Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. Known for their durability, low maintenance, and customizability, quartz counters offer homeowners an attractive and long-lasting alternative to natural stone and other materials. But with so many options on the market, many homeowners wonder – how much do quartz countertops cost?
In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about quartz countertop pricing, including cost factors, price ranges, and ways to save. Read on for advice on budgeting and planning your new quartz counters.
What is Quartz?
Before diving into costs, it helps to understand exactly what quartz countertops are. Quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a durable, non-porous material that resists scratches, stains, and heat.
Unlike natural stone materials like granite or marble, quartz has consistent coloring and patterning since it is engineered, not carved from quarries. And quartz requires very little maintenance compared to other countertop materials.
The customizability, durability, and low maintenance of quartz make it a popular choice for today’s busy kitchens and baths. Knowing the cost implications can help you decide if quartz is the right material for your next remodeling project.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Quartz Countertops
Many factors affect what you’ll ultimately pay for quartz counters. Prices range widely, from as low as $50 per square foot up to $150 or more per square foot. Here are some of the key considerations that impact quartz countertop pricing:
- Brand name: The brand of quartz makes a major difference in cost. Higher-end designer brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone come at a premium price. Lesser-known brands are more budget-friendly.
- Color and pattern: Simple white or light quartz options are generally the most affordable. Unique colors and patterns, especially from name brands, increase the price.
- Thickness: Standard thickness is 3/4″, but 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″ thick quartz is available for a heftier cost. Thicker material is heavier and more durable.
- Edge treatments: Decorative edged like ogee, bullnose, or chamfered add labour and cost. A standard straight-cut edge is the most economical.
- Installation: Hiring an experienced professional vs. doing it yourself significantly increases the total project budget.
- Market factors: Like most materials, quartz pricing fluctuates somewhat based on supply-demand factors in your local market.
With all these factors at play, it’s impossible to nail down one universal cost. Use the following ranges as a general guideline for what to expect.
What’s the Average Cost of Quartz Countertops?
Here are typical price ranges you can expect to pay for new quartz counters:
- Low range: $50-$80 per sq. ft.
- Mid range: $80-$100 per sq. ft.
- High range: $100-$150 per sq. ft.
According to most sources, the average overall cost falls around $70-$90 per square foot installed.
To budget for your specific kitchen or bath, measure the total square footage needing countertop coverage and multiply by the expected cost per square foot. A moderately priced quartz installed by a pro will likely land in the $3,000 to $5,000 range for an average sized kitchen.
You can save on costs by choosing a lower priced quartz brand, standard edges, and doing preparation work yourself before installers arrive.
Cost Comparison to Other Countertop Materials
It helps to weigh the cost of quartz against other popular countertop materials:
- Laminate: $20-$50 per sq. ft.
- Tile: $10-$50 per sq. ft.
- Butcher block: $50-$100 per sq. ft.
- Granite: $60-$150 per sq. ft.
- Marble: $60-$100 per sq. ft.
- Soapstone: $70-$100 per sq. ft.
- Stainless steel: $70-$200 per sq. ft.
So while not the absolute cheapest option, quartz delivers good value for money based on its looks, durability, and easy maintenance. Granite costs about the same on average, while premium materials like marble and stainless come at a higher price point.
Cost Saving Tips
If your budget is tight, here are some ways to get the look of quartz counters while keeping costs down:
- Opt for a mid-priced quartz rather than designer brands. Brands like MSI, Caesarstone, and Viatera are well-rated while being more budget friendly.
- Choose neutral white or light grey quartz colors which cost less than bold patterns.
- Stick with standard 3/4” thickness and straight edge profiles.
- Purchase countertop slabs directly from a stone yard or big box store. Hire a contractor just for template making and install.
- Do prep work like clearing existing counters yourself instead of paying the installer to do it.
- Consider using quartz on some surfaces like kitchen islands only, then use a cheaper material like laminate on the remaining area.
With some smart planning upfront, you can cut quartz countertop costs while still enjoying their beauty and convenience.
Should I Hire a Pro or DIY Quartz Countertops?
Installing quartz counters involves precision cutting and seam placement. For most homeowners, professional installation is strongly advised. The cost of hiring experienced installers will add $35-$100 per hour onto your total price tag.
That said, DIY quartz countertop installation is possible for very handy and motivated homeowners. You’ll need to rent or borrow tools like a wet saw. And imperfect seams or chipping are a real risk during do-it-yourself fabrication and installation.
Proper planning is critical if tackling quartz counters on your own. Draw up accurate measurements, watch online tutorials, and take all safety precautions before attempting this advanced project.
Maintaining and Cleaning Quartz Countertops
One of the best perks of quartz counters is that they require very little routine maintenance. Proper care includes:
- Use a gentle cleaner made for stone. Never use abrasive pads or powders.
- Blot spills immediately to prevent stains.
- Avoid placing extremely hot pans directly on the surface. Use trivets.
- Re-apply sealant every 1-2 years.
- Regularly wipe down with a soft, damp cloth.
With simple care, quartz counters will stay looking like new for decades. No sealing or polishing required!
FAQs About Quartz Countertops
Below are answers to some common questions homeowners have about quartz:
Is quartz worth the extra cost over materials like granite or tile?
For most homeowners, the added cost of quartz is justified by the material’s superior durability, stain resistance, and easy care compared to natural stone or tile. Less sealing and polishing is a plus.
Can quartz counters be damaged?
Quartz is very sturdy, but not indestructible. Dropping heavy objects on a corner or edge can potentially chip the material. Heat can damage the solid surface. But overall, quartz stands up excellently to regular wear and tear when properly cared for.
How long do quartz countertops last?
With proper care and maintenance, quartz counters last decades. The material remains stain and scratch resistant for many years. Typical lifespan is 20-25 years, much longer than laminate.
Can you cut directly on quartz countertops?
It’s best to avoid cutting foods directly on quartz. Using a cutting board will prevent dulling knives or damaging the surface over time. However, occasional cuts likely won’t harm quartz counters.
Is professional installation 100% necessary for quartz?
While DIY quartz installation is technically possible for some homeowners, it’s widely advised to hire professionals. The fabrication and fitting process requires great precision to achieve a flawless countertop surface.
Choose Quartz Countertops for Beauty and Practicality
As you can see, quartz delivers attractive, user-friendly countertops at a reasonable mid-range price point for most kitchens and bathrooms. When planning your next remodeling project, keep quartz in mind if you want surfaces that combine visual appeal with durability, longevity, and easy maintenance.
With smart budgeting and shopping around, quartz counters can fit within many homeowners’ budgets. Get free estimates from multiple quartz fabricators and installers to get the best value on your new counters. In no time, you can be enjoying cooking, cleaning, and entertaining in style with elegant new quartz surfaces!