Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in Buffalo, NY. With their durability, low maintenance, and customizability, it’s no wonder why homeowners are choosing quartz over other materials like granite and marble. But before taking the plunge into a quartz countertop installation, it’s important to understand what factors impact the total cost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how much quartz countertops cost installed in Buffalo, NY.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, often referred to as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The quartz provides strength and shine, while the resins bind the material together. Here are some key facts about quartz:
- Extremely durable – Quartz is harder and less prone to damage than natural stone. It does not need to be sealed.
- Resists stains and scratches – Quartz repels stains much better than granite or marble. It also resists scratches, scorch marks, and heat damage.
- Non-porous – With very low porosity, quartz does not require sealing and resists bacteria growth.
- Customizable aesthetic – Quartz comes in a wide range of colors and patterns to match any design aesthetic. Materials can be blended to create unique looks.
- Requires less maintenance – Simple cleaning with soap and water is all that is needed for quartz. No sealing or polishing required.
So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance countertop that can handle the demands of a busy kitchen or bathroom, quartz is an excellent option. And because it is engineered, quartz offers more flexibility in color, pattern, and sizing compared to natural stone slabs.
Factors That Impact Cost of Installed Quartz Countertops
As a manufactured material, there are many cost factors at play when budgeting for quartz countertops in your Buffalo, NY home. Here are the key elements that impact total installed price:
Quartz Material and Grade
- Base Material Cost – The type and quality of quartz used is a key price factor. High-purity polymers and dense natural quartz cost more. Budget brands use more fillers and polymers.
- Color and Pattern – More intense colors and unique patterns costs more than basic whites and grays. Metallic, sparkly or 3D-looking finishes also add cost due to pigments needed.
- Thickness – Thicker slabs (2cm and 3cm) provide more durability but cost more. Standard thickness is 1.2cm to 1.5cm. Go thicker on heavy use surfaces like kitchen prep areas.
- Brand – Leading manufacturers like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone charge more for their brand reputation and quality. Lower overhead operations offer cheaper options.
Countertop Fabrication
- Edge profile – Decorative edge treatments like bullnose, bevel, ogee, and grooved add labor and cost. Eased or straight edges are simplest.
- Cutouts – The more cutouts for sinks and faucets required, the more fabrication time and cost. Simple slab installations are cheapest.
- Seams – Seams are necessary for large areas. Minimizing seams reduces costs, but leads to more waste from cutting larger slabs.
- Backsplash – Adding a matching quartz backsplash is a popular upgrade. Factor in extra material, cuts, and install time.
- Enhancements – Hand-finishing techniques like distressing or hammering add unique flair at added cost.
Installation Factors
- Size of installation – Total quartz square footage required directly impacts cost with more material and time needed.
- Demolition requirements – If old countertops & cabinets must be removed, that adds demo fees.
- Modifications – Electrical, plumbing or structural work needed to prep area will increase cost.
- Travel distance – Countertop installers may charge extra fees for long travel to distant areas around Buffalo.
Other Cost Considerations
- Sales tax – In Erie County, 8.75% sales tax is added to quartz countertop costs.
- Installation – Many quartz fabricators charge separately for installation/delivery, typically ~20% extra.
- Removal and disposal – Removing old countertops and proper disposal also incurs additional fees.
What’s the Total Cost for Quartz Countertops?
Now that we’ve looked at the factors that affect installed quartz costs, what price range can homeowners expect? Here are some typical price points:
- Quartz material cost – $40-$100 per square foot
- Basic fabrication & installation – $100-$200 per linear foot
- Total installed cost – Between $80-$250 per square foot
So for a medium sized kitchen with 40 square feet of counter space, total costs would range from roughly $3,200 to $10,000 installed.
As you can see, there is tremendous variability in the total price due to the factors discussed earlier. In the next sections we’ll examine average quartz countertop costs for kitchens and bathrooms.
Average Kitchen Quartz Countertops Cost
The kitchen is generally the biggest quartz installation in a home. Here is what to expect for typical kitchen quartz countertop costs:
- Small kitchen (up to 15 sqft total)
- Materials: $600-$1,500
- Fabrication & Install: $1,500-$3,000
- Total: $2,100-$4,500
- Mid-sized kitchen (around 35 sqft total)
- Materials: $1,400-$3,500
- Fabrication & Install: $3,500-$7,000
- Total: $4,900-$10,500
- Large kitchen (50+ sqft total)
- Materials: $2,000-$5,000
- Fabrication & Install: $5,000-$10,000
- Total: $7,000-$15,000
As you can see, even in a relatively small kitchen the total cost for quartz countertops installed will be around $2,000 at a minimum. For large or luxury kitchens with premium materials, total costs can easily exceed $15k.
Always remember that your costs are also heavily influenced by the factors we covered earlier like thickness, edge treatments, patterns, demo work, and so on. Get multiple estimates to compare apples to apples pricing.
Quartz Bathroom Countertops Cost
For smaller bathroom installations, installed quartz costs are lower but prices per square foot can still be comparable to kitchens. Here are typical bathroom quartz countertop installation costs:
- Half bath (vanity top 10 sqft)
- Materials: $400-$1,000
- Fabrication & Install: $500-$1,000
- Total: $900-$2,000
- Full bath (double vanity 25 sqft)
- Materials: $1,000-$2,500
- Fabrication & Install: $1,250-$2,500
- Total: $2,250-$5,000
- Luxury master bath (fireplace surround, tub deck 45 sqft)
- Materials: $1,800-$4,500
- Fabrication & Install: $2,250-$4,500
- Total: $4,050-$9,000
With smaller surface areas, the material costs for bathrooms are lower. But on a per square foot basis, bathrooms can equate to kitchens since cutting and installing smaller pieces incurs more labor costs from fabricators.
Price Comparison: Quartz vs. Other Countertop Materials
To better evaluate the cost of quartz countertops, it helps to see how they compare against other popular materials like granite, marble, and solid surface:
- Granite – Similar installed cost range to quartz. Material can cost less but sealing is required. More prone to staining/etching.
- Marble – Usually lower material cost than quartz but sealing required. Easier to stain, scratch. Higher maintenance.
- Solid surface (Corian) – Cheaper material but prone to cuts and scorch marks. Seamless appearance but repairs obvious.
- Laminate – Cheapest option but easily damaged. Limited styles and prone to lifts at seams.
In terms of value, quartz counters offer a great combination of attractive aesthetic, durability, and ease of maintenance. The installed price is very competitive with other natural stone surfaces.
How to Get the Best Deal on Quartz Countertops
To get the most competitive bid on your quartz countertop project in Buffalo, here are great tips:
- Get quotes from 3-5 fabricators – Compare apples-to-apples bids from local quartz specialists. Avoid big box stores!
- Consider quartz “alternatives” – Brands like Silestone offer similar quality for less cost. Caesarstone is premium priced.
- Ask about remnant discounts – Remnants from previous jobs offer savings but limit size and edge options.
- Avoid intricate edge profile – Keep edges simple to limit fabrication fees. Go for basic eased or rounded profiles.
- Install in one piece if possible – Reducing seams means cheaper fabrication.
- Use backsplash alternatives – Use a different material like ceramic tile to save costs.
- Provide cabinet/template measurements – Accurate measurements yield an accurate quote.
- Prepare installation area – Clear space for installers and handle any electrical/plumbing modifications needed.
- Consider DIY demo – Knocking out old tops yourself can save hundreds in labor fees.
With some savvy negotiating and design choices, there are many ways to get quartz countertops in Buffalo installed at a reasonable price. Just be sure to get experienced installers to ensure a quality outcome.
New York Countertops Installation Services
Here are some of the leading quartz countertop installation services in the Buffalo, NY region to request quotes:
- Empire Quartz
- Golden Granite & Marble
- Paradigm Surface Solutions
- Buffalo Marble & Granite
- Costello Granite & Marble
- Great Lakes Granite & Stone
- KC Granite & Marble
- Bison Granite
Be sure to verify they are fully licensed, insured, and highly reviewed before hiring. Check references from past quartz installation projects as well.
FAQs About Installed Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners have about quartz installation costs:
How much does it cost to install kitchen quartz countertops per linear foot?
Expect to pay an average of $100 to $200 per linear foot for basic fabrication and installation of quartz kitchen countertops. Complex projects with extra details or high-end materials can be $250 per linear foot or more.
Is it cheaper to install quartz countertops yourself?
In most cases you will save 20-30% or more on labor costs by installing quartz yourself vs. hiring a contractor. But this is only recommended for very experienced DIYers. The cutting and fitting of seams takes skill to get perfectly flush.
Should I get 2cm or 3cm thick quartz?
2cm (about 0.8 inches) is standard and best for typical residential use. Go with 3cm (1.2 inches) thickness for heavy duty applications like a chef’s kitchen or commercial installation. The thicker material costs $10-$15 more per square foot.
How long does it take to install quartz countertops?
The installation process typically takes 1-3 days from start to finish. The installers will template and cut the materials offsite first before coming to install the finished countertops. Total time onsite is usually just 1 full day.
Is there an affordable way to get quartz that still looks high end?
Opting for a solid white or gray color in a matte finish can give a very classy high-end look for less cost. Avoid intricate patterns or metallic finishes to save money. An eased edge profile also looks clean and elegant.
What are common scams or rip-offs to avoid?
Be wary of “bargain” quartz prices well below average that seem too good to be true. Only use reputable, established fabricators. Confirm any advertised promotions or discounts in writing. Inspect all surfaces thoroughly before final payment.
Conclusion
Installing new quartz countertops can do wonders in elevating your kitchen or bath design and function. By following the guidance in this article, Buffalo, NY homeowners can better understand what impacts their total project costs.
Be sure to get 3-5 itemized estimates from reputable local quartz installers before making a decision. And don’t just look at bottom line price – make sure you are comparing the same thicknesses, patterns, edge details and other factors on an apples to apples basis.
With some smart planning and design choices, you can likely find quartz countertop installation for your next remodel within your overall budget. Just be sure to involve an experienced professional you trust to ensure a beautiful and hassle-free installation.