Installing quartz countertops can significantly upgrade the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. With their durability, low maintenance, and customizability, quartz countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners. However, quartz is also one of the more expensive countertop materials on the market. The total cost to install quartz countertops depends on several factors, which we will discuss in this article.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone countertops, are made from ground quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments. The quartz content typically ranges from 90-95%.
Some key features of quartz:
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant
- Stain resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Non-porous so does not require sealing
- Available in wide range of colors and patterns
- Can emulate look of natural stone or granite
The resins allow quartz to take on unique colors and patterns that natural stone cannot achieve. And unlike granite, quartz does not need periodic sealing. This makes quartz an excellent low maintenance option.
Cost Factors for Quartz Countertops
The total cost of quartz countertops will depend on several factors:
Type of Quartz
- Quartz slab: These are the most common type of quartz countertops. They provide a seamless look and wide range of style options. Quartz slabs run $40-100 per square foot installed.
- Quartz tiles: For a more unique look, quartz tiles come in different shapes, sizes and patterns. However, the grout lines require more maintenance. Expect to pay $50-120 per square foot installed.
- Prefabricated quartz: These are premade countertops that offer more budget-friendly options. However, options are more limited in terms of edge styles and customization. Prefabricated quartz runs $100-200 per linear foot.
Quartz Brand
Popular quartz brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone are on the higher end of the price scale. Lesser known brands tend to be more affordable. The brand affects the price per square foot anywhere from $10-20.
Edge Styles
The edge style will impact the fabrication and installation costs. More detailed edges like bevels and ogees will cost more to produce than a standard eased or straight edge. Expect to add anywhere from $5-15 per linear foot for upgraded edges.
Countertop Size
The total square footage will determine how much material is required. Larger kitchens with more surface area will obviously cost more overall than a smaller project.
Labor Costs
Fabrication and installation costs make up a significant portion of the total expense. These costs can vary greatly depending on your location. Expect to pay $40-100 per hour for an experienced installer.
Specialty Backsplashes
Upgraded backsplashes with materials like glass tile or metal tile add $10-30 per square foot in extra costs.
Cost to Install Quartz Countertops
Taking all these factors into account, most quartz countertops installation projects will fall within this general range:
- Quartz Countertops Total Cost: $2,000 – $4,500
- Quartz Cost per Square Foot: $40 – $100
Here is a breakdown of what typical costs look like:
- Basic Quartz Materials: $800 – $1,600
- Fabrication of Countertops: $500 – $1,200
- Installation of Countertops: $400 – $900
- Extra costs like backsplash or edge treatments: $300 – $800
This provides a ballpark estimate for a medium sized kitchen with 30 linear feet of counter space.
However, you may pay more or less depending on your specific project requirements. High-end materials, complex installations, and premium edge treatments can significantly increase costs. On the other hand, smaller projects or using more affordable quartz can reduce the total expenses.
Factors That Affect Installation Cost
Many variables will determine your overall installation costs:
- Layout Complexity – Simple layouts like L-shaped kitchens are cheaper. Multiple corners, edges, or islands will increase fabrication and installation work.
- Edge Treatments -DETAILED EDGE STYLES LIKE OGEE, BEVEL, ETC ADD FABRICATION COSTS OF $5-15 PER LINEAR FOOT.
- Backsplashes -GLASS, TILE OR STONE BACKSPLASHES CAN ADD $10-30 PER SQUARE FOOT. SIMPLE PAINTED BACKSPLASHES ARE MOST AFFORDABLE.
- Countertop Size – TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE OF COUNTERTOPS NEEDED WILL AFFECT OVERALL COST.
- Quartz type and brand – THICKNESS, PATTERNS, COLORS AND BRAND AFFECTS THE QUARTZ MATERIAL PRICES PER SQUARE FOOT.
- Removal of old countertop – DEMO OF OLD COUNTERTOP ADDS $50-150 DEPENDING ON MATERIAL AND SIZE.
- Location – COSTS ARE HIGHER IN MAJOR METRO AREAS. FACTOR IN HIGHER LABOR RATES.
Installation Steps for Quartz Countertops
Installing quartz countertops requires precision cutting and seam work to ensure proper fit and finish. Here is the basic installation process:
- Remove old countertop and prepare the base cabinets for new countertop.
- Quartz fabricator takes measurements and creates a template.
- Slabs are selected, cut to size, edged and polished.
- Countertops are installed using adhesive and seam sealants.
- The backsplash and other final trim work is installed to complete the project.
Hiring an experienced quartz installer is highly recommended unless you are very handy with construction projects. The cutting and fitting of the slabs leaves little room for error.
FAQs
How long does it take to install quartz countertops?
The installation time can range from 1 to 3 days depending on the scope of the project. Simple small projects may only take a day. Larger kitchens with complex layouts can take 2-3 days to fully install.
Is installation of quartz countertops difficult?
Quartz countertop installation is best left to a professional fabricator/installer unless you have the knowledge and tools to work with quartz slabs. Precisely cutting the quartz and joining seams is challenging.
What thickness of quartz countertops should I get?
Standard quartz thickness is 3/4″ to 1 1/4″. Thicker quartz of 2 cm (about 3/4″) is suitable for most residential kitchen counters. Go with thicker 3 cm (1 1/4″) quartz for heavier commercial use.
Should I hire a professional or DIY quartz installation?
Unless you are an experienced DIYer, it is strongly advised to hire a professional quartz countertop installer. The potential for cracked slabs, miscut counters, and poor seams is very high without the proper skills.
Does the cost of installation include sink cutouts?
Some fabricators include basic sink cutouts in the installation quote. But additional costs may apply for complex sink or cooktop cutouts. Be sure to ask your installer about sink cutouts.
The Bottom Line
Installing new quartz countertops runs an average of how much does it cost to install quartz countertop to complete, but can be as low as how much does it cost to install quartz countertop or as high as how much does it cost to install quartz countertop depending on the quality quartz chosen and overall scope. While quartz is more expensive than materials like granite or laminate, its durability, low maintenance, and customization make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. Be sure to get 3-4 estimates from reputable local quartz dealers to get an accurate idea of total installation costs for your specific kitchen or bath remodel.