Quartz countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years as a stylish, durable, and low-maintenance option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. But with the many quartz brands, styles, colors and patterns available, many homeowners wonder: how much do quartz countertops cost?

The cost of quartz countertops ranges widely, depending on the quality of the material, the complexity of your project, and options like edges and backsplashes. But in general, expect to pay $50-150 per square foot installed.

Here is a detailed overview of the factors that influence quartz countertop costs, along with price ranges so you can budget for your remodeling project.

Quartz Countertop Cost Per Square Foot

The biggest factor determining your total quartz countertop cost is the per square foot price. This can range from:

Low end: $50-70 per square foot for budget and mid-range quartz.
Mid-range: $70-100 per square foot for better brands and styles.
High end: $100-150 per square foot for premium designer quartz.

So for a typical 25 square foot countertop area, your total cost would be:

Budget quartz: $1,250 – $1,750
Mid-range quartz: $1,750 – $2,500
Premium quartz: $2,500 – $3,750

The quartz brand, colors, patterns, and availability all impact the price. More on specific brands later.

Factors That Affect Quartz Countertop Prices

Many factors beyond the quartz itself affect your total project cost. Key things that influence price include:

1. Brand

Quartz countertop prices vary widely based on the brand. Leading manufacturers include Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI.

Budget brands like IKEA start around $50/square foot.
Mid-range quartz from national brands averages $70-100/square foot.
Luxury designers like Cambria can cost up to $150/square foot.

While budget quartz is cheaper, many homeowners prefer brand name quartz for the quality, selection, and warranty support.

2. Thickness

Standard quartz thickness is 3/4″, but thicker options are available:

3/4” thick – Most popular and usually the baseline price.
1-1/4” – Upcharge of about 15% more than 3/4″. Provides a heavier luxurious look.
2” thick – Upcharge of 20% or more. Great for sinks and impact areas.

Thicker quartz is more durable, but not always necessary. Adding thickness will increase costs noticeably.

3. Edges

Edge treatments can enhance the look of your countertops. Options include:

Straight polished edge – Standard with no upcharge.
Bullnose – Rounded – upcharge of about $10/ft.
Ogee – S curved – upcharge of about $12/ft.
Other specialty – Vary based on intricacy – $5-15/ft extra.

Fancier edges cost more due to extra fabrication time and skills required. But they add beauty and can modernize your kitchen.

4. Backsplashes

Integrated 4-6 inch backsplashes are common, or you can opt for a full backsplash. Prices vary based on height and materials:

Low backsplash – Usually included in base price.
Partial backsplash – Around $10-25/linear foot.
Full backsplash – $25-75/linear foot depending on material/style.

Backsplashes make a big visual difference but also increase the project scope and costs.

5. Design Complexity

Simple countertop layouts are the most economical. But extra fabrication time adds costs for:

Seams – Keeping seams to a minimum helps. But intricate seaming adds $150-300.
Cutouts – Standard cutouts for sinks/cooktops are simple. But extra holes for appliances cost $75-150 each.
Unique shapes – Angles, curves and edges increase fabrication complexity and costs.

It’s best to minimize corners, edges, and intricate details to keep quartz costs down.

6. Installation

You’ll need professional countertop installation which typically costs $40-100/hour. Basic countertop installs may take 10-20 hours, so budget $500-2000 for professional installation.

The total time (and price) varies based on your project scope, dimensions, and complexity.

7. Extra Quartz Pieces

Quartz tile backsplashes
Additional quartz slabs for future repairs
Extra quartz remnants for cutting boards, shelves, etc.

These “add-ons” can add beauty and functionality. But also budget an extra $200-500 for these optional purchases.

Cost to Install Quartz Countertops

Putting all the factors together, a typical complete installed quartz countertop costs:

Budget quartz: Around $2,500-$4,500
Mid-range quartz: $4,000-$6,500
Premium quartz: $6,500-$9,500

Costs vary based on your kitchen size, layout, options chosen, and local market prices.

Here is an overview of what’s included with professional quartz countertop installation:

Template & measurements – $150-300
Purchase slabs – $50-150 per sq. ft.
Cutting & Fabrication – $150-300 per hole/seam
Edging & polishing – Typically included
Installation – $40-100 per hour
Cleaning & sealing – Included in most cases

Luxury upgrades like premium edges, backsplashes, and thickness will increase your costs. But a professional installer can fit most budgets.

Be sure to get 3-5 estimates from countertop retailers or fabricators before finalizing your quartz countertop budget. Shopping around is wise, but make sure to compare the full scope of services.

Popular Quartz Brands & Costs

Quartz countertops come in many colors, patterns, and price points. Here is an overview of some top national brands and their typical price ranges:

Cambria Quartz

Cambria is a leading premium quartz brand based in Minnesota. They are known for unique designs and durable surfaces.

Cost: $100-150 per sq. ft.

Pros: Stylish high-end look, wide variety of patterns, durable surface.

Cons: On the pricier side. Limited nationwide availability.

Ideal for luxury kitchen and bath remodels that want designer-quality Cambria quartz.

Caesarstone Quartz

One of the most recognizable quartz brands, Caesarstone comes from Israel. This mid-range quartz offers many classic and contemporary colors.

Cost: $70-120 per sq. ft.

Pros: Good reputation and warranty. Available internationally. Great selection.

Cons: Slightly more expensive than other mid-range options.

A great option for an extensive selection of quality quartz countertops.

Silestone Quartz

Part of the global Cosentino group, Silestone offers natural quartz surfaces. They have one of the widest color ranges.

Cost: $70-100 per sq. ft.

Pros: Known durability and stain resistance. Modern and classic choices. Good availability.

Cons: Fewer unique designs than some higher-end options.

An excellent choice for beautiful and functional kitchen and bathroom countertops.

MSI Quartz

Based in South Carolina, MSI offers over 100 unique quartz colors and patterns. Budget friendly but more limited distribution.

Cost: $50-80 per sq. ft.

Pros: Affordable quartz option. Wide range of styles. Made in USA.

Cons: Less selection than premium brands. Mostly regional availability.

Great value choice for stylish quartz on a budget.

Other Brands

Many regional and national quartz brands also offer quality countertops with wide pricing ranges:

IKEA – $50-70 per sq. ft.
Viatera – $80-150 per sq. ft.
Caesar Quartz – $55-100 per sq. ft.
Wilsonart – $55-75 per sq. ft.
Hanstone – $70-100 per sq. ft.
Corian – $70-150 per sq. ft.

Shop around to find the best brand, colors, and pricing for your project. Don’t assume premium quartz is necessarily higher quality.

FAQs About Quartz Countertop Costs

Looking into quartz? Here are answers to some common questions about quartz countertop pricing:

Does thicker quartz cost more?

Yes, thicker quartz slabs do come at a higher cost. Going from 3/4” to 1 1/4” or 2” thickness increases materials cost by 15% or more. But thicker quartz is more durable for high use areas.

Is quartz cheaper than granite?

In most cases, quartz runs $10-30 less per square foot than granite. Both materials have premium designer options costing up to $150/square foot. But on average, expect to pay a bit less overall for quartz vs granite.

Should I get quartz samples before deciding?

Definitely! Quartz is available in hundreds of colors and patterns. Order free sample chips to view choices in your space before finalizing. Most manufacturers provide sample kits.

Can quartz have seams like granite?

Seams are possible with quartz. Consult your installer on layout options. Strategic seams minimize slab purchases, but continuous seamed looks are also attractive with today’s thin seams.

Is quartz maintenance free?

Quartz requires very little maintenance! Just clean with soap and water. No sealing needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Quartz is non-porous so easy to keep surfaces sanitary.

How long do quartz countertops last?

With proper care, quartz easily lasts 15-25 years. More durable than granite or marble. The non-porous material resists scratches, stains and heat damage better than natural stone.

Where is quartz mined?

Interestingly, quartz used in countertops is not mined but engineered! Natural quartz mineral is combined with polymer resins and coloring to create slabs. Granite is mined, while quartz countertops are manufactured.

Choosing the Best Quartz Countertops for Your Budget

Quartz offers upscale beauty plus stain and scratch resistance. When chosen well, quartz countertops can increase resale value, enjoyment, and convenience in your kitchen or bath.

Carefully measure your space and get itemized quotes to understand total installed costs. Be sure to preview quartz slab samples during selection.

Visit showrooms to view brands and colors in person. While premium designer quartz is stunning, you can find quality options even at budget price points.

With some smart shopping, you can find beautiful, durable quartz countertops that fit your budget and style.

How to Save on Your Quartz Countertop Installation

Quartz delivers stylish durability for kitchens and baths. But quartz countertop installation can be a significant investment.

The good news? There are numerous ways to reduce costs and find affordable quartz options for your home. Here are great tips to save on your quartz countertop installation project.

Shop Sales & Specials

Like anything, quartz countertops regularly go on sale:

Check retailers for periodic sales, discounts, and special promotions on installation packages. Sign up for emails to receive quartz sales alerts.
Watch for seasonal sales around holidays and slow times of year when demand is lower.
Consider open box quartz and remnants for the biggest discounts. Supply is random but you can find huge savings.
Negotiate with fabricators during slower times and be flexible on timing. Avoid peak home remodeling seasons when demand spikes.

Choose Affordable Edges & Thickness

Skip fancy edge upgrades and unnecessary thickness:

Keep edges simple. A standard straight or barely eased edge has no upcharge. Bullnose, ogee, and ornate edges cost extra.
Stick with 3/4” thickness unless you have a compelling reason for thicker quartz. 1 1/4” and 2” slabs jack up prices.
Get an integrated 4” backsplash rather than a full backsplash. Other than behind cooktops, partial backsplashes usually suffice.

Select an Economical Quartz Brand & Style

All quartz is not created equal. Find deals by:

Shopping budget and mid-range brands like IKEA, MSI, Silestone, and Caesar Quartz.
Avoiding costly designer brands like Cambria and Viatera unless the look is essential.
Choosing from in-stock colors and patterns for fastest fabrication. Custom colors mean higher prices and longer lead times.
Keeping patterns and colors consistent throughout to minimize quartz slab purchases.
Using recurring materials like tiles for backsplashes instead of all quartz.

Install During Slow Seasons

Timing your project smartly saves money:

Late fall through winter are the slowest seasons, so take advantage of lower demand.
Avoid peak spring/summer remodeling season when contractors are busiest.
Be flexible on your timeline. Take a last minute cancellation spot for a discount.
Prepare your cabinets and home early so you’re ready when a promotion pops up. Then move quickly!

Minimize Cutouts, Seams & Details

Simple countertop layouts are most affordable:

If possible, conform sink choice to standard cutout size instead of doing a custom cut.
Carefully plan your layout to minimize seams and piecework.
Keep inside and outside corners to a minimum. Unique angles and curves add costs.
Opt for a streamlined, modular style instead of ornate edges and decorative accents.

Compare Multiple Bids

Shop around and you can save big:

Get 3-5 quotes from different countertop suppliers for the full job. Compare bids in detail.
Seek referrals from recent customers and check companies’ reviews and reputation.
Beware very lowball bids – make sure sufficient materials, time and care are included.
Negotiate respectfully with your preferred fabricator based on other proposals.

Follow these tips and you can install beautiful new quartz countertops while keeping your project on budget!

How to Choose Quartz Countertops: A Buyer’s Guide

With an extensive range of colors, patterns and textures, quartz offers one of the most versatile and low-maintenance countertop options. If you’re remodeling your kitchen or bath, quartz is sure to be on your radar.

But deciding on a specific quartz style can be overwhelming with so many factors to balance like color, pattern, budget, and brand. Follow this guide to successfully choose the perfect quartz countertops for your home.

Tips for Selecting Quartz Color

One of the biggest decisions is quartz color. From dramatic dark hues to airy neutrals, today’s palettes are nearly endless. Consider these tips when choosing a quartz color:

Bring home large samples and view at different times of day. Colors appear different in natural light.
If debating between two colors, lean warm or cool to complement your cabinets and floors.
Soft neutral grays, creams and whites brighten and open up smaller kitchens.
For resale, versatile lighter quartz colors have the broadest appeal.
Bold dark quartz can make a dramatic style statement, but may limit your options for future changes.

Get the Right Pattern

After color, the pattern you choose also makes a big impact. From solid colors to bold aggregates, quartz patterns run the gamut:

Agglomerate styles featuring mixed natural stones and gem like particles provide visual interest.
Speckled patterns disguise wear and stains. But too busy can look dirty over time.
Large uniform chips create dimension, but show more seams. Overall smooth patterns show fewer seams.
Natural stone and marble looks offer elegance. Metallic and glass flecks add glam.
For resale, seek versatile patterns that complement multiple styles. Distinctive patterns become more polarizing.

Factors Beyond Color & Pattern

Don’t just focus on aesthetics. Also consider:

Durability – How will your lifestyle and usage affect wear and tear? Prioritize durability in cooking zones.
Maintenance – Honed finishes show more marks than polished. Monitor cleaning habits and opt for lower maintenance.
Edges – Softer eased or rounded profiles hide chips better than sharp corners.
Backsplashes – Match or contrast with countertops? Take cabinets and floors into consideration.
Texture – Matte finishes disguise fingerprints but show more scratches. High gloss is eye catching but shows every mark.

Choose Brand Wisely

All quartz brands are not equal. Carefully evaluate:

Reputation – Check reviews and feedback on quality of materials and fabrication.
Selection – Number of colors, patterns and styles offered. Will you find your perfect match?
Availability – Smaller brands can mean longer lead times for fabrication and installation.
Price – Budget quartz starts around $50/sq.ft. while premium brands can cost over $100/sq.

How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?