Installing new countertops can greatly improve the look and functionality of your kitchen. Quartz countertops in particular have become a popular option due to their durability, low maintenance, and wide variety of colors and styles. But how much does a quartz countertop cost for a typical kitchen?
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from quartz particles bonded together with resins, polymers, and pigments under high heat and pressure. The quartz provides strength and hardness, while the polymers provide the color and pattern.
Some key advantages of quartz countertops include:
- Extremely durable – Resists scratches, stains and heat
- Low maintenance – Doesn’t require regular sealing or polishing
- Hygienic – Non-porous so does not harbor bacteria
- Stylish – Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
- UV stable – Color won’t fade from sun exposure
Quartz is one of the most popular choices for modern kitchens due to this great combination of functional and aesthetic properties.
Cost Factors for Quartz Countertops
Several factors affect the total cost of quartz countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel:
Size of Countertops Needed
The overall square footage of countertop needed is a primary driver of cost. Measuring the linear feet of countertop needed for each section is necessary to calculate materials cost. Standard kitchen counter depth is 25″.
As a very rough estimate, the average small kitchen may need 35-45 linear feet of countertop, a medium kitchen 45-55 linear feet, and a large luxury kitchen could need 65 linear feet or more. More complex layouts, corners, and islands will increase the square footage.
Type of Edges
The edges of the countertop also impact cost. A standard squared edge has minimal processing. More complex beveled, rounded, or ogee edges require special cutting and shaping. Decorative edges can increase the linear foot price by 10-50% or more.
Brand of Quartz
There are over a dozen major brands of quartz such as Silestone, Cambria, Ceasarstone, and Viatera. Prices range from value brands around $40 per square foot installed, up to premium designer brands costing $100 per square foot or more.
Thickness
Standard quartz thickness is 3/4″ (1.9 cm) which is suitable for most applications. Some brands offer 1-1/4″ (3.2 cm) thick material that provides a heavier custom look for just 10-15% more cost. Thicker countertops are recommended for dishwashers to dampen noise.
Additional Fabrication Costs
Your quote will factor in labor for template making, fabrication, transportation, and professional installation. Complex tile backsplashes and special cutting around sinks and cooktops can also increase fabrication time.
Special Discounts
Many quartz manufacturers and fabricators offer discounts or sales throughout the year. Buying a remnant piece for a small bathroom vanity could save 40% or more.
Location
As expected, costs are generally higher in major metro areas due to higher labor and material costs. However, increased competition in big cities can sometimes offset this.
Cost to Install 104 Linear Feet of Quartz
Based on the above factors, a typical installed price per linear foot for a mid-grade quartz with standard 3/4″ thickness and edges would be:
- Low end: $70 per linear foot
- Mid Range: $85 per linear foot
- High End: $100+ per linear foot
So for a 104 linear foot countertop project you can estimate:
- Low end cost: 104 * $70 = $7,280
- Mid Range cost: 104 * $85 = $8,840
- High End cost: 104 * $100 = $10,400
Many quartz brands and colors fall in the $80-90 per linear foot installed range, making $8,000-9,000 a realistic budget for 104 linear feet of standard quartz countertops.
As you can see, the total cost scales directly with the linear footage needed. Going from mid-grade to premium quartz, thicker material, complex fabrication, and high-end designer edges could easily push the cost over $12,000.
Cost Breakdown of Quartz Countertops
To understand exactly what goes into the total installed price, here is a typical cost breakdown:
- Quartz material: 55-70%
- Fabrication labor: 10-15%
- Installation labor: 10-15%
- Additional supplies: 5%
- Taxes: 5%
For example, a $9,000 total quote would comprise:
- $5,850 for the quartz material
- $900 fabrication
- $900 installation
- $450 supplies
- $450 sales tax
The material itself represents the majority of the project cost. Higher grades will clearly impact the bottom line.
Fabrication includes custom cutting, edging, and fitting the pieces together. Complex layouts take more time and labor.
Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure a perfect seamless look. DIY mistakes can lead to cracking.
Supplies include adhesives, fasteners, cutting blades, and transportation costs.
How Thickness Impacts Quartz Countertop Cost
The standard thickness for quartz countertops is 3/4″ (1.9 cm). However, some manufacturers offer thicker 1-1/4” (3.2 cm) material. Here is how thickness affects cost:
- 3/4” thick quartz – This is the standard thickness used for most countertop installations. Provides an excellent combination of durability and affordability.
- 1-1/4” thick quartz – A thicker slab has a more substantial, custom look and feels heavier and more premium. It costs approximately 10-15% more than 3/4”quartz. Provides slightly better impact resistance.
- 1-1/2”+ thick quartz – Some specialty fabricators can create countertops up to 2” thick or more. Excellent for heavy duty commercial use. The cost increases rapidly with thickness above 1-1/4”.
For most residential kitchens, the standard 3/4” provides the best value. Areas with heavier use like a butcher block section or integrated sink may benefit from 1-1/4” thick material. Thickness above 1-1/4” is generally overkill for homes.
Cost Saving Tips
Here are some ways you can get the beautiful quartz countertops you want for your home while staying on budget:
- Ask about sales & discounts – Manufacturers often run 10-15% discounts which you can combine with contractor sales.
- Consider lower priced quartz options – Brands like MSI offer excellent value starting under $50 per square foot.
- Reuse existing cabinetry – Keep your current cabinets and layout to control costs.
- Standard edges – Skip fancy edges for a clean modern style and minimal extra cutting.
- DIY demo and disposal – Knock out old countertops yourself carefully to save fees.
- Minimize seams – Optimize layout to reduce seams which add fabrication time.
- Install backsplash later – Finish the actual quartz install first, add tile yourself later.
- Provide your own sink & faucet – Save on markups by supplying these yourself.
- Shop remnant deals – Keep an eye out for discounted remnants perfect for small bathroom vanities.
Is Quartz Worth the Investment?
Quartz countertops are a premium home upgrade that can significantly improve your home’s aesthetic and functionality for decades to come. With proper care, quartz should last a lifetime without having to be replaced.
The median home price in the US is currently around $325,000. Therefore, a $10,000 kitchen upgrade represents only 3% of total home value. But it could potentially increase a home’s resale value by 5% or more.
Given the durability, low maintenance, and longevity of quartz, most homeowners find it well worth the investment compared to lower cost options like laminate that need frequent replacing. An appealing kitchen can be one of the most valuable upgrades when selling your home.
Conclusion
While quartz is one of the more expensive countertop materials, it provides an excellent combination of form and function. With an average installed price of $85 per linear foot, you can expect to pay around $8,000 to $9,000 for a typical 104 linear foot kitchen remodeling project with quartz countertops.
Exact pricing will depend on the specific brand and style of quartz you select, edge profiles, layout complexities, and your location. Carefully measuring your existing space and getting multiple quotes is key to accurate budgeting.
Be sure to discuss all available colors, patterns, thicknesses, and edges with your contractor early in the process. This will allow you to make the best selection for your needs while keeping costs controlled.
With proper planning, it is possible to get beautiful durable quartz countertops that will stay looking like new for decades, without breaking the bank!