Engineered quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. Made from crushed quartz combined with resins and pigments, engineered quartz offers an attractive, durable, and low-maintenance alternative to natural stone countertops like granite and marble. But how much does engineered quartz countertop cost compared to other countertop materials? Here is an in-depth look at what impacts the cost of engineered quartz countertops and how much you can expect to budget for an engineered quartz countertop installation.
What Impacts The Cost of Engineered Quartz Countertops?
Several key factors determine the total installed cost of engineered quartz countertops in your home. These include:
Quartz Slab Cost
The biggest contributor to overall engineered quartz countertop cost is the price of the slabs themselves. Quartz is priced per square foot, and cost can range from $50 – $120 per square foot depending on the brand. More premium quartz suppliers like Caesarstone and Cambria tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum, while budget-friendly brands like IKEA or Home Depot’s in-house brands are lower cost options.
The pattern, texture, and colors of the engineered quartz slabs will also impact cost. Unique stone-look finishes or heavily patterned slabs command higher prices than solid, uniform colors.
Installation Cost
Fabrication and installation costs make up a significant portion of your total engineered quartz countertop investment. Expect to pay an average of $40-$100 per square foot for fabrication, which involves custom cutting and edging the slabs for your kitchen layout.
Installation costs can range from $10-$25 per square foot depending on complexity factors like seams, sink cutouts, and tile backsplashes. Many quartz manufacturers offer installation warranties to cover any defects.
Countertop Layout
The total square footage and layout of your kitchen will drive material and installation costs. Larger, expansive layouts with fewer seams will be more affordable than small or highly customized layouts requiring multiple quartz slabs.
Islands, uncommon edge profiles, and decorative treatments like trivets or inlays will also increase kitchen quartz countertop costs. Carefully measure your space and finalize your design to get the most accurate estimate.
Labor Costs
Regional differences in labor costs can result in higher or lower quartz countertop installation prices. Areas with a higher cost of living or sparse availability of qualified countertop installation pros may yield higher project costs. Be sure to get quotes from several reputable local contractors.
What Is The Average Cost of Engineered Quartz Countertops?
With all these factors at play, what can you expect to budget for new engineered quartz countertops? Here are some averages to guide your remodeling budget planning:
- Quartz Slab Material Cost: $50-$120 per square foot
- Fabrication & Installation: $50-$125 per square foot
- Total Installed Cost: $100-$250 per square foot
The total cost for an average 30 square foot straight-run kitchen countertop layout will be between $3,000-$7,500 with most homeowners spending $4,500-$6,000 for mid-range engineered quartz countertops from brands like Silestone or Ceasarstone installed by professional fabricators.
More premium options with intricate edge details, custom shapes, or full-slab backsplashes installed can run $8,000-$10,000 for an average kitchen.
Cost Comparison To Other Countertop Materials
How does the cost of engineered quartz compare to other popular countertop materials like granite, marble, or Corian? Here is a side-by-side cost comparison:
- Engineered Quartz: $80-$120 per sq.ft. installed
- Granite: $60-$120 per sq.ft. installed
- Marble: $70-$150 per sq.ft. installed
- Corian/Solid Surface: $70-$105 per sq.ft. installed
Engineered quartz is on par with premium natural stones like granite and marble in terms of price. It is similarly priced or slightly more affordable than solid surface countertops.
Quartz maintains cost stability better than natural stone, which can have high variances in pricing. Overall, quartz delivers excellent durability and appearance at a very competitive price point vs other upscale countertop materials on the market today.
Cost to Install Engineered Quartz Countertops by Type
Engineered quartz countertops can be used for more than just kitchen surfaces. Here are average installed costs for quartz in other applications:
- Bathroom Vanity: $1,500-$3,500
- Bar/Island: $1,800-$3,200
- Laundry Room: $1,200-$2,100
- Fireplace Surround: $3,100-$5,200
- Outdoor Kitchen: $2,500-$5,500
Island and bar countertops often demand premium installation pricing due to their high visibility and the precision needed for the overhang. Outdoor kitchen surfaces may cost slightly more due to substrate preparation and durable finishes needed for outdoor use.
Factors That Increase Engineered Quartz Countertop Cost
Certain countertop design choices, customizations, and installation requirements can drive up your overall budget for engineered quartz:
Larger Surface Area
The more countertop square footage needed, the higher your overall cost. Be sure to measure your space carefully.
Specialty Edge Profiles
Decorative edges like full bullnose, triple pencil, or bevel details add $10-$15 per linear foot.
Backsplashes
Full quartz slab backsplashes add $30+ per linear foot but are very durable.
Thickened Countertops
Extra-thick 3cm slabs are heavier and harder to install, so carry a 25% uplift.
Intricate Layouts
Multiple seams, odd angles, curves, and cutouts will boost fabrication and install costs.
Rush Orders
Expedited turnaround drives up labor costs. Allow 6-8 weeks for standard installs.
Remote Location
Sites requiring significant travel time for measure and install cost extra.
Factors That Decrease Cost
You may also be able to reduce your overall engineered quartz spend with these considerations:
Standard Slab Edges
Keep to simple polished or rounded edges to minimize edge fabrication time.
Integrated Sinks
Ordering slabs pre-cut for sinks saves on installation labor costs.
Tile Backsplashes
Use more affordable ceramic or glass tile instead of full slab backsplashes.
Limited Seams
Optimize layouts to use longest runs possible and minimize seams.
DIY Install
Save on labor by installing pre-fabricated quartz pieces yourself if experienced.
Bundled Discounts
Some shops offer deals for bath and kitchen quartz projects quoted together.
Engineered Quartz Countertop Cost Per Square Foot By Brand
Pricing can vary across the top engineered quartz manufacturers. Here are average per square foot slab costs for some of the most popular national brands:
- Caesarstone: $70-$100 per sq. ft.
- Cambria: $80-$120 per sq. ft.
- Silestone: $60-$90 per sq. ft.
- Viatera: $70-$110 per sq. ft.
- LG Hausys Viatera: $60-$100 per sq. ft.
- DuPont Zodiaq: $50-$80 per sq. ft.
- IKEA: $50-$70 per sq. ft.
Luxury designers like Caesarstone and Cambria sit at the higher end for pricing, while value collections from IKEA or Home Depot are very budget-friendly. Be sure to comparison shop options at local stone yards as well.
Engineered Quartz vs. Natural Quartz Countertops
It’s important to note that engineered quartz differs from natural quartzite stone which is often used for countertops as well. Natural quartzite is a metamorphic rock that’s mined in slabs like natural granite or marble. It is much rarer and more expensive than engineered quartz.
Here’s how the two types of quartz countertops compare on cost and benefits:
- Engineered Quartz: $80-$120 per sq. ft. installed; Less porous, more flexibile installation, wide variety of colors and patterns
- Natural Quartzite: $120-$200 per sq. ft installed; Limited color options, heat and scratch resistant, rare natural patterns
For most homeowners, engineered quartz delivers the best combination of attractive appearance, durability, and affordability compared to pricier natural stone options.
Recap: Key Factors For Engineered Quartz Countertop Costs
Here are the key details to keep in mind when budgeting for engineered quartz countertops:
- Expect to pay $100-$250 per sq. ft. installed
- Quartz slab prices range from $50-$120 per sq. ft.
- Installation costs add $50-$125 per sq. ft. more
- Average 30 sq. ft. kitchen is $4,500-$6,000
- Custom edges, patterns, seams add cost
- Shop around for best deals on quality quartz
Knowing what impacts the pricing for engineered quartz countertops will help you set realistic budgets and manage costs on your next kitchen or bath remodeling job. With some careful planning and design choices, quartz can deliver outstanding durability with minimal maintenance at competitive prices vs other premium countertop materials on the market.