Replacing your existing countertops with beautiful, durable quartz is an investment that can significantly improve the look and value of your home. However, quartz countertops are more expensive than materials like laminate. Here is an overview of the costs involved so you can determine if a quartz countertop upgrade makes sense for your home and budget.
Factors That Affect Quartz Countertop Costs
Several key factors determine the total cost of quartz countertops:
- Type of Quartz – There are different quality levels and color patterns. Higher-end, designer brands cost more.
- Custom Edging and Cutouts – Special edging like beveled or ogee costs more. Cutouts for sinks/faucets add labor costs.
- Number of Countertops – The more countertops you need replaced, the higher the overall cost.
- Installation – Hiring a pro to template, fabricate and install the quartz adds significant costs but is recommended.
- Market Prices – Contractor rates vary based on location. Materials and labor will be more expensive in high-cost areas.
Countertop Material Costs
The national average cost for materials per square foot of quartz is $40-100. High-end quartz can be $100-175 per square foot.
However, most quotes you receive will be for complete installed costs, not just materials. When quoted as a complete installed job, expect costs of $80-150 per square foot for mid-range quartz installed.
Here are average per square foot material costs for comparison:
- Laminate: $8-25
- Butcher Block: $30-65
- Granite: $40-100
- Marble: $50-140
- Quartz: $40-175
As you can see, quartz is considerably more expensive than laminate but competitively priced with granite. The elegance, durability and practically maintenance-free nature make it worth the investment for many homeowners.
Factors That Impact Total Installation Cost
When budgeting the total cost to replace your countertops with quartz, consider the following size and installation factors:
Countertop Square Footage
The total square footage of your countertops is a major cost determinant. Measure linear feet of all countertops needing replacement, multiply width x length to get square feet.
A small kitchen with 10 linear feet of standard 25” depth countertops would be about 25 square feet. A larger kitchen could easily be 40-60 square feet with island and prep areas. Bathrooms add more.
Demo and Disposal
If you have existing countertops and backsplash that need removal, demo and disposal fees apply. Typical range:
- $25-50 per linear foot for counter demolition
- $150-300 for full backsplash removal
Custom Edging and Cutouts
Edging and cutouts for sinks, cooktops, faucets etc add labor costs. Expect to add:
- $10-20 per linear foot for premium edging like beveled, ogee, etc.
- $50-150 per cutout
- $25-50 per hole drilled for plumbing/electrical
Installation
Fabricating and installing quartz countertops costs on average $45-75 per square foot depending on contractor rates in your area. This estimate is for semi-custom installation with few cutouts. Highly complex projects cost more.
Backsplash
The cost to supply and install a quartz backsplash averages $10-15 per square foot. Alternative materials like tile add cost.
Sink and Faucet
If replacing sinks or faucets, add $200-600 for sink cost and $100-300 for standard faucet. High-end options cost more. Installation is about $200-500 per item.
Cost to Replace Kitchen Countertops with Quartz
For a medium-sized kitchen with 30 square feet of counter area, the estimated costs would be:
- Quartz materials: $1200 ($40 per sq. ft.)
- Demo of old counters: $400
- Basic installation: $1500 ($50 per sq. ft.)
- Quartz backsplash: $450
- Total = $3550
Quartz costs for larger or more complex kitchens with an island, premium edges and cutouts will be $5000-8000 and up.
Cost to Replace Bathroom Countertops
The average bathroom has 12-15 square feet of countertop space. To replace with quartz, estimate:
- Materials: $480-600
- Demo: $150-300
- Installation: $600-900
- Total = $1300-1800 per bathroom
Factors That Increase Quartz Countertop Costs
Here are some items that could drive your total costs above the estimates provided:
- High-end designer quartz over $100 per sq. ft.
- Numerous specialty cutouts and edge treatments
- Full backsplashes with tile or alternate materials
- Replacing sinks and plumbing fixtures
- Complex installation jobs like L-shaped islands
- Premium installation services like template digitization
- Rush fabrication requiring expedited turnaround
How to Get the Best Price on Quartz Countertops
Here are tips to get the most competitive bid and pricing on your quartz project:
- Get at least 3-5 bids from reputable local contractors.
- Specify mid-priced quartz materials, standard edges, and minimal cutouts to get lower quotes.
- Opt for DIY sink and faucet replacement to save on plumbing costs.
- Choose a simple backsplash design or forego backsplash for now to reduce costs.
- Avoid super-expedited turnaround times that command premium pricing.
- Negotiate discounts for bundling multiple bathroom or kitchen remodels.
- Time the project for winter or fall when demand is slower to possibly negotiate discounts.
Is Upgrading to Quartz Worth the Investment?
While quartz countertops are more expensive than materials like granite or laminate, many homeowners find the expense justifiable due to:
- Beautiful, contemporary aesthetics of quartz patterns and colors
- Extreme durability and stain/scratch resistance
- Low-maintenance and easy cleaning
- Long lifespan of 15-20 years or longer
- Resale value boost of recouping 50-75% at listing
If your budget allows, quartz is a home upgrade that will significantly elevate the beauty and functionality of your kitchen or bathrooms for decades to come. Carefully weigh the costs against benefits as you consider taking on this major yet rewarding home remodel project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost per square foot to install quartz countertops?
The typical range is $80-150 per square foot for mid-priced quartz. High-end materials can be $175/sq. ft. or more. Always compare full installed costs not just material prices.
Is quartz much more expensive than granite or marble?
Quartz pricing is comparable to granite and marble. The materials cost about the same, averaging $40-100 per square foot. There are very high-end options above $100/sq. ft. for all three materials.
Should I install quartz countertops myself or hire a pro?
Quartz fabrication and installation is best left to the professionals, unless you have extensive DIY experience. Hiring a qualified local contractor ensures proper measurement, fabrication, cutouts, and seamless installation.
How long will quartz countertops last compared to other options?
Quartz is expected to last 15-20 years with proper care. Granite and marble last 12-15 years. Laminate only lasts 5-10 years before needing replacement.
Does quartz add resale value compared to granite or marble?
Yes, quartz is regarded as a premium material. Upgrading to quartz can allow you to recoup up to 75% of costs at resale. Granite and marble also boost value, typically by 50-65% ROI.
Conclusion
Installing new quartz countertops costs an average of $80-150 per square foot, with total costs for a kitchen running $3,000 to $5,000 and up. Bathroom remodels are $1,200 to $1,800 per room. While not cheap, quartz is an investment that boosts your home’s beauty and functionality for years to come. Carefully weigh the costs against the benefits as you consider taking on this major yet rewarding home upgrade project.