Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, with so many options on the market, many homeowners wonder – how much does quartz countertops cost? Here is a detailed overview of what impacts the price of quartz countertops and what range of costs you can expect.

What is Quartz?

Before diving into costs, it’s helpful to understand exactly what quartz countertops are. Quartz is an engineered stone made from approximately 90% ground natural quartz combined with polymer resins and pigments. The resins bind the quartz particles together to form a durable, non-porous surface.

The addition of pigments allows quartz to come in a wide array of colors and patterns that mimic looks of natural stone like marble or granite. However, unlike natural stone, quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. It does not require ongoing sealing either. This combination of aesthetics and low maintenance makes quartz an attractive option for countertops.

Factors That Impact Quartz Countertop Cost

Many factors go into the total installation cost of quartz countertops. The major aspects that affect overall pricing include:

Quartz Slab Price Per Square Foot

The biggest contributor to total cost is the price of the slab material itself. Prices range dramatically based on the brand, pattern, thickness, and color. Simple solid color slabs from standard brands generally start around $40 per square foot. High-end designer brands with unique patterns can cost over $100 per square foot.

Color and Pattern

As mentioned, specialty designer patterns and colors command a premium price. Whites, grays, and blacks tend to be the most affordable options for quartz slabs. Beiges, blues, greens, and exotic patterns cost more.

Thickness

Standard thickness for quartz slabs is 3/4″. Thicker materials, like 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″, provide more visual mass but cost $10-$15 more per square foot.

Installation Costs

Fabrication and professional installation will add $40-$100 per square foot depending on contractor rates and complexity of the job. Simple countertop installations will be at the lower end, while detailed tile backsplashes or intricate edgework may cost more in labor.

Brand

The brand of quartz makes a big difference in price. Major national brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and Viatera are priced higher than small local producers or home improvement store options.

Specialty Features

Options like backsplashes, thick edges, integrated sinks, lighting, or exotic edgework all contribute to higher overall costs.

What’s the Total Investment for Quartz Countertops?

Taking all these factors into account, here are typical price ranges you can expect for quartz countertops:

Low end: $80-$100 per square foot installed
Mid-range: $100-$150 per square foot installed
High end: $150-$250+ per square foot installed

The lowest end pricing represents basic solid color slabs from a home improvement store, while the high end is for exotic designer patterns installed by a high-end contractor. The majority of quartz countertops fall somewhere in the middle price ranges.

To determine the total investment, multiply the installed price per square foot by the total square footage needed for your project. A 30 square foot countertop at $100 per square foot would cost approximately $3,000 installed.

How Quartz Compares to Other Countertop Materials

Quartz pricing overlaps with many other popular countertop materials, though it does tend to cost more than like-for-like options:

Laminate countertops start at $20-$40 per square foot installed, making them the most budget-friendly option. However, laminate is less durable and lacks the high-end look of quartz.
Granite countertops range from $60-$150 per square foot installed. Natural stone comes in a wider variety of unique patterns but requires more maintenance than quartz.
Solid surface (acrylic) countertops like Corian cost $70-$100 per square foot installed, very comparable to low-end quartz. Quartz offers more color and pattern options.
Tile countertops run $40-$100 per square foot for materials and labor. Grout lines require maintenance and can trap debris.
Concrete countertops start around $85 per square foot installed. They can develop cracks or stains over time.
Butcher block countertops cost $60-$100 per square foot. Durability is lower and maintenance is higher compared to quartz.

Is Quartz Worth the Investment?

For many homeowners, the superior durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance of quartz make it worth the higher initial investment over cheaper countertop materials. Of course, personal preference in color, pattern, and budget play a big role.

Working with an experienced kitchen designer or contractor is the best way to select the right quartz materials for your space and budget. Be sure to review quartz samples in person before making a final decision. This allows you to get a feel for the color tones and patterning.

With proper installation, most quartz countertops will provide many years of beauty and performance. Focus your initial investment on high-quality materials from reputable brands, and don’t cut corners on professional measurement and fabrication. This will help ensure you get the most value from your quartz counters for a long time to come.

FAQs about Quartz Countertops Costs

What is the most affordable quartz brand?

IKEA, Lowe’s, and Home Depot offer some of the most budget-friendly quartz options starting around $40-$50 per square foot. Name brands like Caesarstone also have value collections with affordable pricing.

What thickness of quartz should I get?

3/4″ thick quartz is standard and suitable for most applications. Go with 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″ thickness if you want a heavier visual profile or are using a longer span like a wide island.

Is installation of quartz countertops difficult?

Quartz requires precision cutting and seam placement, so professional installation is highly recommended unless you have lots of DIY experience. The fabricated slabs are very heavy, so installers use special equipment.

Can quartz chips or cracks easily?

Due to its durable engineered composition, quartz is highly resistant to chips and cracks. However, excessive force or impact could potentially damage quartz. Follow care and cleaning guidelines to maintain its beauty.

Is quartz cheaper than granite?

While prices overlap, quartz slabs themselves tend to cost $10-$20 more per square foot compared to granite. However, quartz does not need ongoing sealing which helps offset long-term maintenance costs versus natural stone.

Is Quartz Worth the Price? Key Takeaways

Expect to pay $80-$250 per square foot installed for quartz countertops, based on the quality of materials and complexity of installation.
Higher-end designer brands and exotic patterns will fall at the top of the price range.
Quartz lasts for many years with minimal maintenance, offsetting the higher initial price over time.
Quartz costs more than laminate but is more stylish and durable. It’s competitively priced with stone and solid surface materials.
Focus your budget on quality slab materials and professional fabrication/installation for the best results.

How Much Does Quartz Countertops Cost? [Summary]

Here is a quick summary of the key points:

Quartz countertops range from $80-$250 per square foot installed.
The cost is impacted by the brand, color, thickness, and installation factors.
Simple solid colors start around $100/sq.ft. installed.
Designer styles and exotic patterns run $150-$250+/sq.ft. installed.
Quartz costs a bit more than options like laminate but is much more durable.
Maintenance is minimal compared to natural stone countertops.
Focus your budget on quality slab materials and professional fabrication.
With proper installation, quartz counters will last for many years of daily use.