Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. Known for their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance, quartz delivers exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal. But how much does quartz cost compared to other countertop materials? Here is an in-depth look at quartz countertop pricing.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a man-made material that is highly durable, scratch and stain resistant, and easy to maintain.
Quartz has a smooth, non-porous surface that does not require regular sealing like natural stone. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit any design aesthetic. Leading quartz brands include Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and LG Viatera.
Quartz Countertop Cost Factors
Several factors impact the installed price of quartz countertops:
- Quartz slab cost – The material cost per square foot depends on the brand, color, and pattern. Price ranges from $50 to over $100 per square foot.
- Edge treatments – Standard square edges are included in the slab price. Specialty edges like beveled, oval, or waterfall add $5-15 per linear foot.
- Thickness – Standard thickness is 3/4″, but 1 1/4″ or 2″ thicker slabs cost $10-20 more per square foot.
- Cut-outs and seams – Complex designs with curves or cut-outs add fabrication time and cost. Seams where slabs are joined also add cost.
- Installation – Hiring a professional contractor usually costs $40-75 per hour for installation.
- Market factors – Inventory availability and market demand can influence quartz pricing in some areas.
Average Quartz Countertop Cost
The total installed cost for a quartz countertop can range from $80 to $140 per square foot. However, most homeowners pay between $2,200 and $3,500 for a typical 30 square foot kitchen quartz countertop.
Here is a breakdown of average costs:
- Quartz slab: $60-100 per square foot
- Fabrication: $200-600
- Installation: $300-1,000
- Total: $80-140 per square foot installed
So a 30 square foot quartz countertop will generally cost around $2,500 on average. Smaller projects under 15 square feet will be at the higher end of the price range.
Factors That Impact Quartz Countertop Cost
Several variables contribute to the total installed price of quartz countertops for your home:
Quartz Material Brand
The brand of quartz makes a significant difference in price. Entry-level options like Vicostone and IKEA quartz start around $50 per square foot. Middle tier Silestone, Caesarstone, and LG Viatera cost $55-75 on average. High-end designer Cambria quartz ranges from $70-120 per square foot. Choosing a premium brand adds 15-30% over entry-level materials.
Color and Pattern
Some quartz patterns and colors are priced higher than standard options. Metallic, glassy, sparkly or heavily veined quartz costs $5-15 more per square foot in many cases. Also, darker colors often cost a bit more than white or light-colored quartz.
Edge Profiles
Fancy edge treatments like ogee, bevel, knife edge, or laminated edges add $5-15 per linear foot versus a standard square edge. Intricate edges require more cutting skill and time. Many luxury quartz brands include one edge upgrade in their pricing.
Thickness
While 3/4″ is standard, thicker 1 1/4″ or 2″ slabs are available for a 10-20% upcharge. Thicker quartz is more robust for heavy use commercial projects. Most homes do not require the added thickness.
Cut-Outs and Seams
The complexity of the cutting required for sinks, cooktops, and other openings adds fabrication time and cost. Seams where multiple slabs are joined also add expense over a simple rectangular layout. Unique shapes and curves also drive quotes up.
Installation Services
Installing large quartz countertops requires skilled professionals who charge hourly labor fees of $40-75 per hour typically. Complex tile backsplashes, tricky demo of old counters, or plumbing work can increase total install costs.
Location and Inventory Supply
Popular quartz styles and colors sometimes get backordered, so supply and demand in your area may impact costs. Installers in remote areas also charge higher service fees for travel time and expenses.
Quartz vs Other Countertop Materials
How does the cost of quartz compare to alternatives like granite, marble, laminate, and tile? Here is a pricing overview:
- Entry-level quartz: $80-100 per sq. ft. installed
- Mid-range quartz: $100-120 per sq. ft. installed
- Premium quartz: $120-150 per sq. ft. installed
- Granite: $60-150 per sq. ft. installed
- Marble: $70-150 per sq. ft. installed
- Laminate: $20-50 per sq. ft. installed
- Tile: $10-40 per sq. ft. installed
- Concrete: $100-135 per sq. ft. installed
- Stainless steel: $140-200 per sq. ft. installed
So quartz counters cost more than laminate or tile but are comparable to natural stone. Granite and marble have a wider pricing range depending on the source. Concrete countertops are similarly priced to high-end quartz or granite. Stainless steel is the most expensive option.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Below is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages that impact the value proposition of quartz:
Pros
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant surface
- Stain, mold, and bacteria resistant
- Low maintenance
- Heat and impact resistant
- Consistent color and patterns
- Non-porous – does not require sealing
- Wide range of colors and designs
- Long lifespan of 15-25 years
Cons
- Higher cost than laminate or tile
- Limited high-end exotic looks compared to marble or granite
- Can chip if subjected to extremely heavy impact
- May have noticeable seams
- Resins limit heat resistance compared to stone
- Cannot match granite or marble exactly
Maintaining Quartz Countertops
Caring for quartz properly ensures your counters stay looking like new for many years:
- Use cutting boards and trivets for hot pots and pans
- Clean spills promptly with mild soap and water
- Avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring pads
- Reseal seams every 2-3 years
- Avoid exposing to strong chemicals
- Use granite polish to restore sheen annually
With routine care, quartz offers beauty and hassle-free durability. The outstanding performance and low maintenance make quartz a smart long-term investment for your kitchen or bath remodeling project.
Recent Quartz Countertop Prices
Here are some examples of real homeowners’ recent quartz countertop costs:
- 35 sq.ft. white Silestone quartz with standard edges – $2,800 installed
- 27 sq.ft. Calacatta Laza Cambria quartz with eased edge – $3,500 installed
- 40 sq.ft. Natural Calacatta LG Viatera quartz with laminated edge – $3,700 installed
- 50 sq.ft. Caesarstone quartz in Rugged Concrete finish – $4,500 installed
- 45 sq.ft. backsplash and Blue Bahia granite counters – $5,200 installed
- 60 sq.ft. London Sky Smoke Caesarstone quartz – $7,000 installed
As you can see, prices range widely for different looks, brands, and project sizes. Get multiple estimates for your specific project requirements.
FAQs
Below are answers to commonly asked questions about quartz countertop costs:
How Much Does Quartz Cost Compared to Granite?
Quartz and granite have similar average prices of $80-150 per square foot installed. More expensive granite can exceed the cost of high-end quartz. Overall granite has a wider range, while most quartz falls between $100-130 installed.
Is Quartz More Expensive Than Marble?
Quartz is comparable to mid-range marble. Low-end marble starts around $70 per sq.ft. High-end exotic marbles can cost over $200 per square foot. In general, expect marble and quartz prices to align closely.
Is Quartz Cheaper Than Solid Surface?
Quartz is comparable or slightly pricier than solid surface options like Corian. Solid surface runs $70-100 per square foot installed. There is significant overlap between solid surface and low-end quartz pricing.
Is Quartz More Expensive Than Laminate?
Yes, quartz is significantly more expensive than plastic laminate countertops which cost just $20-50 per square foot installed. Laminate provides the most budget-friendly option for countertops.
Does Thicker Quartz Cost More?
Yes, thicker 1 1/4″ or 2″ slabs instead of the standard 3/4″ thickness add roughly 15-25% to the total quartz cost per square foot. Most residential settings do not require thicker quartz.
Can Quartz Be Installed DIY?
Due to the heavy material weight and need for precise cutting, quartz fabricators recommend professional installation in nearly all cases. DIY installation often leads to cracks, gaps, misalignment, and other problems that impact durability.
Conclusion
With an average total installed cost of $80-140 per square foot, quartz delivers an unparalleled combination of beauty, performance, and low maintenance. While more affordable than exotic granite or marble, quartz does come at a higher cost than laminate or tile. Careful shopping among leading national brands allows you to minimize costs for your remodeling budget. With reasonable care, quartz countertops should provide lasting quality and enjoyment for decades in your home.