Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels due to their durability, low maintenance, and wide variety of colors and patterns. If you’re considering quartz for your next project, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is how much it will cost. The price of quartz countertops is affected by several factors, but generally expect to pay $80-150 per square foot installed. For a typical 8 foot section of countertop that is 25 inches deep, that equates to roughly $1,600-$3,000.
What Impacts The Cost of Quartz Countertops?
There are several variables that affect the final price of quartz countertops. The major factors include:
Quartz Material Type
- Entry-level: Basic colors and patterns, thinner slabs. $80-100 per square foot.
- Mid-range: More unique/premium colors and designs. $100-125 per square foot.
- High-end: Exotic patterns, large slabs, premium brands. $125-150+ per square foot.
Edge Styles
- Straight edge: Simple polished edge. Lowest cost option.
- Bullnose: Rounded, smooth edge. Minimal upcharge.
- Ogee: S-shaped decorative edge. Medium upcharge.
- Other edge treatments: (bevels, grooves, etc.) Higher end styles cost more.
Thickness
- Standard: 2 centimeter slabs. Most common residential thickness.
- Thicker: 3 centimeter slabs provide extra durability. Upcharge of $10-20 per square foot.
Customization
- Standard sizes: Pre-cut slabs in common dimensions. Most affordable.
- Custom sizing: Cut-to-fit pieces for unique layouts. Added fabrication time/cost.
Installation Complexity
- Simple layout: Easy seam placements. Quick installation time.
- Complex layout: Multiple seams, tricky cut-outs. Takes more time/skill to install.
Labor Costs
- Regional labor rates for fabrication and installation.
- Experience level of the contractor/technicians.
With all these variables, it’s impossible to give an exact universal price for quartz countertops. However, for a typical 8 linear foot section of standard thickness quartz in a straightforward mid-range color/pattern, you can expect to invest around $1,600-$3,000 for materials, fabrication, and professional installation.
Breaking Down The Costs
To better understand what goes into the total price, let’s look at a sample breakdown for 8 feet of quartz:
Quartz Material
For an 8 foot section of countertop that is 25 inches deep, you will need approximately 25 square feet of quartz slabs. At $100 per square foot for a mid-range color/pattern, the material cost would be approximately $2,500.
Fabrication
This includes transportation of the slabs to/from the fabricator, digital template or measurements, cutting, edge treatments, polishing, etc. For a straightforward layout, expect to pay around $35-50 per linear foot. For 8 feet of countertop, fabrication would cost $280-$400.
Installation
Professional installation of the finished countertop. Typically around $35-50 per linear foot. For an 8 foot run, installation would be $280-$400.
Total Estimate
Adding up the material, fabrication, and installation for this example 8 foot quartz countertop yields an estimated price range of $1,600-$3,000. The exact costs for your project may be higher or lower based on your specific factors. Always get quotes from multiple installers before committing.
Price Per Square Foot Examples
To give you an idea of real-world quartz countertop costs, here are some sample projects with pricing:
- 25 square foot countertop with basic edge treatment – $2,500 total ($100 per square foot installed)
- 40 square feet with a decorative ogee edge – $4,800 total ($120 per square foot installed)
- 60 square feet of premium quartz with custom edges – $9,000 total ($150 per square foot installed)
As you can see, the total price per square foot increases as you add premium features like decorative edges and high-end materials.
Cost Saving Tips
If your budget is tight, here are some tips to reduce the overall expense of quartz countertops:
- Select an entry-level quartz material rather than premium brands
- Stick to standard slab thickness and edge styles
- Look for remnant pieces or smaller cut-to-fit sizes
- Avoid intricate patterns that require extensive cutting
- Install in a simple layout – limit seams and odd angles
- Shop around and get quotes from several fabricators
- Provide your own sink and hardware to save on labor
Even with cost-cutting measures, expect to invest at least $80 per square foot for quartz installed. The material alone often starts at $50 per square foot before fabrication and installation.
Factors That Increase Quartz Countertop Costs
There are a few scenarios where your quartz countertop costs could exceed typical price ranges:
Oversize Slabs: Larger quartz slabs (15 feet or longer) often command premium pricing. Fabricators charge more due to handling challenges.
Thick Slabs: Going beyond standard 2cm thickness to a heavy 3cm slab can add $10-20 per square foot. Provides extra durability.
Complex Installs: Intricate shapes, seams, and cutouts require more fabrication skill and labor hours to install. Significantly boosts costs.
Designer Finishes: Special treatments like distressed finishes, hand polishing, engraved logos, special edges can add $100+ per square foot.
Islands/Peninsulas: Require fabrication and installation on multiple sides which drives up costs. Price per square foot often increases by 10-25%.
Rush Orders: Expedited turnaround times often come with fees for overtime and rushed material orders. Avoid by planning ahead.
Remote Location: Adds travel time for measurements & installation. May include fuel/mileage surcharges.
Quartz Countertop Prices From Popular Brands
To give you a better idea of real costs, here are sample price ranges for quartz countertops from a few top manufacturers:
Cambria Quartz
- Entry-level colors: $100-120 per square foot installed
- Designer series: $140-175 per square foot installed
- Premium Bespoke designs: $200+ per square foot installed
Caesarstone Quartz
- Standard classics: $85-125 per square foot installed
- Premium designs: $120-150 per square foot installed
- Exotic oversize slabs: $175+ per square foot installed
Silestone Quartz
- Basic solids & patterns: $90-130 per square foot installed
- Zaha Hadid & other designer collections: $140-180 per square foot installed
MSI Quartz
- Fundamental collection: $75-100 per square foot installed
- Q Premium designer styles: $100-150 per square foot installed
- Artisan luxury designs: $150+ per square foot installed
Keep in mind sales, promotions, and clearance deals can bring these prices down on occasion. Your quoted price may vary depending on your location and the company you work with.
How Thickness Impacts Quartz Countertop Cost
The standard thickness for quartz countertops is 2cm (just under 1 inch). However 3cm (1.25 inch) slabs are also available for added durability:
2cm Quartz Countertops
- Typical for residential kitchens
- Costs $80-150 per square foot installed
- Provides great durability for everyday use
- Resists scratches, stains, heat, and chips
3cm Quartz Countertops
- Offers enhanced strength and sturdiness
- Costs $90-170 per square foot installed
- Withstands heavy usage and commercial environments
- Preferred for floors or commercial projects
- Resists stress cracking around sinks or cooktops
The 1.25 inch extra thickness increases material costs by 10-20% typically. However thicker quartz can be a smart investment for busy kitchens or accident-prone homeowners. The extra durability and peace of mind are often worth the small additional investment.
How Much Does Quartz Countertop Installation Cost?
For standard countertop layouts, you can expect to pay $35-50 per linear foot for professional fabrication and installation of quartz countertops. This includes:
- Digital measurements of existing space
- Transportation of materials to fabricator
- Precision cutting and shaping quartz slabs
- Applying edge and surface treatments
- Seaming or bonding pieces
- Polishing finished countertop
- Delivery and installation in your kitchen/bathroom
For example, installing an 8 foot long quartz countertop would cost $280-$400 in labor for a typical install. Highly complex projects take more time and expertise, driving installation costs over $100 per linear foot in some cases.
Many quartz manufacturers and fabricators price their materials “installed,” meaning the installation cost is bundled with the square foot price of the quartz slabs. Be sure to clarify if installation is included or an additional line item when budgeting and comparing estimates.
FAQs
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No, quartz does not require sealing. The non-porous material is stain, scratch, and heat resistant. Proper cleaning is all that is needed to maintain its durability and appearance.
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
In most cases, quartz and granite cost about the same per square foot installed. However, quartz requires less maintenance and is more consistent in pattern and color. So it can be more budget-friendly long-term.
How thick is a standard quartz countertop?
The most common thickness for residential kitchen quartz countertops is 2cm or just under 1 inch. Thicker 3cm slabs are also available for added durability.
Is quartz a good choice for outdoor kitchens?
Yes, with proper installation and sealing, quartz performs well outdoors. Its durability makes it a great low-maintenance option for outdoor kitchen countertops.
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
While minor scratches are possible, quartz stands up very well to cutting. Using a cutting board is still recommended to preserve the surface and keep knives sharp.
How long do quartz countertops last?
With proper care, quartz countertops can last 25 years or longer. Their durability and longevity are some of the main reasons homeowners choose quartz over other natural stone or laminate options.
Do quartz countertops stain?
Quartz is non-porous and resist stains very well. Only a deep-set stain that penetrates the surface would be difficult to remove. Simple cleaning keeps most quartz countertops looking like new.
The Bottom Line
Quartz countertops offer unparalleled durability with minimal maintenance requirements. For 8 linear feet of standard thickness quartz in a mid-range color and pattern, you can expect to invest $1,600-$3,000. Exact pricing depends on the quality of materials chosen, complexity of your project layout, and local labor rates. Be sure to get multiple quotes before committing. In most cases, quartz delivers excellent long-term value for money spent. With proper care, your quartz investment will provide lasting beauty in your home for decades to come.