Quartz countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. When planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one of the biggest considerations is often the cost of quartz countertops. Here is a detailed look at what impacts the price of quartz countertops and what range of costs you can expect.
Factors That Determine Quartz Countertop Pricing
Several key factors contribute to the total cost of quartz countertops:
Quality of the Quartz
- Higher quality quartz materials made with pure natural quartz tend to cost more than lower quality options with synthetic resins.
- Premium brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone are more expensive.
- Quartz containing recycled materials is an economical option.
Color and Pattern
- Simple, neutral solid colors like white and beige are the most affordable.
- Dramatic colors and bold veining patterns add to the overall cost.
Thickness
- Standard thickness is 3/4″. Thicker options of 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″ are available for a higher price.
- Thicker quartz is more resilient and better supports heavier items.
Installation Factors
- The overall size of the countertop area impacts cost. Larger surface areas are more expensive.
- Complex designs, edges, and cutouts (e.g. for sinks) also add labor costs.
- Professional installation is recommended, adding $40-$100 per linear foot installed.
What Is the Average Cost of Quartz Countertops?
The average cost of quartz countertops ranges from $50 to $120 per square foot installed. This breaks down as follows:
- Quartz Material: $40 to $100 per square foot
- Installation: $40 to $100 per linear foot
Based on these averages, a 30 square foot countertop would cost $1500 to $3600 installed.
You can expect to pay around this range from most quartz manufacturers and countertop installers. Higher-end boutique brands can be upwards of $200 per square foot.
Cost Breakdown by Quality Level
Here is a comparison of price ranges for different tiers of quartz countertops:
Entry Level Quartz: $50-$70 per Sq Ft Installed
At the lower end, expect to pay around $50-$70 per square foot for materials and installation. This consists of:
- Lower purity quartz with more resins
- Limited color and pattern options
- Thinner 3/4” slabs
Brands like IKEA and Lowe’s Sensa are affordable entry-level options.
Mid-Range Quartz: $80-$100 per Sq Ft Installed
The middle price bracket includes better quality material with more quartz content, wider selections of colors and patterns, and standard 3/4” thickness. The total installed price is typically $80-$100 per square foot.
Popular brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and Viatera are considered middle of the road.
High-End Quartz: $100-$200 per Sq Ft Installed
For premium designer quartz materials expect to pay $100-$200 per square foot installed. This consists of:
- Highest purity quartz up to 93%
- Unique high-end colors and patterns
- Thicker 1 1/4” slabs
- More intricate edging and designs
Luxury brands like Compac, Pental, and Cosentino are top of the line options.
Factors That Can Increase Your Quartz Countertop Costs
Some additional options can increase the final price of your quartz countertops:
- Thicker Countertops: Going above standard 3/4” thickness to 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” adds 30%+ to the overall cost.
- Intricate Edge Profiles: Decorative edges like ogee, bevel, and eased can add $10-$20 per linear foot.
- Backsplashes: Adding a 4-6 inch backsplash can add $30-$50 per linear foot.
- Additional Cutouts: Extra holes for sinks, faucets, and soap dispensers cost $50-$100 each.
- Enhanced Finishing: A polished, leathered, or textured surface increases the price 20% or more.
How to Get the Best Deal on Quartz Countertops
Here are some tips to get the most value and save money on your quartz countertop installation:
- Choose a basic solid white or neutral color in standard 3/4” thickness.
- Get quotes from at least 3 local countertop suppliers to compare pricing.
- Avoid extra thickness and limit decorative edges and patterns.
- Consider DIY installation if you have experience, saving $40-$100 per linear foot.
- Look for occasional sales, discounts, and clearance remnants from suppliers.
- Opt for pre-fabricated quartz versus custom slab fabrication to save 20% or more.
Quartz vs. Other Countertop Materials
It helps to understand quartz costs in relation to other popular countertop materials:
- Quartz vs. Granite: Quartz is comparably priced to granite but requires less maintenance. Overall costs are similar.
- Quartz vs. Marble: Quartz has a lower overall cost than marble and is more durable. Expect to pay less for most quartz.
- Quartz vs. Laminate: Laminate countertops start under $20 per square foot installed, making them much more affordable than quartz.
- Quartz vs. Concrete: Poured concrete is also cheaper, with installed costs from $45-$85 per square foot on average.
The Bottom Line
In most kitchens and bathrooms, expect to invest $80-$120 per square foot for installed quartz countertops with a mid-grade product. Prices under $70 per square foot qualify as more budget friendly options. On the higher end, designer quartz can range from $125-$200 per square foot installed. Carefully weigh the factors of color, thickness, edge treatments and installation to get an accurate estimate for your specific quartz countertop costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a basic 30 square foot quartz countertop cost?
For a typical 30 square foot kitchen countertop in a solid neutral color with straight edges, expect to pay $1500-$3000 installed.
What are the most affordable quartz brands?
IKEA, Lowe’s Sensa, Caesarta, and Viatera are among the most affordable quartz manufacturers.
Is it cheaper to buy quartz remnants?
Yes, buying quartz remnants can save 30% or more compared to full slabs. Check suppliers for off-cuts, discontinued colors and clearance sales.
Can I install quartz countertops myself?
With experience, quartz countertops can be DIY installed, saving $40-$100 per linear foot in labor costs. Professional installation is recommended for most homeowners.
Should I buy prefab or custom quartz?
Prefabricated quartz starts around 20% cheaper than custom cut slabs. If prefab dimensions work for your space, it is a budget friendly option.