Engineered quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, engineered quartz is generally more expensive than materials like granite or laminate. Here is an overview of the factors that impact the cost of engineered quartz countertops and what you can expect to budget for a typical installation.
What is Engineered Quartz?
Engineered quartz is made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz crystals combined with polyresin binders and pigments. This combination creates a non-porous, highly durable surface that resists scratches, stains, and heat.
Unlike natural stone, engineered quartz has a consistent color and pattern throughout. It does not require regular sealing or polishing. Engineered quartz also comes in a wide range of colors and patterns to fit any design aesthetic.
Brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone are among the most popular engineered quartz options on the market today.
Cost Factors for Engineered Quartz Countertops
Several key factors determine the overall installed cost of engineered quartz countertops in your home:
Quartz Material Cost
This refers to the per square foot price of the slabs required for your project. Material costs range from $50 to over $100 per square foot depending on the brand. Premium designer brands like Caesarstone are among the most expensive options.
The color and pattern you choose will also impact the material cost. Unusual colors and designs tend to be pricier than standard colors.
Edge Profiles
The edge of your countertop – such as squared off, beveled, or laminated – will affect the fabrication time and cost. More complex edges like an ogee or dupont edge can add $10-15 per linear foot.
Countertop Size
The total surface area needed for your kitchen or bath will determine how many slabs you need to purchase. Larger jobs will have higher overall material costs.
Cutouts and special features
Details like sculpted edges, curves, seams, and cutouts for sinks and cooktops will increase fabrication time and labor costs. The more complex the job, the more you can expect to pay.
Installation
Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper sealing and alignment. This typically costs around $40-$100 per hour. Simple countertop replacements may take just a few hours while large kitchen projects could take two days or more.
Transportation
Delivery fees to transport the slabs to the fabricator and install the finished countertops. Expect to pay $150 or more for delivery.
What’s the Total Cost for a Typical Kitchen?
The average cost to install engineered quartz countertops is $80-$100 per square foot, installed.
For example, the total cost to replace countertops in a 200 square foot kitchen would be roughly:
- Quartz material – $100/sq.ft x 200 sq.ft = $20,000
- Edge profiles – $15/linear ft x 40 linear ft = $600
- Fabrication labor – $3000-$5000
- Installation – $2000
- Transportation – $500
Total = $26,100 to $28,100
As you can see, the installer costs, edges, and special fabrication can add 25% or more to the base price of the quartz materials.
It’s always a good idea to get an itemized estimate from fabricators before proceeding with a kitchen remodel. This will account for the specifics of your project.
Cost Saving Tips
If your budget is tight, here are some ways to reduce the cost of engineered quartz:
- Opt for a mid-range quartz material rather than premium brands
- Choose a simple edge profile like a standard square edge
- Use a laminated edge instead of a mitered edge
- Design the layout to minimize seams and cutouts
- Reuse existing countertops and install new quartz on top to avoid teardown
- Shop around between fabricators to compare pricing
- Provide your own sink and cooktop to save on cutout fees
Is Engineered Quartz Worth the Cost?
While not cheap, many homeowners find the initial investment in engineered quartz pays off in the long run in terms of durability and maintenance savings.
Engineered quartz rarely needs resealing or polishing and stands up well to heavy usage without etching or scratching. It also retains its like-new appearance for many years, avoiding the dated look of materials like plastic laminate.
If your priority is a stylish, low maintenance countertop that will last decades, engineered quartz provides excellent value. Proper installation is key to maximizing its lifespan and avoiding cost pitfalls.
How Much Does It Cost for Engineered Quartz Countertops: Key Takeaways
- Expect to pay $80 – $100 per square foot installed for engineered quartz countertops. The total cost for a full kitchen remodel often ranges from $25,000 to $30,000.
- Material brand, edge profiles, size, cutouts and special fabrication all impact the price. Premium quartz costs more than value brands.
- Professional installation runs $40 – $100 per hour. Careful slab layout is important to control costs.
- While not the cheapest option, engineered quartz is highly durable and retains its appearance for years with little maintenance required.
FAQ about Engineered Quartz Countertop Costs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the cost of engineered quartz countertops:
Is engineered quartz more expensive than granite?
Engineered quartz countertops tend to cost 20-50% more than natural granite. The material cost per square foot for quartz averages $80-100 vs. $50-70 for granite. However, granite requires more sealing and maintenance which helps offset long-term costs.
Does it cost more to install quartz than laminate?
Yes, engineered quartz is significantly more expensive than materials like plastic laminate or tile. Laminate countertops average just $20-50 per square foot installed. The downside is laminate is less durable, prone to damage, and lacks the high-end look of quartz.
Is Caesarstone more expensive than Silestone?
Caesarstone occupies the premium end of the engineered quartz market, costing $5-15 more per square foot than Silestone on average. Both offer excellent performance, so the choice comes down to personal preferences on colors, patterns and budget.
Should I expect to pay more for white quartz?
White and light-colored engineered quartz does not inherently cost more than darker colors. However, some premium ‘whites’ like Caesarstone’s Statuario Nuvo do fall on the pricier end of the spectrum due to popular demand. Always compare material quotes rather than assuming light quartz costs more.
Is there a big difference between low and high-end quartz?
Higher-end designer quartz brands lead in terms of color consistency, pattern, and edge profile options. Performance between quality low-end and high-end quartz is comparable. The biggest differences are in aesthetics and cachet rather than durability.
Is it cheaper to supply my own sink vs. a pre-cut quartz countertop?
In most cases, yes. Having your fabricator cut the countertop around your existing sink avoids an extra cutout charge of $100 or more. Just ensure proper measurements are supplied to achieve a seamless fit.
Conclusion
While not the most budget-friendly option, engineered quartz countertops offer unmatched quality, durability, and style for kitchen and bath remodeling projects. Careful planning and design choices can help control costs. As a long-lasting investment that retains its beauty, engineered quartz offers excellent return on investment compared to lower-cost countertop materials.