professional to template, fabricate, and install will add $40-50 per square foot. DIY kits cost less but require expertise.
Specialty Edge Profiles
- Upgraded edges like bullnose, ogee, chamfer, and more add $5-15 per linear foot.
Backsplashes
- Full backsplashes or designer accents increase cost $10-25 per linear foot.
Miscellaneous
- Additional costs may include plumbing alterations, sink/faucet upgrades, lighting, etc.
Cost by Square Foot of Popular Brands
To give you a better idea, here are rough per-square-foot installed prices for some of the top national quartz brands:
- Caesarstone: $57-82 per square foot
- Cambria: $65-98 per square foot
- Silestone: $55-80 per square foot
- Viatera: $70-90 per square foot
- Zodiaq: $54-75 per square foot
- IKEA: $35-55 per square foot
Affordable alternatives from home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s range from $35-50 per square foot. High-end designer brands handpicked by showrooms cost $70-100+ per square foot.
Local quartz manufacturers will also vary based on quality and reputation. Always request a few quotes before deciding on a brand.
Factors That Impact Total Cost
The total cost of your new quartz countertops will depend on a few additional factors:
Size of the space
Measure the total square footage needed for an accurate estimate. Expect to pay more for large kitchens.
Number of countertops
The more countertops needed (kitchen islands, bathroom vanities, etc.), the higher the price.
Edge profiles
Fancy edges like ogee and chamfer cost more due to additional fabrication.
Demo and disposal
Removing old countertops and proper disposal adds $500-1000+ to the total project cost.
Average Costs of Quartz Countertops
Based on the above factors, here are some average total costs for quartz countertops in standard kitchen and bathroom spaces:
- Small kitchen (30 sq.ft. with perimeter installation): $1,500—$2,500
- Large kitchen (50+ sq. ft. with multiple countertops): $3,000—$5,000+
- Master bathroom (25 sq. ft.): $1,000—$1,500
- Secondary bathroom (15 sq. ft.): $750—$1,000
How Much Does Quartz Cost Compared to Other Countertop Materials?
Here is how quartz stacks up cost-wise to other popular countertop materials:
- Laminate: $20-50 per sq. ft.
- Wood: $40-100 per sq. ft.
- Butcher block: $50-100 per sq. ft.
- Tile: $10-50 per sq. ft.
- Concrete: $100-150 per sq. ft.
- Soapstone: $70-120 per sq. ft.
- Marble: $60-120 per sq. ft.
- Granite: $60-120 per sq. ft.
- Quartz: $50-100 per sq. ft.
While not the cheapest option, quartz offers an outstanding balance of quality, durability, and value compared to other countertop materials on the market. The majority of homeowners choose quartz for this reason.
FAQ About Quartz Countertop Costs
Below are answers to some common questions homeowners have about the cost of quartz countertops:
Does thickness affect the cost of quartz?
Yes, thicker quartz is more expensive. While 3/4” is standard, 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” thick quartz increases the price $10-15 per square foot but offers more durability.
Is it cheaper to install quartz yourself?
In most cases, no. Hiring a professional to fabricate and install quartz countertops properly is worth the investment. DIY kits exist but require expertise.
Can I save money by purchasing remnants?
Sometimes. Check with fabricators for remnant pieces from previous jobs. This limits your color/pattern options but can offer savings.
Should I buy quartz locally or online?
Buying locally allows you to see slabs in person. Online gives more options but cannot inspect the material. Both have pros and cons.
How long will quartz countertops last?
With proper care, quartz countertops last 10-15 years before needing replacement. Some brands offer warranties up to 15 years for added peace of mind.
Enhance Your Home With Beautiful and Durable Quartz
When professionally installed, quartz makes an excellent investment that can drastically improve the look and function of kitchens and bathrooms. While not the most budget-friendly option, quartz offers a great balance of quality, durability, and aesthetics. Spend some time researching brands and styles to find the right color, pattern, and price point for your next countertop project. With proper care, quartz countertops will maintain their beauty and performance for years before needing replacement.