Kitchen countertops are one of the most visible and used surfaces in any home. As the focal point of food preparation and family gatherings, countertops take a lot of wear and tear. Over time, they can become stained, scratched, or just look dated. Updating your countertops is one of the best ways to refresh the look and feel of your entire kitchen.

Quartz has become an incredibly popular choice for new countertops due to its durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. But with so many options on the market, many homeowners wonder – how much do new quartz countertops cost?

Factors That Impact The Cost of Quartz Countertops

Several key factors impact the overall price of installing new quartz kitchen countertops:

Quartz Type

Engineered vs Natural: Engineered quartz is made from crushed quartz blended with resins and pigments. It is less expensive than natural quartz slabs.
Brand: Popular brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone come at a higher cost than generic or store brands.
Color/Pattern: Basic whites and neutrals are the most affordable options. Unique colors and patterns can increase the price per square foot.
Thickness: Standard thickness is 3/4″. Going up to 1 1/4″ or more adds cost.
Edge Profiles: Decorative edges like ogee, chamfer, and bullnose cost more than basic square edge.

Installation Factors

Cutouts: The number of sinks, faucets, and other areas that require detailed cuts.
Perimeter: The linear footage around the perimeter of your countertops impacts total materials needed.
Add-ons: Backsplashes, integrated drip edges, special structural supports.
Labor: Highly experienced installers charge more per hour than less skilled laborers.

Cost Breakdown: Price Per Square Foot

The most common way to estimate the cost of new quartz countertops is based on a price per square foot. This can range from:

Low end: $40 – $80 per square foot
Mid-range: $80 – $120 per square foot
High end: $120 – $200+ per square foot

According to the most recent HomeAdvisor data, the average homeowner pays around $105 per square foot for installed quartz countertops. This provides a durable engineered stone product from a reputable brand like Caesarstone or Cambria, in a popular neutral color with standard 3/4″ thickness.

As you look at more premium materials, brands, edge profiles, thicknesses, and custom designs, you will move into the high end of the price spectrum. On the other hand, you can find more budget-friendly options from big box stores and generic manufacturers.

Factors like your location, the complexity of your project, and the quality of the fabricator/installer will influence exact costs as well.

Cost Calculator: Estimate Your Quartz Countertop Budget

To arrive at a more accurate estimate for your specific project, start by measuring your existing kitchen countertops. Calculate the total square footage using length x width for each separate section.

Multiply your total square footage by your desired price point – $80, $100, $150 per square foot, etc. This will give you an estimated materials cost.

Then add approximately 15% – 25% for professional fabrication and installation. You may also need to account for any additional costs like demolition and disposal of old countertops.

For example:

Your kitchen has 35 square feet of countertop space
Using a mid-range estimate of $100 per square foot
Materials cost = 35 sq ft x $100 per sq ft = $3,500
Add 20% for fabrication/installation = $700
Total estimated cost = $4,200

Use this square footage calculator to tally up the total countertop area in your kitchen and generate a ballpark budget number. Be sure to account for any additional factors unique to your project that may increase the cost.

Cost Comparisons: Quartz vs Other Countertop Materials

How does the cost of quartz stack up against other popular countertop materials?

Laminate: $20 – $40 per square foot
Engineered wood: $40 – $80 per square foot
Butcher block: $60 – $100 per square foot
Granite: $80 – $185 per square foot
Marble: $100 – $250 per square foot
Quartz: $80 – $140 per square foot
Solid surface: $55 – $100 per square foot

As you can see, quartz falls somewhere in the middle, costing more than laminate and engineered wood but less than natural stone. When you factor in the performance and low maintenance, quartz becomes an attractive option for many kitchens.

Cost Savings Tips

If your budget is tight, there are a few ways to reduce the overall investment in new quartz countertops:

Select a mid-range thickness like 1 1/4″ instead of a very thick slab.
Use a simplified edge style like square or eased instead of an intricate ogee edge.
Choose a style and color that requires less quartz material, like a pattern with veining instead of a solid color.
Purchase slabs directly from a manufacturer or distributor to avoid retailer markups.
Hire an experienced handyman or DIYer to install instead of a specialized countertop company.
Reuse existing cabinets and sink/faucet cutouts when possible to minimize new cutouts.
Install countertops yourself if you have the necessary skills and tools.

Factors That Increase Cost

On the higher end of the spectrum, the following factors can increase the investment in new quartz countertops:

Thick 3cm+ Slabs: Going up to a 1 1/2″ thickness adds sturdiness and depth but also cost.
Full Height Backsplashes: Integrated backsplashes that run the full height of the walls behind cabinets add design flair.
Specialty Edge Profiles: Unique ogee, chamfer, waterfall, and custom edges profiles require special fabrication.
Intricate Sink Cutouts: A professional-style sink with tight corners and radiuses takes precision cutting skills.
Seamless Appearance: Creating the visual effect of a continuous slab requires extra fabrication mastery.
Exotic Patterns/Colors: Special orders for rare colors and custom patterns increase lead times and price.
Designer Brands: Top brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone cost 50% or more than generic options.

How Long Do Quartz Countertops Last?

One reason homeowners are willing to invest more in quartz is for the exceptional durability and longevity. With proper care, quartz countertops can last for decades in the home.

According to most manufacturers, quartz countertops have an average lifespan of 15 to 25 years. Some factors that determine longevity include:

Quality of Installation: Proper seam placement and reinforcement prevents moisture damage.
Daily Wear and Tear: Quartz is scratch and stain resistant, but should be used with care to prevent chips, cracks, and damage over time.
Sunlight Exposure: Direct UV rays can slowly fade or discolor quartz.
Cleaning Habits: Using non-abrasive cleaners preserves the surface sheen.
Sealing/Resealing: Annual sealing is recommended for natural quartz to reduce staining.
Repairing Damage: Minor chips and scratches can be sanded and buffed out to restore appearance.

With routine maintenance and by avoiding excessive impacts, most quartz countertops will remain beautiful and functional for 20+ years.

Is Quartz Worth the Investment?

At the end of the day, is quartz worth the higher initial price point compared to materials like laminate or granite? For most homeowners, quartz provides an ideal balance of aesthetics, performance, and value over time.

Pros of Quartz Countertops

Durability: Resists scratches, stains, chips, cracks better than marble or granite
Low Maintenance: Doesn’t require regular sealing or polishing
Stylish Appearance: Sleek modern look, wide range of colors/patterns
Easy to Clean: Non-porous so spills wipe up easily
Hygienic: Does not harbor bacteria growth
Resale Value: Upscale look appeals to homebuyers

Cons of Quartz Countertops

Higher Upfront Cost: More expensive than laminate or DIY concrete countertops
Some Limitations: Not ideal for direct food prep or chopping due to hardness
Seams Visible: Seams between slabs are visible, not fully seamless
Manmade Material: Lacks the cachet and uniqueness of natural stone

For kitchens that get heavy daily use, the pros of quartz’s unparalleled durability and hassle-free maintenance make it well worth the investment. The styling versatility with patterns, colors, and edges adds to the material’s popularity. While not inexpensive, quartz offers outstanding performance and worry-free enjoyment for decades to come.

FAQs About The Cost of Quartz Countertops

How much does installed quartz countertops cost?

On average, expect to pay $80 – $140 per square foot for installed quartz countertops. The total cost is influenced by the quality of materials, complexity of your project, and professional labor rates in your area.

What is the most affordable quartz brand?

Some of the most budget-friendly quartz brands include IKEA, Home Depot’s Hampton Bay line, Lowes’ Allen + Roth, and brands like Viatera that are sold direct to consumers. These offer lower prices starting around $40 per square foot but have fewer color options.

Should I choose engineered or natural quartz?

Engineered quartz combines ground quartz minerals with resins and pigments. Natural quartz is cut directly from quartz slabs. Engineered quartz is more affordable, at $40 to $100 per square foot. Natural quartz starts around $100 per square foot. For most homes, engineered quartz provides the best combination of aesthetics, performance, and value.

Can I install quartz countertops myself?

With the right tools, skills, and patience DIY installation of quartz is possible. However, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper reinforcement and seam placement. Poor installation can lead to cracks or loosening over time.

Is it cheaper to buy quartz countertops online?

Purchasing quartz slabs directly through online wholesale distributors can provide significant cost savings compared to buying through a kitchen design showroom. However, you will still need to hire professional for fabrication and installation.

How thick should my quartz countertops be?

The standard thickness for quartz countertops is 3/4″ (2cm). Going up to 1 1/4″ (3cm) offers added durability and visual mass. Anything thicker than 1 1/2″ is generally overkill for residential kitchens. Thinner 1/2″ slabs are more prone to cracks and should be avoided.

The Bottom Line

Updating your kitchen with quartz countertops is a significant investment that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and beauty. While not the cheapest option, quartz offers outstanding performance and hassle-free maintenance when properly installed. For most homeowners, the higher initial price tag is justified by the years of durable service and easy-care use quartz provides. Taking the time to carefully estimate costs, compare brands and prices, and review installer qualifications will help ensure you select the best quartz countertops for your budget and lifestyle needs.

Summary

Quartz countertops range from $80 – $200 per square foot installed, with the average homeowner paying about $100 – $140 per square foot.
Exact costs vary based on the quality, thickness, edges, patterns, brand, and installer.
Engineered quartz is more affordable than natural quartz. Popular brands cost more than generic options.
Measure total square footage and multiply by desired price point to estimate budget. Add 15-25% for installation.
Quartz costs more than laminate but less than natural stone. It provides an ideal mix of appearance, performance, and value.
Thicker slabs, intricate edges, designer brands, and exotic patterns increase costs. Simplicity reduces prices.
With proper care, quartz countertops can last 15-25 years, making them a durable investment for kitchens.

How Much For New Kitchen Countertops Quartz?