Quartz countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. As you consider a quartz countertop installation, one of the foremost questions is how much it will cost. The price can vary significantly based on the quality of the stone, complexity of the project, and other factors. Here is a comprehensive overview of what to expect when budgeting for quartz countertops.
What Impacts the Cost of Quartz Countertops?
Several key factors influence how much you can expect to pay for quartz countertops:
Quality of the Stone
Quartz is available in different tiers of quality, which impacts the price. Lower-end quartz costs $40-60 per square foot installed. Mid-range quartz runs $60-100 per square foot. High-end, designer quartz slabs can cost $100-150 per square foot installed. The more intricate the pattern and consistency of particles in the stone, the higher the quality and price.
Color Selection
Some quartz colors and styles demand a higher price due to popularity or intricacy of design. White quartz is often more affordable than exotic colors like blue or green. Unique color variations and patterns usually cost more as well.
Thickness of the Slab
Standard quartz countertops are 1.25 inches thick. Thicker options like 1.5 inches or 2 inches add more material costs. Thicker quartz is more durable and resistant to cracks or damage.
Edge Profiles
You can choose different edge profiles like square, beveled, ogee, or eased. More complex edges increase fabrication time and expense. Simple square edges cost less than decorative ogee or beveled edges.
Size of the Installation
The total square footage of your project impacts the price. Larger kitchens with more surface area, islands, or specialty pieces will cost more overall than a smaller project.
Custom Detailing and Cutouts
Details like intricate cuts for sinks or cooktops or custom edging add labor and expense. The more complex the fabrication, the higher the price.
Regional Labor Costs
Installation costs vary across the country based on average wages for fabricators. Expect to pay more for installation in areas with higher costs of living.
Replacing Existing Countertops
If you’re replacing old countertops rather than doing new construction, additional demolition and preparation work can add cost.
What’s the Average Price for Quartz Countertops?
The average cost for quartz countertops installed is $70-100 per square foot. This equates to $3,500-5,000 for a medium sized kitchen.
Here are some examples of average costs for quartz:
- 30 square foot small kitchen – $2,100 to $3,000
- 40 square foot medium kitchen – $2,800 to $4,000
- 60 square foot large kitchen – $4,200 to $6,000
However, you could pay as little as $50/sq ft for discounted materials or over $150/sq ft for premium quartz in expensive areas.
Get quotes from 3-4 fabricators to find the best local price. Be wary of quotes under $50/sq ft as quality may be subpar.
Cost Breakdown: Materials vs Installation
On average, expect to pay about 60-70% of the total price for materials and 30-40% for fabrication and installation. So for $100/sq ft quartz:
- $60-70/sq ft for the quartz slabs
- $30-40/sq ft for fabrication and installation work
Fabrication costs include cutting, shaping, polishing, and installing the countertops. This process takes skilled technicians 1-2 days typically.
Factors That Increase Quartz Countertop Costs
Several options can increase the price of your quartz countertop project:
- Thicker quartz: Going from 1.25″ to 1.5″ or 2″ thickness
- Premium materials: Designer, exotic, or imported quartz
- Full backsplashes: Adds 5-10% to costs
- Intricate edges: Beveled, ogee, or decorative edges
- Complex fabrication: Curves, seamless look, intricate cutouts
- Waterfall edges: Quartz extended along edges of counters
- Installation of sinks/faucets: Plumbing work adds 10-15% typically
- Removal of old counters: Adds $500-1500 for demolition
- Rush orders: Paying extra for expedited fabrication
Factors That Decrease Quartz Countertop Costs
You can reduce quartz costs by:
- Choosing mid-range rather than premium quartz
- Opting for a basic square edge profile
- Using a laminate backsplash instead of full quartz
- Avoiding sinks, cooktops, or other cutouts
- Reusing existing sinks and faucets
- Choosing a stock color rather than custom color
- Shopping end of year sales and clearance items
- Supplying your own sink and cooktop
- Going with a smaller size installation
What is the Cheapest Option for Quartz?
The most affordable quartz countertops cost between $40-60 per square foot installed. At this price point, expect mid-range quality in limited colors like whites, grays, and blacks. Edges will be basic square profile. These economical options offer an excellent value but lack designer finishes of premium quartz.
Can You Save Money by Installing Quartz Yourself?
In most cases, it is not practical to install quartz countertops DIY. The slabs are dense, fragile, and weigh 100-200 pounds each. Special tools are required for cutting, polishing, and seaming quartz accurately. Hiring professionals ensures proper installation and prevents cracks or damage that can ruin the stone. Attempting DIY installation often costs more in the long-run to fix mistakes.
Tips to Get the Best Deal on Quartz Countertops
Here are tips for getting the most competitive bid on your quartz project:
- Get quotes from at least 3-4 local fabricators
- Be flexible with slab colors and styles
- Supply your own sinks and faucets, if possible
- Avoid intricate edges and cutouts
- Go with a standard thickness of 1.25 inches
- Consider stock remnants for a lower price
- Time the project for end of year or slow season discounts
- Use a laminate rather than quartz backsplash
Doing research and getting multiple quotes gives you the best chance at quality quartz countertops at a competitive price. With some smart design choices, you can keep costs down without sacrificing style.
The Bottom Line
For beautiful, durable, low maintenance countertops, expect to invest $70-100 per square foot installed for quartz. Higher-end materials, intricate fabrication, and large projects can exceed $150/sq ft. But you can also find deals around $50/sq ft for more budget-friendly installs. With some savvy shopping and design decisions, quartz countertops can fit a variety of budgets and styles. Get multiple bids and compare the full scope of work to find the right balance of quality, price, and design.