Man made quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone or quartz surfaces, have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom countertops in recent years. Here is a detailed overview of how much quartz countertops cost and what factors impact the price.
What is Quartz Countertop?
Quartz countertops are made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The quartz makes up about 90-95% of the material while the rest is polymer resins and pigments.
The resins bind the quartz particles together and the pigments provide color. This combination creates a non-porous, durable, and low maintenance countertop surface that resembles the look of natural stone.
Compared to natural stone like granite, quartz offers consistent coloring and patterning since it is engineered. It does not require annual sealing like granite and is harder and more scratch resistant. Quartz also resists stains, heat, and water better than many other countertop materials.
Cost Factors for Quartz Countertops
Many factors go into the total installed price of quartz countertops. Here are some of the main considerations:
Brand
Quartz countertop pricing can vary widely based on the brand. Higher end designer brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone tend to cost $70-150 per square foot installed.
Mid-range brands like MSI, Pental, and Viatera are $50-70 per square foot installed. Lower end brands can be as low as $40 per square foot.
The brand affects qualities like color consistency, durability, and warranty coverage. Higher end quartz tends to have less variation and more durability.
Color and Pattern
Simple solid color quartz tends to be the most affordable option. Patterns like marble looks or bold veining add $5-15 per square foot to the price. Metallic, glittery, and other specialty finishes can add $25+ per square foot.
Rare or exclusive colors and patterns found only in designer brands are priced at premiums. Neutral white and beige colors tend to be cheaper.
Thickness
Standard quartz thickness is 3⁄4 inch (2cm). Going up to 1 1⁄4 inch (3cm) thickness adds $10-20 per square foot. Thicker quartz is heavier, more durable, and has less chance of cracking or chipping during fabrication and installation.
Thinner 1⁄2 inch (1.25cm) quartz used for vertical surfaces like backsplashes is slightly cheaper than standard thickness.
Edge Profiles
Decorative edge profiles like bullnose, ogee, and ease can increase the linear footage price of countertop edges by $5-20 per foot. Simple square or eased edges tend to be the most affordable.
More complex edge profiles take more time and custom fabrication to cut. Name brand quartzes tend to charge more for premium edge profiles.
Fabrication and Installation
Fabrication refers to cutting the slabs to size, cutting for the sink and cooktop, and edging. Most quartz installers charge $50-150 per linear foot for fabrication.
Installation fees range $25-75 per linear foot depending on contractor rates and complexity. Extra installation work like removing old countertops or installing new cabinets adds hourly labor charges.
Countertop Size
The total square footage of your quartz countertops impacts the overall price. Larger kitchens with more countertop square footage, complex shapes, and multiple discontinuous sections will be more expensive.
Smaller kitchens or simple rectangular layouts use less material and require less fabrication time.
Average Cost for Quartz Countertops
Given the above factors, the typical installed price range for quartz countertops is:
- Low end: $40-50 per square foot
- Mid-range: $55-70 per square foot
- High end: $75-150+ per square foot
According to the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, the average cost of a mid-range quartz countertop installation is $2,970.
For the typical 35 square foot (3.5m2) residential kitchen countertop area, expect to pay $2,000 to $4,000 total for installed quartz countertops.
Cost Comparison to Other Countertop Materials
Here is how quartz countertops compare in price to other popular countertop options:
- Laminate countertops: $20-40 per square foot installed
- Butcher block: $40-100 per square foot installed
- Tile: $15-50 per square foot for materials only
- Granite: $50-150 per square foot installed
- Marble: $60-100 per square foot installed
- Concrete: $85-150 per square foot installed
- Stainless steel: $100-200 per square foot installed
- Recycled glass: $100-250 per square foot installed
So quartz counters land in the middle price range – less than natural stone, metal, or glass but more than laminate, tile, or butcher block. The range overlaps with higher end options like granite.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Here is a quick comparison of some pros and cons to consider with quartz:
Pros:
- Durable and scratch resistant surface
- Stain, heat, and water resistance
- Low maintenance
- Consistent coloring and patterns
- Appealing natural stone look
- Non-porous – does not need annual sealing
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Higher cost than laminate or tile
- Can chip on edges if impacted
- Limited exotic colors and patterns
- Visible seams on some white/light quartzes
- Resins can yellow over time with sunlight
Factors That Increase Quartz Countertop Costs
Some things that can increase the budget for your quartz countertop installation include:
- Premium designer brands like Caesarstone or Silestone
- Special order colors and patterns
- Upgraded thickness (1 1⁄4” vs standard 3⁄4”)
- Intricate edge profiles like ogee or waterfall
- Larger total surface area over 50 sq ft
- Complex layouts and shapes
- Addition of backsplashes or other vertical surfaces
- Having to remove old countertops first
- Installation on a newly built base cabinet system
Getting quotes from at least 3 reputable local quartz fabricators is the best way to estimate your total costs. Be sure to indicate all the features you want so they can factor it into their estimate.
How to Get the Best Price on Quartz Countertops
Here are some tips for getting the lowest price:
- Shop mid-range brands like MSI over designer brands
- Choose a neutral solid color over specialty patterns
- Stick with standard 3⁄4” thickness
- Get a simple eased or square edge
- Get quotes during slower seasons like winter
- Supply your own sink and cooktop to avoid markups
- Install on existing cabinetry rather than new cabinets
- Avoid any structural changes that require plumbing or electrical work
Even with more affordable choices, quartz still provides an attractive, durable, and easy to maintain countertop that can significantly upgrade your kitchen or bath. Carefully weighing the cost versus benefits of different materials can help choose the best option within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions on Quartz Costs
Does quartz come in different qualities?
Yes, quartz countertops range from budget brands using lower grade materials and lessconsistent manufacturing up to top tier designer brands using premium ingredients andstringent quality control. This affects durability, stain resistance, and warranty coverage.
Is quartz cheaper than natural stone?
Quartz is generally cheaper than marble or granite, costing $40-150 per square foot versusnatural stone at $50-200 per square foot installed. However, high end quartz can overlap with lower cost granites.
Is Caesarstone the best quartz?
Caesarstone is regarded as one of the top premium brands, known for quality, durability,designer colors and styles, and comprehensive warranties. Other top brands include Cambria,Silestone, and Pental. Quality across leading brands is comparable.
Should I get 2cm or 3cm quartz?
3cm (1 1⁄4”) quartz is best for heavily used surfaces like kitchen countertops. The extra thicknessincreases durability and stability while avoiding cracks or chips. 2cm (3/4”) works well for bathroomvanities, walls, or vertical surfaces with less daily wear and tear.
How thick is quartz countertop?
Most quartz countertops are either 3/4 inch (2cm) or 1 1/4 inch (3cm). 3/4 inch is standard andsuits most applications well. 1 1/4 inch provides extra durability for heavy use commercialkitchens or surfaces that overhang cabinetry.
Conclusion
Quartz delivers an attractive, low maintenance, and durable countertop surface at a mid-range price point between $55-70 per square foot installed. Costs vary based on brand, color/pattern, thickness, edges, size, and fabrication. With some smart choices, quartz can fit within many kitchen remodeling budgets while providing a contemporary natural stone look. Carefully weighing the cost versus benefits of quartz versus other materials can help determine if it is the right choice for your space and budget.