Installing a quartz countertop can significantly upgrade the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. However, quartz is an investment, so it’s important to understand the costs involved before starting your project. Here is an overview of how much it typically costs to install a quartz countertop.
Countertop Material Cost
The first major expense is the quartz slab itself. Quartz costs $50-100 per square foot on average. The exact price depends on the brand, color pattern, and thickness you select. Thicker slabs 3 cm or 1.25 inches are more expensive than 2 cm or 0.75 inch options. Name brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone range from $60-150 per square foot.
To estimate your total material costs:
- Measure the linear feet needed for your project. For example, 10 linear feet for a 5 foot by 2 foot island.
- Multiply by the depth to find the total square footage. For example, 10 linear feet x 2 foot depth = 20 square feet.
- Multiply the square footage by the quartz price per square foot. For example, 20 square feet x $100 per square foot = $2,000.
Always overestimate your measurements to have extra material as a buffer. Most installers recommend purchasing 115-120% of the total square footage needed to accommodate any potential inaccuracies or damage.
Countertop Fabrication
You’ll need to hire professionals to fabricate and install your new quartz countertop. Fabrication involves cutting the slabs to your specifications and finishing the edges. Expect to pay $100-200 per linear foot for fabrication. The cost varies based on edge profiles and thickness. More detailed edges like ogee, bevel, and dupont styles add labor and expense.
For the 10 linear foot island example above, fabrication would cost approximately:
- 10 linear feet x $150 average fabrication price = $1,500
Countertop Installation
Professional installation ensures your countertop fits correctly and is securely anchored. Installation averages $40-100 per linear foot depending on complexity. Expect to pay more for challenging areas like angled corners or tile backsplashes.
For our 10 linear foot island, installation would be around:
- 10 linear feet x $70 average installation price = $700
Other Costs
Other expenses to keep in mind:
- Sink cutout – Most installers charge $100-150 per sink hole needed.
- Plumbing alterations – Moving pipes or drains will add $200-500 or more depending on labor and access.
- Removal of old countertop – Adds $50-150 depending on disposal requirements.
- Backsplash tiling – $5-15 per square foot for materials plus $50-100 per hour for labor.
- Shipping – There’s sometimes a delivery fee if you cannot pick up the materials yourself.
Average Quartz Countertop Costs
Given the above estimates, you can expect to pay the following total costs on average for a quartz countertop installation:
- 10 linear feet – $4,000 to $6,000
- 15 linear feet – $6,000 to $9,000
- 20 linear feet – $8,000 to $12,000
As you can see, several thousand dollars is typical even for small kitchens. Quartz is a premium material that requires skilled fabrication and installation, so the costs add up quickly. Carefully measure your space, research material options, and get multiple installation quotes to find the best value for your project. With proper maintenance, a quartz countertop will provide years of beauty and durability.
Factors That Impact Quartz Countertop Cost
Many variables beyond square footage can influence the total investment for your new quartz countertops.
Quartz Type
Entry-level budget quartz starts around $50 per square foot while high-end designer brands can cost over $100 per square foot. The color pattern and appearance can also impact price. More consistent veining and less variation commands higher pricing.
Thickness
Standard thickness is 3cm, usually suitable for most applications. Go with 2cm to save money for simple countertop-only projects. 1.5cm can work for lightweight uses like walls or furniture. For heavy usage areas, thicknesses up to 5cm provide even more strength and durability.
Edge Profiles
Fancier edge treatments like ogee, dupont, chamfer, and other profiles require special cutting tools and more fabrication expertise, increasing costs. Pricing also depends on whether the edges are polished, rounded, or squared.
Seams
Seams are necessary for large quartz countertops but add fabrication complexity and labor costs. Experienced professionals can strategically place seams to be subtle and less noticeable.
Backsplash
Adding a tiled quartz backsplash provides a finished built-in look. However, tiling adds costs for tile, mortar, grout, trim, and labor of $5-30 per square foot.
Countertop Design
Straight countertop runs are the most affordable. Anything curvy, angled, or irregularly shaped will drive up fabrication and installation pricing significantly.
Installation Requirements
Standard countertop swaps are straightforward. New cutouts, plumbing work, electrical, tricky access, or poor wall conditions substantially increase installation labor.
Location
Like all home improvement projects, rates can vary depending on where you live. Labor, real estate, and cost of living impact local service pricing.
Install a Quartz Countertop in 5 Steps
If you’re going to install a quartz countertop yourself, follow these key steps:
1. Demolition
Safely remove your old countertop using a pry bar and reciprocating saw. Disconnect any plumbing or electrical first. Wear eye and ear protection.
2. Measurements
Take detailed measurements of your complete countertop space. Include overhangs and any backsplashes. Account for uneven walls.
3. Template & Slabs
Hire a pro to make a template, select slabs, fabricate, and deliver your finished countertop pieces.
4. Installation
Set the countertop pieces in place on top of the cabinet base. Use adhesive and brackets to secure everything tightly.
5. Finishing Touches
Reconnect plumbing and electrical. Add backsplash tile and caulk seams for a seamless look. Clean and seal the quartz.
Hiring a professional to template, fabricate, and install will ensure your countertops fit perfectly with minimal seams or errors. Attempting these steps yourself risks wasting expensive quartz slabs.
FAQ About Installing Quartz Countertops
How long does it take to install a quartz countertop?
The fabrication process takes 5-10 business days generally. Installation of a prefabricated countertop takes 1-2 days. Total time from first measurements to final installation is typically 2-3 weeks.
Can I install a quartz countertop myself?
It’s possible for a skilled DIYer but has risks. Hire a pro for templating/fabrication to get pieces precut accurately. You can then do installation yourself if comfortable with tools and construction adhesives. Mismeasurements or cracks are expensive mistakes with quartz.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
Quartz does not require sealing since it is nonporous. However, sealing is still recommended once per year to add protection, especially for heavily used surfaces like kitchen counters. Look for sealants safe for quartz.
How thick should a quartz countertop be?
Standard quartz thickness is 3 cm or 1.25 inches. 2 cm (0.75 inches) can suffice for simple countertop-only projects to save money. Go thicker for heavy-duty usage areas. 1.5 cm is only recommended for lightweight applications like walls.
Is it cheaper to install quartz in multiple pieces?
For large surfaces, fabricating in multiple sections with seams can lower costs by reducing slab sizes needed and avoiding custom-curved cuts. However, seams also require extra fabrication expertise to keep subtle and straight. Get quotes both ways to compare.
Conclusion
Installing new quartz countertops gives any space an instant modern luxury feel. However, quartz is one of the more expensive countertop materials due to the intricate fabrication and professional installation required. Carefully planning your project and budget is crucial. On average, expect to invest $3,000 to $6,000 for a 10 linear foot run. Bigger kitchens with more complex designs can cost $10,000 and beyond. While not cheap, quartz provides unparalleled beauty and durability when properly installed. With some smart preparation and research, you can determine the most affordable way to achieve your dream quartz countertops.