Quartz countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, quartz is a relatively hard material that requires specialized tools and techniques to cut and install properly. Here is an overview of what factors impact the cost of cutting quartz countertops.
Equipment Needed to Cut Quartz Countertops
Cutting quartz countertops requires more than just a run-of-the-mill saw. You need specific tools designed for cutting engineered stone:
- Wet saw – A wet saw is specially designed for cutting quartz, granite, and other stone materials. It uses water to cool the saw blade and minimize cracking and chipping. Expect to spend $300 or more to rent or purchase a wet saw.
- Diamond-tipped blades – You’ll need a high-quality diamond-tipped blade designed for cutting stone to fit the wet saw. These blades start around $50.
- Silicone mat – A non-slip silicone mat provides a stable surface when cutting and prevents scratches. Cost is around $30.
- Straight edges/squares – These tools ensure accurate cuts. Budget $20 or more for quality straight edges and squares.
- Adhesives and sealants – After cutting, you’ll need specialty adhesives and sealants made for quartz installation. Expect to spend at least $50 on these supplies.
Factor 1: Countertop Material
The type of quartz you choose will impact the cutting cost. Here are some price differences:
- Engineered quartz – Most affordable option at $40-100 per square foot. Easier to cut than natural stone but requires specialty blades and tools.
- Natural quartz – $100-150 per square foot. Harder than engineered quartz resulting in slower cutting and increased blade wear.
- Premium/exotic quartz – $150-250+ per square foot. Very hard with intricate patterning that takes more time and skill to cut. Increases cost.
Factor 2: Countertop Size and Layout
The total size and number of seams you need will add to cutting costs:
- Perimeter/linear feet – Basic fee ranges from $2-5 per linear foot. More for specialty edge treatments.
- Number of seams – Seams add cuts. Expect to pay $20-50 per cut. Minimize seams for lower cost.
- island cuts -Island cuts are complex and cost $100-150 each due to precise measurements.
- Cutouts – Sinks, cooktops etc require detailed cuts. Each cutout adds $50-100+ to the price.
Factor 3: Fabrication Shop Fees
There are base fees for using a professional fabricator:
- Template fee – $150-300 to measure and create a template. Ensures proper fit.
- Digital template fee -$50-100 for shops using digital templates to scan and measure.
- Minimum job charge – Many shops charge minimums of $300 or more.
- Transportation fee – $100-200 to transport slabs safely. Reduced for smaller jobs.
- Installation – $40-100 per hour for professional installation. DIY saves costs.
Factor 4: Complex Factors
These factors increase cutting difficulty and price:
- Intricate edging like ogee, bevel, eased, or laminated builds in labor cost. Up to $10 more per linear foot.
- Thicker slabs (3 cm+) are harder to maneuver and cut. Can add $250 or more.
- Veining and patterns that require careful layout planning and strategic cuts will cost more in design fees.
- Quartz remnants drive price down but increase cuts. Factor $150-300 more for remnants.
- Rush orders or faster turnaround times often double typical costs.
Average Cost to Cut Quartz Countertops
Most basic quartz countertop cuts range $2,500 to $3,500 for a 10-foot kitchen space. However, costs can go much higher with premium materials, intricate layouts, and special fabrication. The biggest factors are the linear footage, cutouts needed, edge profiles, and overall complexity of the job. Get 3-5 estimates before hiring a fabricator.
DIY Quartz Countertop Cutting
With the right tools, DIYers can cut their own quartz countertops and save on fabrication costs. However, this is only realistic for very simple layouts. Be prepared to invest $1,000 or more in equipment. The precision of cuts and professional installation are extremely difficult to achieve. Ensuring proper support and seam placement are crucial. For most homeowners, hiring a professional fabricator is worth the expense.
FAQs About Cutting Quartz Countertops
How are quartz countertops cut to size?
Quartz countertops are cut using specialized wet saws with diamond-tipped blades designed for stone. Water cools the blades while cutting to minimize cracking. The cuts must be extremely precise.
What mistakes to avoid when cutting quartz?
Avoid using the wrong type of blade, failing to keep the saw blade wet, cutting too fast, or applying too much pressure which can chip or fracture the slab. Don’t cut unsupported overhangs that can break off.
Can quartz be cut on site?
It’s possible but challenging to cut quartz on site. The wet saw is bulky and messy and you need space to maneuver large slabs. Most cuts are made off-site at a fabrication shop. Some minor trimming may be done after installation.
Does Lowes or Home Depot cut quartz?
No, Lowe’s and Home Depot do not cut or fabricate quartz countertops. They can special order materials, but you must hire a separate fabricator to template, cut, and install the slabs.
Is it cheaper to cut quartz yourself?
In most cases, DIY cutting won’t save much over pro fabrication. The equipment costs can be $1,000 or more. Without proper training and experience, the cuts may not meet standards and require rework. Factor your time cost as well.
Conclusion
Cutting quartz countertops is a precise process that requires specialized tools and skills. When factoring the cost of quality materials, equipment, professional fabrication, and installation, most quartz countertop projects range from $2,500 to $4,000, with higher-end jobs costing much more. With some investment in tools and DIY skills, it’s possible to cut basic quartz layouts yourself and save on fabrication costs. However, small mistakes can be very costly when working with slabs. For important kitchen remodels where quality and durability are critical, hiring professional quartz fabricators is highly recommended for most homeowners.