Installing quartz countertops can significantly upgrade the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. With their sleek, modern aesthetic and extreme durability, quartz counters are an investment that can increase the value of your home. However, like most home upgrades, quartz countertops do not come cheap. On average, expect quartz countertop installation to cost $40-$100 per square foot. The final price depends on the quality of the slabs, edge treatments, cutting and installation. Keep reading to learn what impacts the cost of quartz counters and how to budget for an installation.

Factors That Influence Quartz Countertop Pricing

Several variables affect the total expense of quartz countertops. The main factors include:

Quality of the Slab

Quartz pricing varies dramatically based on the quality of the material. Lower-priced, budget slabs cost as little as $40 per square foot. These economy options often have more natural stone and filler content with less quartz. On the other end of the spectrum, high-end designer quartz can cost over $100 per square foot. These slabs incorporate more quartz for increased durability and have more colors and patterns available.

In general, expect to spend $40-65 per square foot for standard mid-range quartz. Popular brands like Caesarstone and Cambria fall in this price range.

Edge Profiles

The edge of your quartz countertop also impacts install costs. A standard eased or straight edge adds little to the total price. More complex edges like ogee, bevel, dupont and waterfall cost $10-15 more per linear foot. Intricate edge treatments require extra cutting time and specialty router bits.

Thickness

Most quartz counters are either 3/4″ or 1 1/4″ thick. The thicker slabs have a luxurious, substantial feel and provide more visual impact. However, the additional quartz material drives up the price per square foot. Expect to pay an extra $10-15 for the 1 1/4″ thick counters.

Cutouts and Shaping

Intricate countertop shapes like L-shaped layouts or counters with multiple cutouts for sinks and cooktops take more time to fabricate. These complex designs cost slightly more for the additional cutting labor and waste material they generate. Simple layouts like rectangular islands are the most affordable.

Installation Requirements

Straightforward countertop installations where the slabs just need to be cut to size and secured to the cabinets cost less than more complicated jobs. For example, jobs involving tile backsplashes, intricate edge buildups, or structural reinforcements increase labor time and expenses.

Local Market Conditions

Like all home improvement services, countertop installation prices vary across the country. Expect to pay more for quartz counters in areas with a higher cost of living like New York City or San Francisco versus smaller towns and rural locations.

Average Quartz Countertop Costs

With all the variables involved, it can be hard to budget for a new quartz countertop installation. Here are some typical price ranges:

• Low end – $40 per square foot using budget quartz, straight edges, 3/4″ thickness on simple layouts
• Mid-range – $55 per square foot for popular name brand quartz, eased edge, standard 3/4″ thickness
• High-end – $100+ per square foot for premium designer quartz, waterfall edges, 1 1/4″ thick slabs, intricate shapes

As an example, for a medium quality quartz installed on a standard 10 foot by 5 foot kitchen island, expect costs around:

• $55 per square foot x 50 square feet = $2,750

Quartz requires professional installation, which typically costs $40-$80 per hour. This covers labor for template creation, material cutting, transportation, and securing the slabs to your cabinets. Simple small jobs may take just 5-10 hours while large kitchens can take over 40 hours to fully install.

Factors That Do Not Affect Quartz Pricing

Some homeowners assume that the color or finish of their quartz impacts pricing. However, unlike natural stone, quartz does not change in price based on the pattern or finish. A white, black, or colorful quartz costs the same per square foot. The material composition stays consistent regardless of the pigments added.

Quartz also does not change in price based on the location it is installed. A bathroom or kitchen install costs the same per square foot. Quartz suitable for floors, walls or outdoors also stick to similar pricing. The increased durability comes from the material integrity, not where it is placed.

How Much Does Quartz Countertop Installation Cost?

To recap, you can expect to spend:

• $40-$100 per square foot for the quartz slabs
• $40-$80 per hour for professional installation
• $10-$15 per linear foot for upgrades like thicker slabs and edge profiles

Here is a full breakdown of costs for a typical mid-range quartz countertop installation:

• 50 square feet of 1 1/4″ thick quartz at $60 per square foot: $3,000
• Eased edge profile at $12 per linear foot for 20 linear feet: $240
• Professional installation at $60 per hour for 20 hours: $1,200
• Total project cost = $4,440

As you can see, both material and labor costs significantly contribute to the total quartz countertop price. Be sure to accurately measure your existing layout and account for all special cutting or installation needs to avoid budget surprises. With an elegant, easy-care finish that lasts for decades, quartz delivers excellent value, making the upfront investment worthwhile for many homeowners. Careful planning and budgeting ensures your new quartz tops elevate your space hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does thicker quartz cost more?

Yes, 1 1/4” thick quartz costs $10-15 more per square foot compared to standard 3/4” slabs. The extra thickness provides more visual appeal but does not impact durability.

Is white quartz more expensive?

No, quartz does not change in price based on color or pattern. Simple white quartz costs the same as bold, colorful materials. The quartz composition remains consistent.

Can you install quartz yourself?

Quartz requires specialized tools for cutting and shaping, so DIY installation is not recommended. The material is fragile until adhered to cabinets. Leave it to professionals for the best results.

Does backsplash installation increase the price?

Yes, adding a tiled backsplash increases installation time and labor costs. However, integrated quartz backsplashes actually cost less since no tile work is required.

Is quartz cheaper than granite?

In most cases, quartz proves more affordable than granite. The main exceptions are for exotic, high-end granite varieties. Overall, quartz delivers great value for the look and durability.

Conclusion

Quartz countertops provide an upscale yet affordable kitchen or bath upgrade. With pricing starting around $40 per square foot but averaging $55-65 per square foot installed, quartz costs significantly more than laminate but proves competitively priced compared to natural stone. Careful shopping and an accurate layout plan help quartz fit into most home renovation budgets. Given quartz’s extreme durability and lasting beauty, the initial investment pays dividends for years down the road. With some smart planning and budgeting, it is possible for many homeowners to enjoy the sleek styling and low maintenance that quartz counters provide.