Installing quartz countertops can significantly upgrade the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. With their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance, quartz countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners. But how much does it actually cost to put in these counters? Here is a comprehensive overview of quartz countertop costs.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a man-made slabs that are non-porous, stain resistant, and incredibly durable.
Quartz counters offer the look of natural stone with less maintenance. They don’t need to be sealed and are highly resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. With a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, quartz offers the flexibility to complement any kitchen or bath design aesthetic.
Quartz Countertop Cost Factors
Several factors affect the total installation cost of quartz countertops:
- Quartz slab price – The base material cost ranges $50-100 per square foot. More premium brands and rare stone patterns cost more.
- Edge treatments – Edge styles like beveled, ogee, or decorative edges add $5-15 per linear foot. Integrated sink cutouts also cost extra.
- Installation – Professional installation averages $40-100 per hour. Complex projects or electrical/plumbing work can increase costs.
- Countertop size – Total square footage of counters needed directly impacts overall price.
- Custom shapes and cutouts – Quarts around angled walls or appliances costs more due to additional cutting and fabrication.
- Regional labor costs – Installation rates vary across different markets. Labor in major metro areas costs more.
- Accessories – Extra options like backsplashes and matching sinks add incrementally to the total price.
Considering these factors, most quartz countertop installations fall in the range of $80-150 per square foot, including materials and professional installation.
Cost Breakdown
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the costs associated with installing new quartz counters:
- Quartz slabs – $50-100 per square foot for materials. Premium slabs can be $100-250+ per square foot.
- Edge treatments – $5-15 per linear foot to shape and polish edges.
- Fabrication – $200-300 or more for cutouts and custom edges.
- Installation – Around $40-100 per hour for a professional installer.
- Countertop removal – $3-8 per square foot to demo and dispose of old counters.
- Backsplashes – $10-30 per square foot for quartz backsplash panels.
- Undermount sink – $200-500 for an undermount quartz sink.
- Plumbing – $200-400 if plumbing modifications are needed.
- Other costs – Permit fees, site visits, and additional job-specific costs.
Total range – $80-150 per square foot for the full quartz countertop installation.
Factors That Impact Quartz Countertop Cost
Here are some of the key factors that can increase or decrease the total quartz countertop installation cost:
- Quartz material selected – Cost per square foot ranges from $50 on the low end to over $100 for premium slabs. Unique patterns and colors also cost more.
- Number of countertops – Kitchen islands, wet bars, bathroom vanities, etc. all add to total square footage and price.
- Edge profile complexity – Straight polished edges are cheapest. Ogee, beveled, or decorative edges cost $5-15 more per linear foot.
- Site conditions – Counters requiring modifications for angled walls or plumbing lines take more time and expense.
- Backsplashes and sinks – Opting for matching backsplashes and integrated sink cutouts increases project costs.
- Regional labor rates – Installation will be more expensive in areas like San Francisco and New York City where labor prices are higher.
- Special offers – Manufacturers sometimes offer discounts on quartz slabs and fabricators may offer promotional pricing on installation.
- DIY installation – Doing it yourself saves on labor, but has risks if improperly installed.
How Thickness Impacts Cost
Quartz thickness is another factor affecting the price. Basic options include:
- 3/4″ slabs – Best suited for backsplashes and vertical surfaces. Approximately $50-70 per square foot.
- 1 1/5″ slabs – The minimum thickness for horizontal countertops. Around $70-90 per square foot.
- 1 1/4″ slabs – The most common thickness for quartz countertops. Costs about $80-100 per square foot.
- 2 cm slabs – A premium thickness around 2.5″, well-suited for heavy usage. Approximately $100-150 per square foot.
- 3 cm slabs – The thickest quartz option at 3″, these are incredibly durable and cost over $150 per square foot.
In most cases, 1 1/4″ gives the best balance of durability and value for residential kitchen counters. Areas like rolling carts that see heavier impacts may benefit from thicker 2 cm quartz.
Cost of Quartz Countertops Compared to Other Materials
Quartz countertops offer natural stone beauty without some of the extra maintenance required for materials like granite or marble. Here is how quartz counters compare cost-wise to other popular options:
- Laminate – $20-50 per square foot. Very budget-friendly option.
- Tile – $20-100 per square foot. Highly customizable and good for DIY installs.
- Wood – $50-150 per square foot. Stains easily but offers a warm, natural look.
- Granite – $80-150 per square foot. Similar to quartz but requires yearly sealing.
- Marble – $70-250 per square foot. Stunning but delicate and prone to etching.
- Concrete – $100-300 per square foot. Industrial vibe but needs careful sealing.
Quartz – $80-150 per square foot. Offers an excellent combination of aesthetics, durability, and low maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Quartz Counters
Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have about installing quartz in their kitchens or bathrooms:
How long does it take to install quartz counters?
Most installs take 1-3 days from start to finish, including prep work like removing old counters. More complex projects with extensive custom fabrication can take longer.
Can I install quartz myself?
It is possible for DIYers to install quartz, but it requires serious skill with cutting, seam placement, and polishing. Hiring a pro is recommended unless you have the tools and experience.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No, quartz does not require regular sealing like granite or marble. The resin binders make quartz non-porous so sealing is not necessary.
Is white quartz prone to staining?
All quartz resists staining better than natural stone. Even white and light-colored slabs are very stain-proof and easy to keep clean.
How thick should quartz counters be?
1 1/4″ is the standard thickness for residential kitchen counters. High traffic areas may benefit from thicker 2 cm quartz for added durability.
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
Quartz and granite have largely overlapping price ranges – $80-150 per square foot installed. More premium granite or quartz slabs can cost up to $250 per square foot.
Are there any cons to quartz counters?
The only real downsides are the price tag for installation, and that quartz lacks the unique natural patterning of stones like granite or marble.
The Bottom Line
Installing new quartz counters in your kitchen or bathroom delivers a major upgrade in aesthetics, durability, and ease of maintenance. With an average installed cost of $100 per square foot, quartz falls in line price-wise with other high-end natural stone options. Opting for simpler edge profiles, fewer cutouts, and smaller total surface area can help reduce your total quartz countertop costs. And be sure to get multiple estimates before selecting your fabricator and installer. With some smart planning, you can get beautiful new quartz counters that enhance your home for years to come.