Quartz countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, like all countertop materials, quartz will eventually need replacing. When that time comes, many homeowners wonder – how much does it cost to replace quartz countertops?
Factors That Influence Quartz Countertop Replacement Cost
Several key factors impact the overall cost to replace quartz countertops in your home:
Size of the Countertops
The total size of your quartz countertops is a major cost determinant. Countertop installation is priced per square foot, so larger countertops will be more expensive to replace. The average price to install new quartz countertops ranges from $50 – $100 per square foot.
To calculate the size, measure the length and width of each section of countertop in your kitchen or bathrooms. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage of each section, then add them together for the total.
For example, if you have:
- Kitchen countertops: 10 ft long x 2 ft wide = 20 sq ft
- Bathroom vanity: 5 ft long x 2 ft wide = 10 sq ft
- Wet bar: 4 ft long x 1.5 ft wide = 6 sq ft
The total would be 36 square feet. At a cost of $75 per square foot for installation, it would be around $2,700 to replace all these quartz countertops.
Type of Quartz
There are different grades and quality levels of quartz, which affect the material cost. Basic quartz options cost $40-50 per square foot. Higher-end, designer quartz can range from $70-150 per square foot. The more exotic the look and pattern, the more you’ll pay.
So for 36 sq ft of inexpensive quartz at $50/sq ft, the materials would be $1,800. For premium quartz at $100/sq ft, it would cost $3,600 just for the slab materials.
Edge Styles
The edges of your quartz countertops also impact install costs. Simple squared edges add little cost. More complex beveled, ogee, or curved edges take more time and skill to cut and finish, adding $10-15 per linear foot. For example, a 10 ft long countertop with beveled edges could add $100-150 to the total cost.
Removal and Disposal
You’ll also need to account for demolishing and disposing of your old countertops. Most installers charge around $50-100 per hour for removal, plus dumping fees for disposal.
For the 10 ft kitchen section in our example, the removal and disposal could range from $200-400 depending on time required.
Installation Services
Professional installation is recommended for quartz countertops. Rates vary based on your location and the specific company, but average $150-200 per hour. The total time depends on the size of the job.
Expect at least 5-10 hours for removal, preparing the bases, installation, and finishing for an average mid-sized kitchen. At $175/hour, installation labor could cost $875-1750 for a typical kitchen quartz countertop replacement.
Backsplash
If you want to replace any backsplash tile along with your countertops, this adds more to the project costs. Quartz backsplashes typically run $15-25 per square foot installed.
Sink Cut-Outs
Most quartz installs involve cutting out areas for an undermount kitchen sink. Each sink cut-out can cost an additional $100-200 depending on the complexity.
Appliance Cut-Outs
Cut-outs for appliances like cooktops cost extra too. Figure $100-200 per appliance opening needed.
Average Cost to Replace Quartz Countertops
Taking all these factors into account, the typical range for replacing quartz countertops is:
- Lower end: $50 per sq ft (basic materials) + $3,000 for removal, installation, sink/appliance cut-outs
- Higher end: $100 per sq ft (premium materials) + $5,000 for installation and other services
So for an average sized kitchen with 30 sq ft of countertops, expect to pay $4,500 – $8,000 to replace with new quartz countertops.
For a small bathroom vanity of 10 sq ft, costs could run $1,500 – $3,000.
Here is a breakdown of estimated costs for a typical 10×5 ft kitchen quartz replacement:
- Materials: $1,000 – $2,000 for 50 sq ft
- Removal & Disposal: $200-400
- Installation & Fabrication: $1,500 – $2,000
- Sink & Cooktop Cut-Outs: $300
- Total: $3,000 – $4,700
Keep in mind that costs in major metro areas like New York or Los Angeles may be 30-50% higher.
Cost to Replace Quartz Countertops by Type
Here are typical price ranges you can expect for some popular quartz brands and styles:
| Quartz Type | Average Cost per Sq Ft |
|-|-|
|Basic Quartz | $40-50 |
|Cambria Quartz | $70-90 |
|Caesarstone Quartz| $70-90 |
|Silestone Quartz | $80-100 |
|Viatera Quartz | $90-110 |
|Zodiaq Quartz | $90-120|
|Dekton UltraCompact Surfaces | $100-150 |
The most affordable options are basic quartz slabs in standard colors from Home Depot or Lowe’s.
High-end designer brands like Caesarstone and Silestone cost more due to unique veining, patterns, and colors.
Ultra-premium quartz like Viatera and Dekton can mimic natural stone and marble but have ultra-low maintenance. This comes at an extra cost.
Factors That Shorten or Lengthen Quartz Countertop Life
Quartz is very durable, but certain factors can lead to damage that shortens its usable lifespan:
- Heavy impact – Dropping heavy objects on quartz can chip the surface or crack seams.
- Scratches – Quartz resists scratches but knives and abrasive cleaners can damage the surface over time.
- Heat – Excessive heat from hot pans can scorch quartz and cause cracks. Always use trivets.
- Sun damage – UV rays can slowly cause quartz to fade or yellow.
Proper care and avoiding damage will help your quartz counters last longer. Here are some tips:
- Use cutting boards and trivets to protect the surface.
- Clean spills quickly to avoid stains.
- Use non-abrasive cleaners designed for quartz.
- Re-seal quartz every 1-2 years with a penetrating sealer.
- Avoid exposing quartz to very high heat or direct sunlight for extended periods.
With proper maintenance, quartz countertops typically last 15-25 years before needing replacement.
Quartz Countertop Installation Process
Replacing your quartz countertops involves careful planning and skilled installation. Here is the basic process:
- Demolition – Existing countertops are removed and discarded. The base cabinets are prepped.
- Template & Measure – The countertop installer will template the exact measurements of your cabinets and layout.
- Fabrication – The quartz slabs are cut to size, polished, and edges are shaped based on your chosen design.
- Install – The countertops are secured to the cabinet bases using adhesive and fasteners. Seams are tightly bonded.
- Cut-outs – The fabricator cuts precise openings for the sink, cooktop, and other appliances.
- Finish – Edges and seams are smoothed and polished for a seamless appearance.
- Seal – A penetrating sealer is applied to protect and maintain the quartz surface.
Hiring an experienced installer is highly recommended to ensure proper measurement, fabrication, and professional installation. Many fabricators also offer full-service remodeling to remove old countertops, install new quartz counters, and replace sinks or appliances if needed.
DIY Quartz Countertop Installation
While DIY quartz countertop installation is possible, it’s a difficult job for most homeowners and has risks:
Challenges:
- Professional tools like a wet saw are required for accurate cuts. Renting this equipment can be expensive.
- Precise measurements must be made to achieve tight seams between sections. Even small mistakes will be noticeable.
- Getting clean edges and seams requires skill and practice. Improper bonding of seams leads to gaps and cracks.
- Making accurate sink, faucet, and appliance cut-outs is extremely difficult without the proper templates.
Risks:
- Cracked countertops – Excessive impact or improper handling can crack the quartz slab. Cracked sections will need replacement.
- Irregular seams – The slightest gap results in an unsightly seam. Seam adhesive must be applied perfectly.
- Fitting issues – Improper measurement or cuts will leave sections ill-fitting around walls, appliances, and sinks.
- No warranty – DIY installation voids any manufacturer defect warranty. Professional installation may provide a warranty.
For most homeowners, the potential problems and risks outweigh any cost savings from a DIY quartz installation. Hiring a pro ensures your new counters are beautifully integrated and free from defects that could be costly to fix later.
Hiring Professional Quartz Countertop Installers
Seeking qualified quartz fabrication and installation pros is highly recommended for this specialized job. Here are tips for finding the right countertop contractor:
- Review online reviews and ask to see past work samples. Look for extensive experience specific to quartz fabrication and installs.
- Verify they are licensed and insured. Ask what warranty they provide on workmanship defects.
- Get at least 3-4 written estimates detailing material costs, labor rates, timeline, and warranty.
- Choose a local fabricator that templates the job themselves for the most precise sizing.
- Ask about their quartz supplier – are the materials directly sourced from manufacturers? Low-quality quartz slab suppliers should be avoided.
- See what edge profiles and colors are available. Look for a broad selection of high-quality national brands.
- Inquire about full-service options – can they remove old counters, dispose, replace sinks/faucets etc?
- Get start and completion dates in writing. Most jobs take 5-10 business days from templating to install.
Always get every detail of the scope and costs for the project in a written contract before work begins.
FAQs About Replacing Quartz Countertops
Does quartz need to be sealed?
Quartz does not require sealing to be stain-resistant like natural stone. However, applying a penetrating sealer every 1-2 years can provide extra protection against wear, stain absorption, and etching from acidic liquids.
Can you install quartz countertops over existing counters?
In most cases, quartz cannot be installed over existing countertops. The old counters need to be removed to prep the cabinet bases. For new construction or remodels with unfinished bases, installing directly over those works.
Should quartz countertops overhang the cabinets?
A 1-1.5 inch overhang past the cabinet boxes is recommended for support and the most attractive look. The overhang allows room for gripping the edges and provides space for decorative trim or lighting.
How thick are quartz countertops?
Most quartz is 3/4 inch thick. Some premium options come in 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inch thicknesses for a heavier, more stone-like feel. The thicker quartz costs more and requires sturdier cabinet bases to support the weight.
Is there an affordable alternative to quartz?
Laminate and ceramic tile are cheaper countertop options. But for natural stone beauty without the high maintenance, quartz provides an unparalleled combination of affordability and durability not matched by other materials.
Should I hire one company to provide the quartz and install?
Having both fabrication and install done by the same company ensures cohesive project management. Make sure they are directly sourcing the slabs and not “middle-manning” materials of questionable origin or quality. Reputable fabricators like using slabs direct from the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Replacing worn or outdated quartz countertops with fresh, beautiful new slabs can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathrooms. While not cheap, quartz remains one of the most versatile and lowest-maintenance countertop materials.
Carefully measuring your existing space, selecting the color, finish and edges, and hiring a talented fabricator is well worth the investment. With proper care and maintenance, your new quartz countertops will provide many years of enjoyment and stand up to the demands of everyday life.