Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking to remodel their kitchens or bathrooms. With their durability, low maintenance, and wide variety of colors and patterns, it’s easy to see why quartz is in such high demand. However, quartz is also one of the more expensive countertop materials on the market. So how much does a quartz countertop cost? Here is a detailed look at what goes into quartz countertop pricing.

Factors That Influence Quartz Countertop Costs

Several key factors impact the total cost of quartz countertops:

Type of Quartz

Not all quartz is created equal. There are significant differences in quality between low-end, middle-grade, and high-end quartz options. Lower-priced quartz usually has less resilience and a more limited color/pattern offering. Higher-priced quartz brands such Caeserstone or Silestone provide greater durability and more design options. The type of quartz you choose will greatly affect the overall project cost.

Color and Pattern

Basic quartz colors and patterns are the most affordable options. However, premium colors, bold patterns (like veining), and unique finishes (metallics or glitter) add to the total price. The more complex the color/pattern, the higher the price per square foot.

Custom Fabrication

Custom edging, cutouts for sinks, built-in drainboards, and adding multiple tiers all require extra fabrication time, driving costs up. Simple countertop installations with minimal custom elements are far more budget-friendly.

Surface Area

Quartz is priced by the square foot, so the overall surface area you are covering will factor into the total cost. Large kitchens with lots of countertop square footage or multiple bathrooms will be more expensive projects than a small bathroom vanity.

Installation Factors

Your existing countertop layout, accessibility, the need for removal/disposal of old countertops, and complexity of the job all affect installation costs. Simple jobs are cheaper than complicated demolitions or installations requiring extra time/materials.

Location

Like all home improvement projects, local market conditions influence cost. Higher prices in some areas related to labor, material, and real estate costs may increase your overall investment. Always consider your geographic location when budgeting.

With all these pricing factors in mind, what can you expect to pay for quartz counters? Let’s explore some typical price ranges.

Average Cost for Quartz Countertops

The cost per square foot for basic quartz starts around $40 and goes up to over $100 per square foot for premium materials and fabrication:

Low end: $40-$60 per sq. ft.
Mid-range: $70-$90 per sq. ft.
High end: $100+ per sq. ft.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, the average homeowners spends $3,868 on a quartz countertop installation. Their data indicates most homeowners pay between $2,500 and $4,500 to complete their quartz project.

However, many factors specific to your project can alter these averages. Be sure to get an itemized quote for your exact project specifications.

Quartz Countertop Cost Per Square Foot

To understand what a new quartz countertop may cost for your specific kitchen or bath, consider these average costs per square foot:

Entry-Level Quartz

The lowest priced quartz options from brands like Vicostone, MSI, or Ceasarstone start around $40 per square foot installed. While durable, entry-level quartz has fewer color/pattern options and lower resilience ratings than premium brands. Still an upgrade from laminate, this presents a budget-friendly option for cost-conscious renovators.

Mid-Range Quartz

The middle tier of quality quartz counters from Silestone, Cambria, and other leading names runs $70-90 per square foot installed. With more color and pattern flexibility combined with better durability than basic options, this represents the best value for most homeowners. Expect excellent performance for years from quality mid-range quartz.

High-End Quartz

Top tier designer quartz from the best brands with unique patterns/finishes or larger pieces made from premium slabs can cost over $100 per square foot installed. High-end quartz offers maximum durability and intricate eye-catching designs. This makes sense for luxury home renovations where budget is not a limiting factor.

DIY Installation

If tackling quartz countertop installation as a DIY project, you can save on labor costs. However, material will still cost $40-100+ per square foot. Factor in miscuts, adhesives, and rental equipment as well. DIY installation can save 20-30% over paying a pro. But be sure you are up for the challenge before committing.

What Impacts Per Square Foot Pricing?

Many specifics relating to your project influence the per square foot cost when pricing quartz counters. Be aware of the following:

Quartz brand – Premium materials cost more per sq. ft. than value options
Colors/patterns – Unique finishes or complex designs cost extra
Edge profiles – Intricate edges like ogee raise per sq. ft. pricing
Thickness – Thicker quartz is more durable but pricier
Backsplashes – Adding backsplashes adds per linear foot costs
Location – Regional variables like cost of living affect pricing
Fabricators – More experienced installers may charge higher rates
Site conditions – Challenging demolition/renovation scenarios cost more per sq. ft.

Being an informed consumer can help you budget accurately and set realistic expectations.

Factors That Raise Your Quartz Price Per Square Foot

Certain choices and situations during your quartz installation project can increase your per square foot investment. Be prepared for these common premium charges:

Thicker Quartz

While 3/4” thickness is standard, going up to 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” thick quartz adds sturdiness and visual mass. However, expect to pay $10-20 more per square foot for thicker material.

Backsplashes

Most quotes do not automatically include full backsplashes. Adding a 4-6 inch backsplash adds $10-25 per linear foot in extra fabrication and installation fees.

Higher Edge Profiles

Fancier edges like triple waterfall, chamfered, or softened edges add $10-20 in extra per square foot costs versus simple eased or straight edges.

Complex Patterns

Unique quartz patterns like bold veining, mosaics, or metallics cost $10-50 more per square foot than basic solid colors and subtle patterns.

Premium Brands

Higher-end makers like Silestone, Cambria, and Caesarstone charge more per square foot than low/mid-range brands like MSI, Vicostone, or IKEA.

Rush Orders

Expedited fabrication and installation in 4 weeks or less often adds a rush fee of about 15% to the overall quote.

Cutouts

Each sink, cooktop, or other cutout can add $50-150+ per opening depending on size and complexity.

Exotic Materials

Some designers offer exotic materials like quartzite, Dekton, or Neolith. These premium surfaces cost $125-300+ per square foot installed.

Cost Breakdown: Quartz Countertop Installation

What exactly are you paying for when investing in new quartz counters? Here is an overview of the costs that comprise a typical quartz installation quote:

Materials – This covers the raw quartz slabs, edging, adhesives, and other materials needed for fabrication and installation. Materials account for 30-50% of your total budget.
Fabrication – Specialized shops cut and polish the slabs to your exact size/specifications. Expert fabricators also create any cutouts or edge details. Expect fabrication fees around 25-40% of the total cost.
Installation – Trained professionals carefully install your finished countertops. They handle removal of old counters, conditioning the underlayers, precise installation, and sealing everything for durability. Labor will be 15-25% of your grand total.
Other costs – Miscellaneous expenses like permits/fees, backsplashes, appliances, or electrical work can add 5-15% more to your budget. Always account for the unexpected too.

Understanding what comprises your investment helps avoid budget pitfalls and surprises. Be sure all necessary costs are included in your contractor quotes.

Kitchen Quartz Countertop Cost

What can the average homeowner expect to invest when installing new quartz counters in their kitchen? Here are typical price ranges:

Small Kitchen

A tiny kitchen with just 15-25 square feet of countertop space starts around $1,000-$1,500 for low-end quartz. Expect closer to $2,000-$3,500 for mid-grade materials.

Medium Kitchen

In a medium 30-40 square foot kitchen, budget $2,000-$3,500 for value options or $3,500-$5,000 for quality quartz. Most homeowners spend $3,000-$4,500 on their medium kitchen projects.

Large Kitchen

For sizable kitchens over 40+ square feet, prices range from $3,000-$5,000 on the low end. Mid-range options run $5,500-$9,000 or more. Upgrades or luxury options in a large space can exceed $15,000.

Additional Costs

Keep in mind costs like demolishing old counters, cabinet alterations, new sinks/faucets, backsplashes, lighting, stools, or appliances can add thousands more. Always account for unforeseen expenses too.

Get multiple itemized estimates before setting your kitchen quartz countertop budget.

Bathroom Vanity Quartz Cost

What about installing quartz counters in your bathroom vanities? Here are typical bathroom quartz prices:

Small vanity – 25” to 35” sizes start around $400-$800 on the low end. Expect to spend $600-$1,200 for mid-range quartz.
Double vanity – For his/her 60” sizes plan to invest $1,000-$2,000 on the low end. $1,500-$3,000 is more realistic for quality quartz.
Oversized vanity – For statement 72”+ double vanity spaces, budget $2,000-$4,000+. Prices climb over $5,000+ for luxury options.
Vessel sinks – These on-trend sinks add $200-500+ to the project cost.
Backsplashes/walls – Covering additional surfaces besides just the vanity top adds $500-1,500 per project.

Always get an exact quote catered to your actual vanity size and design needs. Then add 20% or so to your budget for unforeseen costs.

Cost Comparison: Quartz vs Other Countertop Materials

How does the cost of quartz compare to other countertop materials? Here is a glance at average installed costs per square foot:

Laminate: $20-40 per sq. ft.
Wood: $50-100 per sq. ft.
Quartz: $70-120 per sq. ft.
Marble: $80-150 per sq. ft.
Granite: $80-150 per sq. ft.
Slate: $70-140 per sq. ft.
Soapstone: $80-120 per sq. ft.
Stainless steel: $100-200 per sq. ft.
Concrete: $85-185 per sq. ft.
Tile: $10-50 per sq. ft.

Quartz delivers an excellent balance of affordability, beauty, and durability compared to alternatives. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each material for your space and lifestyle.

Factors That Reduce Quartz Countertop Costs

Certain choices can decrease your total investment in new quartz counters. Be on the lookout for these ways to get valuable savings:

Select Affordable Edges

Keep edge treatments simple. A standard eased or slightly rounded edge is far more budget friendly than intricate ogee or waterfall edges.

Choose a White or Cream Color

Brilliant whites and soft creams are usually the most affordable quartz colors. Darker tones or bold patterns cost extra.

Install Fewer Backsplashes

Skip backsplashes behind lower cabinets or anywhere they aren’t needed. Backsplashes add 15-30% to project costs.

Fabricate Counters Yourself

If skilled with tools, fabricate pre-cut quartz yourself to save on fabrication fees. However, messing up expensive slabs carries risk.

Install Yourself

Likewise, DIY installation saves on labor but has hazards. Ensure you can safely handle heavy quartz before going this route.

Shop Specials and Sales

Ask suppliers about current promotions, clearance materials, or rebates to lower total expenses.

Supply Your Own Materials

Provide quartz slabs you source yourself through a supplier. Just ensure your fabricator approves.

Saving money should never come at the expense of proper installation procedures, safety, or quality. But some smart savings opportunities do exist.

Maintenance Costs for Quartz Countertops

Beyond the initial purchase and installation costs, ongoing maintenance expenses should be part of your quartz budget planning. Realistic long-term costs include:

Sealing – Resealing every 2-3 years adds $200-300 per treatment.
Repairs – Fixing chips, cracks, or discoloration costs $200-500+ depending on damage.
Resurfacing – Refinishing dull quartz every 7-10 years runs $800-1,500.
Deep cleaning – Periodic deep cleaning every 3-5 years costs around $200-300 professionally.

Thankfully quartz requires far less frequent repairs and resurfacing than materials like marble. But annual maintenance budgets around $100-200 are wise to keep your counters pristine.

DIY Installation Cost Savings

For skilled DIYers, self-installing quartz counters results in huge potential savings. Realistic expenses include:

Quartz slabs – $500-2,000+ depending on square footage
Adhesives, sealants, caulk – $50-200
Rental tools/equipment – $100-300
Incidentals – $50-500

Total budget for DIY materials would be $750-$3,000+. Avoid mistakes since botched slabs are costly. Self-installation saves about 30% over pro installation. But know your limits.

Pros vs DIY Installation

Should you hire a pro or DIY your quartz install? Consider the differences:

Pro Installation

Expert fabrication for flawless seams
Professional-grade tools, saws, routers
Perfect cuts around sinks, cooktops, etc
Meticulous precision fitting your space
Total install in 1-3 days
Licensed and insured
Warranties on workmanship

DIY Installation

Basic fabrication skills needed
Must rent or buy tools
Precise cuts are challenging
Install takes 4+ days
No insurance or warranties
Risk of ruining expensive slabs

For most homeowners, hiring a pro ensures ideal results and provides peace of mind despite higher costs.

Hiring Professional Quartz Installers

To ensure your investment is money well spent, take steps to hire the best as pros:

Review portfolios and experience installing quartz
Verify licensing, insurance, and bonding
Request references from recent clients
Check ratings/reviews on Google, Yelp, etc
Get 3+ itemized estimates in writing
Ask about warranties on installation
Calculate total costs including sink, disposal, permits, etc

Never just hire the cheapest bid. A few hundred dollars in savings now can cost you thousands later if quality issues arise. Invest wisely.

How to Get the Best Deal on Quartz Countertops

Looking to score a bargain on quartz counters without sacrificing quality? Try these tips:

Time projects for winter or fall when demand is slower
Supply your own materials purchased at discount
Find clearance quartz leftovers from other jobs
Use ‘seconds’ materials with minor flaws
Opt for neutral colors over bold unique hues
Install flat edges instead of built-up profiles
Get quotes from several fabricators
Provide your own templating measurements
Avoid rush fees by allowing 4+ week lead time

With some diligence, you can find ways to trim excess costs while still enjoying gorgeous quartz countertops.

Quartz Countertops: Bottom Line Costs

In summary, here are realistic expectations for quartz counter costs based on the latest industry figures:

Budget $40-50 per square foot for low-end quartz installed
Mid-range better-quality quartz costs $70-90 per square foot installed
High-end designer quartz runs $100-200+ per square foot installed
Average total investment is $2,500 to $4,500 for most kitchens
Bathroom vanity tops range $400-$1,200 for typical sizes
Extra fabrication, installation factors, and upgrades add more

Set your budget minimum 20% higher than initial estimates to allow for overages and surprises. With smart planning, you can gain beautiful, durable quartz countertops that will provide daily enjoyment for years to come without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertop Costs

Many homeowners have additional questions about what impacts the total investment when installing quartz counters. Here are answers to some of the most common quartz pricing concerns:

How Much Should My Quartz Countertop Cost?