Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. With their durability, low maintenance, and wide variety of colors and patterns available, it’s easy to see why. However, like most home upgrades, quartz countertops come at a cost. If you’re considering installing quartz in your home, you’re likely wondering – how much should quartz countertop cost?
What is Quartz?
Before diving into costs, it helps to understand exactly what quartz countertops are. Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. Slabs are created by combining approximately 90% ground quartz with 10% polymer resins.
The resins bind the quartz particles together to form a durable, non-porous surface. The pigments added during manufacturing provide the wide color and pattern options available.
So while quartz slabs are not 100% natural stone, they are exceptionally hard and resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. In fact, quartz is one of the lowest maintenance countertop materials available today.
Factors That Determine Quartz Countertop Cost
Quartz countertop costs are impacted by several key factors:
Quartz Brand
There are many major brands of quartz, including Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, and Viatera. As with most products, prices vary across brands. The overall quality, reputation, and popularity of the manufacturer will impact cost.
Higher-end designer brands like Cambria and Viatera tend to cost more than builder-grade options from manufacturers like MSI. Prices can range significantly, from as low as $50 per square foot installed for entry-level quartz, up to $150+ per square foot for premium designer brands.
Color and Pattern
Another factor affecting quartz pricing is the color and pattern you choose. Some manufacturer’s color palettes are divided into separate pricing tiers based on popularity and demand.
For example, a basic white or light grey quartz may fall into the base pricing tier, while trending colors and unique patterns will be priced higher due to their desirability. These color upgrades can add $5-$15+ more per square foot.
Thickness
Standard quartz countertops are 3/4″ thick. However, thicker material options like 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” slabs are available from some manufacturers. The thicker the material, the higher the price per square foot. Thicker quartz is more resistant to cracking and damage over time.
Edge Profiles
Quartz countertops can be finished with standard 90-degree edges or more ornate ogee, bevel, or bullnose edges. The fabrication and installation of these decorative edges tends to add $5-$15 per linear foot to the overall cost.
Backsplashes
Integrated quartz backsplashes can provide a streamlined, seamless look. But this custom fabrication does come at a price – expect to pay an additional $50-$100 for a 4” backsplash, depending on the perimeter length.
Cutouts
Any cutouts needed for sinks and faucets will impact quartz costs. The more cutouts required, the more potential waste material, driving prices up. Unusual or complex sink or cooktop layouts will cost more to fabricate.
Installation Area
Kitchen and bathroom installations often require templating and precise fabrication due to the greater number of cutouts involved. More straightforward installations, like quartz counters for laundry rooms, tend to cost less overall.
The size of the installation area naturally impacts the budget as well. Larger surface areas require more materials, fabrication time, delivery fees, and installation labor.
What’s the Average Cost for a Quartz Countertop?
Taking all these factors into account, what can you expect to pay for quartz counters? Here are a few averages:
- Total installed cost per square foot – Ranges from $80-$125 on average
- Material cost per square foot – $50-$100 is typical for nicer brands and colors
- Fabrication & Installation cost per square foot – $30-$50 depending on complexity
- Backsplash per linear foot – $50-$100+ for a 4” height
- Edge upgrades per linear foot – $5-$15 added cost
- Cutouts – $50-$200 per cutout depending on size
So for example, a 30 square foot quartz countertop installation with upgraded edges and backsplash could cost around $4,000 total.
Of course, exact quartz countertop costs will vary project by project based on the variables listed above. Be sure to get an itemized quote from fabricators before committing to a budget number.
Price Ranges by Quartz Brand
To give you a better idea of real-world quartz pricing, here are rough price ranges you can expect from popular brands:
Silestone Quartz
As one of the most famous quartz manufacturers, Silestone offers an extensive color collection called the Silestone Color Series. Costs typically range*:
- Basic colors and styles – $80-$100 per square foot
- Most popular mid-range colors – $90-$115 per square foot
- Specialty colors and patterns – $100-$150 per square foot
Silestone is known for constantly updating and adding new color options each year. Their polished and Suede finishes are also popular.
Caesarstone Quartz
Caesarstone has over 50 color options available, categorized into four distinct collections – Classico, Motivo, Supernatural, and Metropolitan. Prices often fall between:
- Classico colors – $70-$90 per square foot
- Motivo colors – $80-$100 per square foot
- Supernatural colors – $85-$110 per square foot
- Metropolitan colors – $90-$130 per square foot
Caesarstone is a great option for modern designs, with many grays, white, and patterns available.
Cambria Quartz
As a premium brand, Cambria quartz is exclusively sold through a network of authorized retailers. Pricing is as follows:
- Standard collection – $95-$125 per square foot
- Designer collection – $125-$175 per square foot
Cambria offers natural stone-like designs with lots of veining, movement, and color variation. It is on the higher end for quartz but has a reputation for outstanding quality and beauty.
Viatera Quartz
Viatera is another high-end designer quartz brand with unique styles. Cost ranges from:
- Signature collection – $110-$170 per square foot
- Premier collections – $130-$185 per square foot
Viatera slabs feature bold patterns including realistic natural stone and concrete looks. The brand is known for craftsmanship and durability.
MSI Quartz
As a more budget-friendly quartz option, MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz costs approximately:
- Neutral solids – $55-$75 per square foot
- Granites, marbles, stones – $65-$85 per square foot
- Metallics and glass aggregates – $70-$90 per square foot
MSI offers lower prices for decent quality. Just avoid the very cheapest MSI lines, as quality suffers further down the price scale.
Other Brands
In addition to the major national brands above, many smaller regional manufacturers also offer quartz. Pricing can run the gamut. Always be sure to carefully vet brands you aren’t as familiar with and read reviews before purchasing.
Some other brands to consider include:
- Hanstone Quartz – $55-$100 per square foot
- Viatera Quartz – $110-$170 per square foot
- Wilsonart Quartz – $55-$95 per square foot
- Pokarna Quartz – $40-$85 per square foot
- PentalQuartz – $55-$75 per square foot
- Quartzforms – $70-$100 per square foot
Does Thicker Quartz Cost More?
Standard quartz countertops are 3/4” thick. However, some manufacturers offer thicker 1 1/4” – 1 1/2” slabs. Does more thickness increase the price?
The answer is yes. Thicker quartz costs $10-$30+ more per square foot compared to standard 3/4” slabs. Here’s a pricing comparison:
- 3/4” slabs – $80-$100 per square foot
- 1 1/4” slabs – $90-$120 per square foot
- 1 1/2” slabs – $100-$130+ per square foot
The thicker material is more resistant to damage over time. However, most experts agree that the standard 3/4” thickness provides adequate strength and durability for most applications.
The choice between 3/4” vs. 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” depends on your budget and how much heavy use your counters will see. For example, thicker quartz makes sense behind stoves and sinks that will encounter hot cookware.
Cost Comparison to Other Countertop Materials
How does the cost of quartz stack up against other popular countertop materials? Here is a basic cost per square foot comparison:
- Laminate countertops – $10-$40 per square foot
- Butcher block counters – $50-$100 per square foot
- Tile counters – $15-$50 per square foot
- Engineered quartz – $80-$120 per square foot
- Granite slab counters – $60-$150 per square foot
- Marble slab counters – $70-$250 per square foot
- Concrete counters – $85-$150 per square foot
- Recycled glass counters – $70-$100 per square foot
- Soapstone counters – $70-$100 per square foot
Of course, material cost is only part of the total project cost. Demolition, installation, edges, and backsplash also add to the final price. But this gives you a general idea of how quartz compares cost-wise to other options.
Granite and marble are the most direct alternatives to quartz in terms of appearance and application. And as you can see, quartz pricing is very competitive with natural stone.
Quartz vs. Granite Countertop Costs
Focusing just on quartz vs. granite, which usually costs less? Due to quartz being engineered and manufactured, it can sometimes be a more budget-friendly option compared to granite:
- Quartz material cost – $80-$120 per square foot on average
- Granite material cost – $60-$150 per square foot on average
With granite, you must consider the stone’s popularity and availability. Unique granite colors and patterns are more expensive than readily available types like Uba Tuba or Giallo Ornamental.
Quartz has a more consistent pricing structure across colors, making it a little easier to budget. Overall costs for granite and quartz installed are typically quite similar.
The main differences come down to appearance, maintenance, and durability:
- Granite is a 100% natural stone with distinct veining and movement. Quartz has an engineered, uniform look.
- Quartz is virtually maintenance-free. Granite requires annual sealing.
- Quartz resists scratches and stains better than granite. But granite is still highly durable.
Your personal preferences for aesthetic, intended use, and maintenance will help determine whether granite or quartz is the better choice for your home. Visit showrooms to view slabs in person before deciding.
How to Get the Best Price on Quartz Countertops
Looking to get the lowest price possible on your quartz project? Here are some tips:
- Compare bids from at least 3 fabricators – more quotes lead to more competitive pricing.
- Ask about special promotions or sales events – some shops offer discounts on certain brands/colors at different times of the year.
- Inquire if they have any remnant pieces available – you may score leftover quartz from previous jobs at a discount.
- Avoid complicated layouts and cutouts when possible – simpler is less expensive.
- Install on easy, open spaces like laundry rooms first to save money.
- Select affordable edge and backsplash options – upgrade later if budget allows.
- Provide your own sink and faucet – avoid markups on these items.
- Buy your own quartz slabs – negotiate fabrication/install only costs.
- Time projects for the slower winter months – shops offer better deals to fill demand.
Taking the time to shop around, negotiate, and limit custom extras can help lower the budget for your dream quartz countertops. Just be sure to use a reputable, experienced fabricator for the actual installation.
Quartz Countertops: An Investment That Pays Off
At first glance, quartz counters may seem expensive upfront. But viewed as a long-term investment in your home’s beauty and function, quartz is a smart spend. Given a typical lifespan of 15-20 years with minimal maintenance required, quartz offers outstanding durability and performance for the investment.
Few other remodeling projects offer as many benefits as upgraded countertops:
- Enjoy them every single day – You’ll appreciate the improvement daily when cooking meals, doing homework, or entertaining. Quartz’s durability also maintains its flawless look year after year.
- Increase resale value – Upscale countertops like quartz can boost your home’s value by 50-75% of their original purchase price upon resale. That translates to tens of thousands in value added.
- Easier maintenance – Quartz’s nonporous surface never needs sealing and resists stains and scratches. You’ll save time and hassle with carefree cleaning.
- Healthier than other materials – Quartz does not harbor bacteria growth like wood or natural stone. The nonporous surface prevents mold, mildew, and odor buildup.
When viewed as a long-term investment that adds daily joy to your lifestyle, quartz is easy to justify. Be sure to work with an experienced local fabricator to get accurate pricing for your specific quartz project. Expect to invest $80-$150 per square foot for most designer, high-quality quartz countertops installed.
FAQ – What Else Should I Know About Quartz Costs?
Does the color or pattern of quartz impact the price?
Yes, more popular and unique color/pattern options are typically priced in higher tiers by the manufacturer. Expect to pay $10-$30+ more per square foot for trending or premium styles vs basic solids.
Is Caesarstone or Cambria quartz more expensive?
Cambria quartz is a designer brand sold through showrooms, so it is priced 15-30% higher than a mainstream brand like Caesarstone that’s available at home improvement stores. Expect to pay $125-$175 per square foot for Cambria.
Can I install quartz myself to save money?
In theory, a DIY quartz install is possible. But it requires incredible precision for a seamless fit, so unless you have lots of experience it’s not advisable. Missteps lead to cracks, uneven seams, or damage. Hiring a pro is strongly recommended.
Is it cheaper to buy quartz remnants?
Sometimes, yes – shops will sell leftover pieces from previous jobs at a discount. However, remnants limit your design options and often have seams. But if you find one that works, remnants can save 20% off full-priced slabs.
Should I expect to pay more for thick 1 1⁄4” quartz?
Yes, thicker quartz slabs cost $15-$40 more per square foot on average. The 1 1⁄4” thickness provides added durability and peace of mind for just 10-15% more versus standard 3⁄4” counters.
Does backlighting or special finishes increase the cost of quartz?
Yes. Backlighting, metallic finishes, or unique treatments like fabric mesh layering or river glass aggregates often add $10-$50 per square foot to the price. These are mostly decorative rather than functional upgrades.
The Bottom Line
Quartz has become such a popular material because it pairs beautiful aesthetics with extreme durability and easy maintenance. Pricing is quite competitive, ranging from $80-$150 per square foot installed depending on your choice of colors, patterns, thickness, and custom options selected.
While not the absolute cheapest countertop option, quartz is an excellent value for a low-maintenance material that will last at least 15-20 years with minimal upkeep required. The initial investment pays dividends for decades in terms of daily enjoyment, upgraded appearance, and increased home resale value.
Just be sure to get multiple bids and negotiate the best deal possible. Shop off-season sales and limit complex cutting when feasible. With smart planning, you can realize your dream of gorgeous, hassle-free quartz countertops within your budget.