Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels due to their durability, low maintenance, and wide variety of colors and patterns. However, quartz is also one of the more expensive countertop materials on the market. Here is a detailed overview of what factors impact the cost of quartz countertops and what range of pricing you can expect per square foot.
What Impacts the Cost of Quartz Countertops?
Several key factors determine the installed price of quartz countertops on a per square foot basis:
- Brand of Quartz: The brand of engineered quartz used, such as Caesarstone, Cambria, or Silestone, impacts cost. Higher-end brands cost more.
- Color and Pattern: Simple solid colors are the most affordable. Unique veining, patterns, and designer colors add cost.
- Edge Profiles: Decorative edge treatments like bullnose, ogee, and dupont add labor and cost more than standard square edges.
- Thickness: Standard thickness is 3/4″. Thicker 1-1/4″ quartz is available for a premium price.
- Installation: Using a professional for template, fabrication and install adds cost but is recommended.
- Market Factors: Location, demand, and supplier prices in your area impact overall installed price.
What Is the Average Cost of Quartz Countertops?
The price range for quartz is $40-$100 per square foot installed, with the following averages:
- Low end: $45-50 per square foot for generic brands and basic white/light solid colors.
- Mid-range: $65-75 for name brands like Caesarstone and Cambria, popular patterns and edge upgrades.
- High end: $90-100+ for designer styles, exotic patterns, premium brands, and thickness upgrades.
In general, expect to invest $3,000 to $5,000 for materials and professional installation of quartz counters for a medium-sized kitchen.
Factors That Increase Your Quartz Countertop Cost
Several options will increase the price of your quartz countertops on a per square foot basis:
- Thicker Material: 1-1/4″ thick quartz costs $10-15 more per square foot than standard 3/4″ thickness. The extra depth provides enhanced durability and fewer seams.
- Specialty Edges: Ogee, waterfall, chamfered and beveled edges cost $5-20 more per linear foot than standard square edges. They require extra cutting and fabrication.
- Full Backsplashes: Adding full 4”- 6” backsplashes with the countertop adds $10-25 per linear foot. Partial splashes cost less.
- Designer Styles: Special patterns, unique veining, and custom colors can add $10-30 per square foot over standard colors. Popular styles cost more.
- Brand Names: Leading brands like Silestone, Caesarstone, and Cambria come at a 15-30% premium over generic quartz. You pay for the brand cachet.
Factors That Reduce Your Quartz Countertop Cost
On the other hand, some choices can reduce the average per square foot price of quartz:
- Standard Edges: Keeping a simple square edge profile avoids added cutting labor and keeps costs down.
- Integrated Sinks: Having the sink basin fabricated into the countertop avoids seams and sink install costs.
- DIY Installation: If capable, DIY removal and installation can save on labor charges, but has risks.
- Smaller Projects: Material yield is higher on smaller installations, reducing wastage fees.
- White/Solid Colors: Choosing basic white or light solid colors costs up to 20% less than bold patterns and colors.
- Regional Suppliers: Using local quartz suppliers instead of large national brands can provide cost savings.
What Does Quartz Countertop Installation Include?
When budgeting the total project cost, its important to understand what is included in a typical professional quartz installation:
- Template & Measure: Precision measurements are taken of your existing counters.
- Fabrication: Countertops are cut to specifications offsite.
- Delivery: Custom fabricated pieces are delivered to your home.
- Installation: Old counters removed, new quartz installed securely.
- Edging: Seams smoothed, backsplash and edges installed for finished look.
- Cleanup: Installation area cleared of debris, counters cleaned.
FAQs
Does thicker quartz cost more?
Yes, 1-1/4″ thick quartz costs $10-15 more per square foot compared to standard 3/4″ thickness. The extra depth provides enhanced durability.
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
In most cases, quartz countertops are 20% to 30% more expensive than natural granite. You pay a premium for quartz’s consistent colors, patterns, and low maintenance.
Is white quartz cheaper than colored quartz?
White and light solid color quartz is generally 15-20% cheaper on a per square foot basis than bold, vivid colors or patterns which require more pigments.
Can you install quartz countertops yourself?
While possible for skilled DIYers, quartz fabrication and installation is complex. Mistakes can be costly. Most still hire professionals.
Does Lowes or Home Depot install quartz?
Home improvement chains like Lowes and Home Depot can handle quartz installation. However, independent fabricators may provide better service.
Is Caesarstone more expensive than Silestone?
Caesarstone and Silestone are comparable in cost, within about 10% of each other for most colors. Both are premium quartz brand options.
The Bottom Line
When budgeting a quartz countertop installation, expect to invest an average of $65-75 per square foot for quality name-brand quartz with edge treatments. The range falls between economical options starting around $45 per square foot up to designer styles costing over $100 per square foot. With an understanding of what impacts quartz pricing, you can make choices to hit your budget and style priorities for your new countertops.