Installing quartz countertops can greatly enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. However, like most home remodeling projects, the costs can add up quickly. In this article, we will break down the factors that influence the total cost of quartz countertop installation so you can budget appropriately and get the most value for your money.

Quartz Countertop Cost Per Square Foot

The biggest factor determining your total quartz countertop installation cost is the per square foot price of the slabs you select. Prices can range anywhere from:

Low end: $50 per square foot for budget quartz options.
Mid-range: $70-$120 for standard quartz from leading brands like Caesarstone and Cambria.
High-end: $120-$200 for premium/exotic quartz with unique colors and patterns.

Keep in mind that quartz prices per square foot are set by manufacturers and distributors. The pricing does not vary much between fabricators or installers once you select your slab.

Some additional notes about quartz countertop costs per square foot:

Thicker slabs (2cm vs 3cm) will be slightly more expensive.
Lighter colors tend to be cheaper than darker, bold colors.
You may find price ranges rather than fixed prices as each slab has natural variations.
Sales or special dealer pricing can provide 10-20% discounts off MSRP slab prices.
Quartz is generally 30-50% more expensive than materials like granite or laminate.

Get quotes on the total installed price, not just the cost per square foot. The fabrication and installation costs below will also factor into the total price.

Countertop Installation Costs

In addition to the raw material costs, you also need to factor in countertop fabrication and installation labor. These quartz countertop installation costs typically add an extra $40-$100 per square foot.

Installation costs cover the following:

Template/measurements – The installer will come take exact measurements of your existing countertops to cut the slabs to a perfect fit.
Cutouts for sinks/faucets – Precise cuts will be made in the quartz for seamless integration with your sinks, faucets, and other fixtures.
Edge profiles – The edges can be finished in different styles like standard square, beveled, ogee, or eased.
Seaming – Large countertop runs will require 2-3 pieces to be seamlessly joined.
Polishing/finishing – A quality fabricator will carefully polish all cut edges for a smooth finished appearance.
Installation labor – Transporting the slabs and professionally installing them is intensive work requiring 2-3 trained technicians and takes several hours.
Sink/fixture hookups – Some installers will also take care of connecting up any sinks, faucets, soap dispensers and other hardware as part of the job.

Factors That Increase Your Quartz Countertop Installation Cost

Now that you understand the main components of quartz countertop costs, here are some specific factors that can increase your total installation price:

Size of Your Countertops

The overall square footage of your countertop run will have the biggest impact. Larger and more complex layouts require more cutting, seaming, polishing and installation work. As a very rough estimate, a medium-sized kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop area would cost around $3,500 for materials and installation of mid-range quartz.

Thickness of the Slabs

Standard thickness is 3 cm (1.25 inches). Going up to a thicker 2 cm (3/4 inch) slab will add 10-15% to the overall installation costs. The thicker profile offers more durability and visual mass, but isn’t always necessary.

Complex Cutouts

Any cutouts for sinks, cooktops, faucets and backsplashes add fabrication time and difficulty. If you have a complex multi-level island design, that also increases the installation work compared to a straightforward layout.

Edging/Edge Profiles

Fancier edges like ogee, bevel, eased and waterfall cost more to fabricate than a simple square polish. However, the upcharge is usually fairly minimal at around $10 extra per linear foot.

Seam Placement

Seams are necessary when joining multiple quartz pieces, but you can minimize their visual impact. Installing seams in high-traffic areas or prominently across the countertop will require extra fabrication care. Island designs also often need seams which adds costs.

Integrated Backsplashes

Having backsplashes cut from the same quartz slab is possible for a seamless look, but adds fabrication complexity and limits material usage efficiency.

Matching Applicances

Some homeowners want their countertops to coordinate with stainless steel appliances. This limits quartz color options to whites, grays, silvers and blacks, which are sometimes pricier.

Exotic Quartz Patterns

Going with exotic slabs that have unique manufacturer-proprietary patterns or abundant veining will increase both material and fabrication costs. These often require expert cutting skills to maintain the pattern consistency.

Rush Orders

Most fabricators book jobs 2-4 weeks out. Rush jobs completed within 7-10 days often incur a rush fee around 10-15% of total costs.

Remote Location

For homes located far from the fabricator’s shop, extra travel fees may apply for transportation and installation.

Additional Costs To Account For

Aside from the countertop fabrication and installation costs, also plan for the following expenses:

Removal of old countertops – Approximately $200-400 if your contractor handles demolition and disposal.
Plumbing disconnections/reconnections – Around $200 if needed to remove sinks temporarily during installation.
Modifications for overhangs – Extra supports may be needed if your new countertop overhangs significantly past your existing cabinets.
Sales tax – Countertop installation is usually taxable, depending on your state/locality.
Countertop backsplashes – Tile, glass or additional slab backsplashes will cost extra, around $10-25 per square foot.

Ways to Reduce Your Quartz Countertop Installation Costs

If your budget is tight, here are a few ways to get the beautiful upgraded look of quartz while minimizing the impact on your wallet:

Select a thinner 1 1/4″ slab rather than the thicker 1 3/4″ option.
Choose a simple square edge profile. Ogee and beveled edges look great but drive up costs.
Limit seams by optimizing the countertop layout and joining seams in inconspicuous areas.
Go for a smaller surface area, like a quartz island rather than full kitchen run.
Use remnants for a smaller bathroom vanity at a discount.
Purchase pre-fabricated quartz like Caesarstone Motivo series to skip custom fabrication costs.
Provide your own sink and fixtures to reduce installer hookup fees.
Shop warehouse stores like IKEA for very affordable quartz options under $50/sq. ft.
Select a low-cost quartz line like Silestone Lyra, Cambria Bellingham or Viatera Chantilly Lace.
Wait for sales, promotions or clearance of discontinued slab styles/colors.
See if the fabricator offers any multi-use discounts for installing quartz in multiple rooms.

Quartz VS Granite – How Do Costs Compare?

Granite is the other most popular natural stone countertop material. How do costs stack up between granite and quartz?

On average, installed costs work out to:

Quartz: $70-$150 per square foot
Granite: $60-$105 per square foot

However, granite has greater price variability depending on the stone type and color. Exotic granites can sometimes exceed even high-end quartz in price.

Pros of Granite:

Wider range of unique natural patterns and colors.
Can find very low cost granite options.
Maintains resale value well.

Pros of Quartz:

More consistent pricing.
Easier maintenance.
Greater durability and stain/scratch resistance.
Cooler surface temperature.

So if your budget is flexible, quartz offers some advantages and predictability for a bit more upfront cost. But granite delivers a classic high-end look at lower price points in many cases.

How Long Do Quartz Countertops Last?

When considering the cost of quartz countertops, it’s important to factor in their excellent longevity as well. With proper care, quartz countertops can easily last 25 years or longer without needing replacement. The resale value and durability helps justify investing more for quality quartz rather than choosing cheaper countertop materials that need frequent replacement.

Is Installation of Quartz Countertops DIY Friendly?

In a word, no. Quartz countertop installation is definitely NOT a DIY-friendly project. The slabs are extremely heavy, fragile and difficult to cut and polish. Leave this job to the professionals unless you have extensive relevant experience. Remember, one wrong cut or crack means needing to purchase an entirely new slab.

Proper installation is also key to ensuring your countertops last for many years. Hiring a reputable local fabricator is highly recommended unless the retailer offers professional in-house installation services.

Find the Best Quartz Countertop Installers Near You

The fabricator and installer you choose will have a major impact on your overall satisfaction and costs. Be sure to do your due diligence.

Key tips for picking the best quartz countertop installer:

Review their online ratings and reviews. Look for consistently positive feedback.
Ask to see examples of their previous quartz installations.
Choose an experienced specialized quartz fabricator, not a general handyman.
Verify they offer professional in-house installation rather than subcontracting.
Look for granite/marble dealer certification like from the MIA.
Get 3+ written estimates to compare costs.
Ask lots of questions and vet them thoroughly before hiring.
Confirm they will handle securing sinks/fixtures during install.
Ensure they have the proper insurance coverage.
See if they offer any warranty against defects/damage.

Investing in a high quality installer is wise since they make a big impact on the durability and appearance of your finished countertops. Shopping around for the best deal is still wise. Just be sure to evaluate installers on quality as well as cost.

How Much Quartz Countertops Installed – Key Takeaways

The total cost to install quartz countertops will depend on the slab cost per square foot, size/layout of your countertops, edge profiles, seam placement, color/pattern, and installer fees. On average, expect to invest $70-$150 per square foot for mid-range quartz installed. The good news is that with proper care, your quartz countertops will maintain their beauty for decades rather than needing frequent replacement like other materials. Spend time selecting the perfect color and quality fabricator for your space. With some smart choices, you can get the high-end quartz countertops of your dreams while keeping costs reasonable.

What Factors into Quartz Countertop Pricing?

Pricing for installed quartz countertops depends on several key factors that affect both the cost of materials and fabrication/installation labor:

Quartz Brand

Quartz countertops are engineered from crushed quartz bound with resin. The biggest manufacturers include:

Caesarstone
Cambria
Silestone
Viatera
Hanstone
LG

Higher-end designer brands like Caesarstone and Cambria cost more than value collections from IKEA. Prices range from $50 to over $100 per square foot.

Thickness

Standard quartz thickness is 3cm (1.25 inches). Going up to 2 cm (3/4 inch) adds cost but provides more durability and heft.

Color Tones

Lighter quartz colors tend to have lower price points than darker bold hues. Veining/patterns also increase cost.

Edge Profiles

Edges can be square, rounded, beveled etc. More complex edges cost slightly more to fabricate.

Size

Larger quartz slabs and more complex shapes/cutouts mean higher material and labor costs.

Fabrication Requirements

Special cutouts for sinks and faucets or complex seam placements increase fabrication time/effort needed.

Regional Labor Costs

Like any home remodeling service, installation costs will be higher in some markets.

Installer Reputation

Well-known firms command a premium, but often deliver higher quality results.

Special Discounts

Some manufacturers/suppliers offer seasonal sales or bundling discounts on installed projects.

How to Estimate Your Total Quartz Countertop Costs

Follow these steps when budgeting for your specific project:

Calculate Square Footage

Measure existing countertop lengths/widths to estimate total coverage needed. Remember to account for seams, backsplashes, and any overhangs.

Select Your Materials

Research different quartz brands/colors to find options in your desired price range and aesthetic. Get free samples to view tones and patterns.

Slab Pricing

Get quotes from manufacturers or suppliers on your selected slabs. Look for discounts/sales if possible. Expect $50 – $200 per square foot.

Fabrication + Installation

Solicit itemized estimates from experienced local fabricators. Look for $40-$100 per square foot for fabrication and professional installation.

Add-Ons/Customization

Account for any extra costs like backsplashes, edge profiles, demolition disposal, sink hookups etc. These can add $5-$25 per square foot typically.

Total Project Costs

Add up your expected slab costs + installation quotes + extras. The total will give you a realistic budget for your finished quartz countertops.

Compare Installer Quality

Vet installers thoroughly and review their past work. A quality fabricator is worth the cost. Negotiate respectfully to find the best balance of price and expertise.

What Makes Quartz Countertops More Expensive Than Other Options?

It’s true that quartz countertops sit at the higher end of countertop pricing. What exactly accounts for their premium cost compared to options like granite, laminate or tile?

Raw Materials

Quartz slabs contain high percentages of natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals. The binding resins are also high-quality. These superior raw ingredients cost more.

Appearance

Quartz mimics the look of exotic natural stone. Rich colors and unique patterns add cost to achieve that upscale aesthetic.

Fabrication Tech

Cutting and polishing quartz requires specialized diamond-tipped tools. The intricate fabrication process is labor-intensive.

Consistency

Quartz offers consistent colors and patterns. Maintaining inventory of a wide selection adds cost versus natural stone irregularity.

Durability

Quartz is virtually scratch, stain, heat and acid-proof. This extreme durability comes from advanced engineering.

Low Maintenance

Never needing sealants or waxes is a huge plus. The hassle-free care stems from quartz density.

Brand Equity

Leading manufacturers like Caesarstone have invested heavily in marketing and brand reputation. This boosts perceived value.

Trendiness

Quartz is currently one of the hottest countertop trends. The high demand increases prices from a supply/demand perspective.

Resale Value

Quartz counters can bolster home sale prices like granite. Homeowners pay more if they see quartz as an investment.

Overall Value

When designed, fabricated and installed properly, quartz countertops deliver excellent functionality, beauty and longevity that justifies the premium pricing for many homeowners.

How Thick Are Quartz Countertops? Does Thickness Impact Cost?

Quartz countertops come in standard thicknesses of either 1 1/4 inches (3cm) or 3/4 inches (2cm). Does going with a thicker slab noticeably impact the total installed price?

Quartz Thickness Pricing

On average, 3cm quartz costs $5-$15 more per square foot compared to 2cm, or about 10-15% extra.

However, some fabricators charge a fixed pricing “upgrade fee” for thicker quartz, such as an additional $100-200 on the total job rather than per square foot.

Cost Difference Considerations

The increased cost for thicker 3cm quartz arises from:

More raw materials being used per square foot.
Incrementally higher fabrication costs.
More complexity in transportation and installation.

However, for most projects the increase is quite reasonable in percentage terms.

Benefits of 3cm Quartz

Why would you pay extra for thicker 3cm quartz? Key advantages include:

Much greater durability and impact resistance.
Visually, a thicker profile appears more polished and high-end.
Ideal for heavier use locations like kitchens.
Preferred thickness if doing a waterfall edge or extended countertop overhang.
Provides more structural integrity over time.
Allows for minor sanding/resurfacing over many years if needed.

When to Consider 2cm Thickness

The thinner 2cm may work fine in these scenarios:

Very large projects where cost savings add up significantly.
Low-traffic areas like bathrooms.
Tight spaces where the slight slimmer profile is beneficial.
For wall cladding applications rather than countertops.