Installing new countertops can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. Quartz countertops in particular have become a popular option due to their durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. If you’re considering quartz for your next remodel, one of the first questions you likely have is – how much does quartz countertop cost?
The cost of quartz countertops is based on several factors:
Quartz Countertop Cost Per Square Foot
The biggest factor determining the total price of quartz countertops is the per square foot cost of the materials. On average, expect to pay:
- Low end: $40 – $80 per square foot
- Mid range: $80 – $100 per square foot
- High end: $100 – $150 per square foot
The low end is for basic white or light quartz. The high end is for premium/exotic styles and patterns. Most quartz countertops fall in the middle price range.
Factors That Affect Quartz Countertop Pricing
Several things impact the per square foot price of quartz:
Quartz Brand
Quartz countertops are made by many different manufacturers. Brands known for quality and style like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone cost more than generic or store brands.
Color and Pattern
Plain white or light quartz is the most affordable. Unique colors and patterns, especially Those with lots of variation, cost more.
Thickness
Standard thickness is 3/4″. Thicker 1 1/4″ quartz is considered premium and costs $10-$20 more per square foot.
Edge Styles
Fancy edge profiles like ogee, bevel, and bullnose add $10-$30 per linear foot. Standard eased or straight edges are cheapest.
Backsplash
Adding a 4” backsplash increases cost by about $10/linear foot. Full height backsplashes cost $25-$40/linear foot.
Location
Pricing can vary by region. Quartz may cost more in some markets due to transportation costs and local supply/demand.
How Much Does 8ft of Quartz Countertop Cost?
To figure out how much 8ft of quartz countertops costs, you need to consider the three dimensions of your countertop area:
- Length – 8 feet
- Depth – Standard countertop depth is 25”
- Height – Standard height is 3/4”
Given those dimensions, one 8ft section of countertop equates to:
- 8 ft x 2.08 ft (25” converted to feet) = 16.64 square feet
If you multiply by the average cost of quartz per square foot:
- 16.64 sq ft x $80 per sq ft = $1,331
So for a basic 8ft long x 25” deep section of quartz countertops, expect to pay around $1,300-$1,400.
This estimated cost is just for the countertop materials. It does not include installation, tax, etc. which will add about 30% to the total project price.
Factors That Impact 8ft Quartz Countertop Cost
Your exact price for 8ft of quartz countertops will vary based on:
Quartz Type
- Basic white quartz: $1,100
- Popular mid-range color/pattern: $1,300
- High-end exotic quartz: $1,600
Edge Profile
- Eased edge: $0
- Bullnose edge: +$160 ($1,460 total)
- Full bullnose: +$240 ($1,540 total)
Backsplash
- No backsplash: $0
- 4” backsplash: +$160 ($1,460 total)
- Full backsplash: +$320 ($1,620 total)
Thickness
- 3/4” thickness: $1,300
- 1 1/4” thickness: +$200 ($1,500 total)
Location
- Midwest pricing: $1,300
- West coast pricing: $1,400
- East coast pricing: $1,600
As you can see, with upgraded materials and options, total cost for 8ft of quartz can range from $1,100 up to $1,600+.
Cost to Install 8ft Quartz Countertop
In addition the the cost of the quartz itself, you also need to factor in professional installation. This includes:
- Template & fabrication – $200-$400 for 8ft section
- Installation labor – $150-$300 per 8ft section
- Sink cutouts – $50-$100 per sink
- Plumbing & electrical adjustments – $100-$250 if needed
In total, expect to pay around $500-$1,000 extra for installation and related services.
Additional Countertop Costs
Other costs to factor into your 8ft quartz countertop budget:
- Sales tax – varies by location, about 8% on average
- Removal and disposal of old countertops – $150-$300
- Additional cutting for cooktops, workstations, etc – $100-$300
- Granite sealer application – $150
Total Cost for 8ft Quartz Countertops
Based on the factors above, a typical total price range for 8ft of installed quartz countertops is:
- Basic 8ft quartz countertop: $1,800 – $2,200
- Upgraded 8ft quartz countertop: $2,500 – $3,500+
Get free estimates from countertop installers in your area to get exact pricing for your specific project. Be sure to get quotes for material, fabrication, installation, and other costs.
Cost to Install Quartz Countertops Per Linear Foot
Another way to estimate quartz countertop costs is by calculating per linear foot:
- Quartz material cost: $40-$60 per linear foot
- Installation cost: $20-$40 per linear foot
- Total cost: $60-$100 per linear foot
For example, an 8ft section is 8 linear feet. At $80 per linear foot for materials and installation, 8ft of quartz would be around $640 total.
Per linear foot pricing gives you a quick way to estimate costs if you know the length of cabinets being covered. Just remember depth and thickness will also impact overall price.
Cost of Quartz Countertops Per Square Foot
As shown above, the price of quartz per square foot ranges from $40 to $150, with $80 being average. You can use per square foot costs to estimate total pricing based on the size of your space:
Kitchen countertop prices:
- 10 square foot countertop – $800-$1,500
- 30 square foot countertop – $2,400-$4,500
- 50 square foot countertop – $4,000-$7,500
Bathroom vanity countertop prices:
- 6 square foot vanity – $480-$900
- 10 square foot vanity – $800-$1,500
- 15 square foot double vanity – $1,200-$2,250
Measure the length x depth of your countertops to get the square footage. Multiply by the per square foot price to estimate your total quartz countertop cost.
Factors That Increase Quartz Countertop Cost
Several factors can increase the total price of your quartz countertop installation:
- More countertop area – Larger rooms require more material and labor.
- Higher grade materials – Premium brands and exotic styles cost more per sq ft.
- Thicker quartz – 1 1/4” thickness adds cost over standard 3/4″ quartz.
- Upgraded edges – Fancy edges like ogee & bullnose are pricier.
- Backsplashes – Full backsplashes require more material and installation time.
- Special cutouts – Extra cuts for sinks, cooktops, etc increase fabrication time/cost.
- Remote location – Long distances from shops or in rural areas can add fees.
- Rush orders – Expedited turnaround often comes with rush charges.
Any upgrades, special requirements, or additional features will add cost compared to a basic 8ft quartz install.
Factors That Decrease Quartz Countertop Cost
You may be able to reduce the total price of your quartz countertop installation by:
- Choosing a smaller size – Less surface area cuts material/labor costs.
- Selecting a builder-grade color – Whites and neutrals are most affordable.
- Using standard 3/4″ thickness – Thinner than 1 1/4″ options.
- Keeping a simple rectangular shape – Custom shapes require specialized cuts.
- Installing yourself – Skip professional installation to save on labor.
- Buying pre-fabricated – Some big box stores sell pre-made sections.
- Choosing an eased edge – Much cheaper than specialty edges.
- Opting for no backsplash – Skip backsplash to save on square footage.
- Using local/small shops – Bigger companies often charge more.
Any way you can simplify the project will typically result in cost savings on quartz countertops.
Quartz Countertop Cost Comparison
Quartz countertops are actually quite affordable compared to other popular options:
- Quartz: $80 per sq ft installed
- Granite: $60-$150 per sq ft installed
- Marble: $100-$250 per sq ft installed
- Soapstone: $100-$150 per sq ft installed
- Wood: $100-$300 per sq ft installed
- Stainless steel: $100-$250 per sq ft installed
- Tile: $10-$50 per sq ft installed
- Laminate: $10-$30 per sq ft installed
For the look and performance it provides, quartz is a mid-priced alternative for kitchen and bath countertops.
DIY Quartz Countertop Cost
If you’re fairly handy, you can save on the installation costs by doing it yourself. The process includes:
- Measure and order quartz slabs
- Carefully transport slabs to your house
- Cut slabs to fit using a circular saw with diamond blade
- Secure slabs to cabinets with adhesive and braces
- Seal seams between slabs
Total DIY cost for materials + supplies is approximately:
- Basic 8ft quartz countertop – $1,000
- Upgraded 8ft countertop – $1,500
Factor in your time and effort as well. DIY installation can take 20-40 hours for an inexperienced person.
Maintaining Quartz Countertops
One benefit of quartz is that it requires very little maintenance compared to other natural stone. Typical costs include:
- Cleaning – Use mild soap and water. No sealing needed.
- Polishing – Periodic polishing with a quartz-specific polish. $100 per treatment.
- Scratch repair – Minor damage can often be buffed out. Cost depends on extent of scratches.
- Refinishing – Quartz can occasionally be refinished instead of replacing. About half the cost of new installation.
With proper care, quartz countertops should last 10-15 years before needing replacement.
How Long Do Quartz Countertops Last?
When properly installed and maintained, you can expect quartz countertops to last:
- 10-15 years in kitchens
- 12-20 years in bathrooms
Over time, quartz may develop some minor scratches, stains, and dulling. But the material is highly resistant to damage from regular use. It does not need frequent sealing like natural stone. With occasional polishing, quartz countertops can look like new for many years before needing replacement.
Quartz Countertops: Pros and Cons
Here are the biggest benefits and downsides to consider about quartz countertops:
Pros:
- Durable and scratch/stain-resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Beautiful consistent colors and patterns
- Resists heat damage better than natural stone
- Non-porous so does not need frequent sealing
- Long lifespan with proper care
- Prefabricated options available
Cons:
- More expensive than laminate or tile
- Limited number of colors/patterns compared to granite
- Can develop some cracks or chips over time
- Resins may yellow after many years of UV exposure
- Manmade material lacks uniqueness of natural stone
- Heavy slabs require professional installation
Quartz combines aesthetics, durability, and ease of maintenance at a moderate price point. For many homeowners, the pros outweigh the cons compared to both natural stone and other countertop materials.
Cost to Replace Quartz Countertop
After 10-15 years, quartz countertops may need replacement due to excessive damage or outdated style. Replacement costs typically run close to original installation pricing:
- Quartz material: $40-$150 per sq ft
- Fabrication: $150-$400
- Installation: $300-$1000
- Total replace cost: $1,500 – $4,000+
Exact pricing depends on your kitchen size and choice of materials. Expect to pay about the same amount to replace quartz countertops as the original installation.
Is Quartz Worth the Cost?
Quartz countertops offer a versatile combination of aesthetics, functionality and durability. For many homeowners, the moderate upfront investment is well worth it when considering the benefits.
Compared to materials like granite, marble and wood, quartz is easier to maintain over time. The stain and scratch-resistance means your counters will continue looking like new with minimal upkeep.
Quartz also adds value to your home. Kitchen and bathroom remodels with quartz countertops have excellent return on investment that will help resale value down the road.
If the look and performance of quartz appeals to you, the cost is reasonable for a product that can provide over a decade of like-new beauty and function in your home. Investing in quality quartz countertops pays dividends in terms of luxury living and added home value.
Quartz Countertops: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about quartz countertop costs:
How much does the average kitchen quartz countertop cost?
For a medium-sized kitchen of around 30 square feet, expect to pay $2,000-$4,500 installed for mid-priced quartz. High-end designer quartz for a large luxury kitchen could be $7,500 or more.
What is the cheapest quartz countertop?
Basic white or light-colored quartz can cost as little as $40 per square foot. At the low end, a 10 sq ft countertop could be under $1,000 with installation.
What is the most expensive quartz?
High-end designer brands like Caesarstone and Silestone in premium colors and styles can cost over $125 per square foot installed.
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
In most cases, yes. Average quartz costs $80 per square foot installed compared to $100-$150 per square foot for granite. Granite does start under $50 per square foot on the low end though.
Should I get quartz or granite countertops?
Quartz is preferable if you want minimal maintenance. It never needs sealing, resists stains and scratches, and has consistent colors. Granite offers a more natural look but needs more upkeep.
How much does it cost to install quartz yourself?
DIY quartz installation without hiring a pro saves about $1,000 for an average kitchen. However it requires careful transportation and cutting of the heavy slabs. Total DIY materials cost is around $1,500.
Can you put hot pots on quartz?
Yes, quartz holds up to heat much better than natural stone. But using trivets is still recommended to avoid cracking or discoloration over time.
How thick is quartz countertop?
The standard quartz thickness is 3/4”. Some manufactures offer 1 1/4” thick quartz at a premium price point for heavy duty use.
Do quartz countertops add value?
Yes, a kitchen remodel with new quartz countertops can increase home value. Quartz offers a good return on investment compared to many renovation projects when selling your home.
Quartz Countertops: The Bottom Line
An 8ft section of quartz countertops will cost approximately $1,300 to $1,600 for materials. With professional installation, expect to pay $2,500 to $3,500 total for an upgraded 8ft quartz countertop.
Exact quartz countertop cost depends on the grade of materials, edge profiles, thickness, and more. Measure your space and get quotes from fabricators to dial in pricing for your specific kitchen or bath.
While not the cheapest option, quartz provides unparalleled durability and ease of maintenance that make it a smart investment for many homeowners. For beautiful worry-free countertops, quartz is an excellent choice that will enhance your home for years to come.