Engineered quartz countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years as a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance alternative to natural stone and solid surface countertops. When considering quartz for your home, one of the most common questions is how much does engineered quartz cost per square foot? Here is a detailed overview of the factors that impact installed costs and what you can expect to budget for quartz countertops.
What is Engineered Quartz?
Before diving into costs, it’s helpful to understand exactly what engineered quartz is. Engineered quartz countertops are made from crushed quartz that is combined with resins and pigments and formed into slabs under intense heat and pressure. The quartz provides strength and durability, while the resins allow flexibility in colors and patterns.
The resulting material is non-porous, scratch-resistant, and heat and stain resistant. Engineered quartz requires very little maintenance compared to natural stone. It does not need annual sealing, conditioning, or polishing. Simple cleaning with soap and water is all that is required to keep quartz looking like new.
Cost Factors for Engineered Quartz
When estimating your budget for engineered quartz countertops, there are several factors that impact the installed cost per square foot:
Quartz Slab Cost
This is the cost of the raw quartz slab paid to the manufacturer or distributor. Slabs range from $50-$100 per square foot. More premium brands or rare stone patterns are towards the higher end. Budget-friendly options start around $50 per square foot.
Edge Profiles & Cutouts
The fabrication process involves shaping and edging the slabs to fit your space. Simple flat edges tend to be included in the base price. More intricate ogee, bevel, or curved edges add $10-$30 per linear foot. Cutouts for sinks and faucets also add labor costs.
Installation
Fabrication and installation typically adds $40-$100 per square foot depending on complexity. This covers transportation, seam placement, cutting, edging, sink cutouts, installation hardware, and labor.
Thickness
Standard thickness is 3cm (1.25 inches). Going up to 4.5cm (1.75”) or 6cm (2.5”) adds $10-$20 per square foot. Thicker material provides more durability for heavy use kitchens.
Backsplashes & Niches
Adding a 4”- 6” backsplash increases cost by $10-$30 per linear foot. Specialty backsplash materials like glass or tile add even more. Backlit or decorative niches often add a few hundred dollars per niche.
Additional Fabrication
Special edging, built-in drain boards, integrated lighting, or cutouts for cooktops or other appliances will increase fabrication time and costs. These specialty upgrades can add hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the details.
What is the Average Cost per Square Foot?
Taking all these factors into account, the typical range for installed quartz countertops is:
- Low end: $70 – $80 per square foot
- Mid-range: $80 – $120 per square foot
- High end: $120 – $200 per square foot
According to the national average from HomeAdvisor in 2023, expect to pay around $105 per square foot for materials and professional installation of quartz countertops.
The exact cost per square foot for your project will depend on which quartz brand and colors you select, edge profiles, thickness, and any custom cutouts or fabrication. Get quotes from 3-4 fabricators to compare pricing. Be sure to get a detailed breakdown of all costs rather than just a total estimate.
Cost of Engineered Quartz vs. Other Countertop Materials
To put the cost of quartz countertops into perspective, here is how they compare to other popular countertop materials:
- Laminate countertops: $20 – $75 per square foot installed
- Wood countertops: $60 – $200 per square foot installed
- Tile countertops: $40 – $100 per square foot installed
- Granite countertops: $80 – $185 per square foot installed
- Marble countertops: $70 – $200 per square foot installed
- Soapstone countertops: $70 – $150 per square foot installed
- Stainless steel countertops: $100 – $300 per square foot installed
Quartz lands in the middle price range – more than laminate but less than exotic natural stones. When you factor in the durability and low maintenance, quartz often offers the best value for money.
Tips to Reduce Engineered Quartz Countertop Costs
Here are a few tips to get the most savings on your quartz project:
- Select a mid-range quartz slab rather than premium high-end brands
- Choose a standard 3cm thickness
- Opt for flat edged profiles like eased or pencil instead of decorative ogee or bevel
- Install backsplashes using glass tile rather than quartz
- Avoid intricate cutouts like trivets and buffet serving spaces
- Install during the fabricator’s slower seasons for better rates
- Provide measurements upfront for an accurate quote rather than estimating
Even small changes like edge profiles and backsplashes can lead to significant savings per square foot on quartz without sacrificing style.
Is Engineered Quartz Worth the Investment?
While quartz is more expensive than options like laminate, it is comparable to many other materials when professionally installed. The key advantages of engineered quartz are:
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant surface
- Resists stains, etching, and heat damage
- Easy maintenance without sealing or polishing
- Hygienic non-porous surface
- Wide variety of colors and patterns
- Long lifespan of 15-25 years
For busy kitchens that demand both beauty and performance, quartz delivers an outstanding combination of form and function. Investing in high quality quartz countertops can significantly improve your everyday enjoyment of the space while adding value to your home. Given the longevity and minimal upkeep required, quartz offers a significant return on investment over time.
The Bottom Line
When professionally installed, expect to pay an average of $100 – $105 per square foot for engineered quartz countertops. The final price per square foot can range from $70 on the low end up to $200 per square foot for premium materials and fabrication. While not the cheapest option, quartz provides unparalleled performance that can justify the higher initial investment compared to other countertop materials. With some savvy design choices, you can reduce costs while still enjoying the beauty and durability of engineered quartz.