Home renovations can be exciting, but also stressful when it comes to choosing materials and estimating costs. One of the biggest investments for kitchen and bathroom upgrades is countertops. Quartz has become an extremely popular choice due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and stylish appearance. But how much will 38 square feet of quartz countertops cost for your next remodel? Here is a detailed overview of quartz countertop pricing per square foot and what impacts the total costs.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a man-made material that is non-porous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. It is also more durable and requires less maintenance than natural stone.
Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns that mimic looks of granite, marble and other stones. But unlike natural materials that need periodic sealing, quartz is essentially maintenance free. It does not need to be sealed as it is non-porous. Quartz also resists stains, scratches and heat much better than granite or marble. All these advantages make quartz one of the most popular choices for contemporary kitchen and bath design.
Average Cost per Square Foot of Quartz
The cost of quartz countertops depends primarily on two factors – the brand and the thickness. On average, expect to pay:
- Low end: $40 to $60 per sq.ft. for lower-end brands or smaller custom fabricators
- Mid range: $65 to $75 per sq.ft. for mid-level brands
- High end: $80 to $120 per sq.ft. for premium designers and brands
According to the latest Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report by Hanley Wood, a midrange major kitchen remodel runs on average $66,196 and has a 69.5% cost recoup rate. In this price range, you can expect to pay average $75 per sq.ft. for quartz.
For a minor kitchen remodel costing on average $26,214 recouping about 64.5%, countertop costs are approximately $60 per sq.ft.
In the high-end spectrum, designer brands like Caesarstone and Silestone run between $100-150 per sq.ft.
Factors That Impact Quartz Countertop Cost
Many variables affect the total price of quartz countertops for your kitchen or bath remodel. Here are some of the main factors:
1. Brand
Quartz countertop pricing is greatly influenced by brand names. Premium designers like Caesarstone generally cost more than value brands like MSI Q-Premium Natural Quartz.
Some of the most popular mid-range to high end quartz brands include:
- Silestone
- Caesarstone
- Cambria
- LG Viatera
- DuPont Zodiaq
- quartz brands.
While lower priced, store brands options include:
- Lowe’s Dayton Designer Series
- The Home Depot’s Hampton Carrara White Quartz
- Menards Northern Stone Quartz
- IKEA SEKTION Quartz Countertop
Luxury designers are priced upwards of $100 per square foot, while basic store brands can be below $50 per square foot installed.
2. Thickness
Standard thickness for quartz is 3/4″ to 1-1/4”. Like natural stone slabs, quartz comes in set dimensions at the factory. Standard slab sizes are about 115” x 55” or 130” x 65”.
Most fabricators recommend a minimum 3/4″ thick counters, with 1-1/4” for heavier usage areas. Thicker quartz tops add more material costs and weight. Going from 3/4” to 1-1/4” can add $10-15 more per sq.ft.
3. Color and Finish
Quartz pricing depends on the color and finish you choose. More complex patterns and richer colors tend to cost more than plain white or light quartz.
Matte or textured finishes are also priced higher than glossy polished quartz. An intricate, bold colored quartz with a special finish can cost up to 25% more than a simple white or beige variety.
4. Fabrication
The complexity of fabricating and installing your quartz countertops also impacts the total price. Your installer charges more for specialty edgework, cutouts for sinks, built-in appliances, seams, and accessibility.
Hard to reach installation areas like upper floor kitchens or small bathrooms with plumbing take more time and labor. Expect to pay 10-25% extra for fabrication and installation of intricate quartz countertop designs versus simple rectangular layouts.
5. Regional Labor Costs
Where you live also affects quartz countertop prices. Installation rates are significantly higher in areas like New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago where labor cost of living is higher. Expect to pay $10-20 more per sq.ft. for fabrication and installation in high cost metropolitan areas versus small towns and rural locales.
6. Removal and Disposal
If you are replacing old laminate, solid surface, stone or tile countertops, your installers charge extra to remove and dispose of the existing materials. Demolition, hauling away debris, and prep work for new installation can add $200-$500 more depending on how much needs removal.
Cost to Install 38 Sq. Ft. of Quartz Countertops
For a 38 square foot quartz countertop project, you can expect to pay on average:
- Low end: $1,520 to $2,280 for cheaper brands
- Mid range: $2,470 to $2,850 for mid-level quartz
- High end: $3,040 to $4,560 for premium designer quartz
Total costs depend on the variables discussed above like brand, thickness, edges, seams, cutouts and regional labor rates for fabrication and installation.
Here is a sample breakdown for 38 sq.ft of mid-priced quartz at $75 per sq.ft:
- Quartz material: 38 sq.ft x $75 per sq.ft = $2,850
- Fabrication & Installation – approx. 40% of material costs = $1,140
- Total for Mid Range Quartz = $3,990
How Thickness Impacts 38 sq.ft Quartz Costs
Going from standard 3/4” to premium 1-1/4” adds approximately 15% more in material costs. Here are the price differences for 38 sq.ft quartz based on thickness:
3/4” Thick
- Quartz Material: $75 per sq.ft x 38 sq.ft = $2,850
- Fabrication & Install: 40% of $2,850 = $1,140
- Total = $3,990
1-1/4” Thick
- Quartz Material: $90 per sq.ft x 38 sq.ft = $3,420
- Fabrication & Install: 40% of $3,420 = $1,368
- Total = $4,788
The 1-1/4″ quartz costs about $800 more than 3/4″ for a 38 sq.ft project.
Price Comparison to Other Countertop Materials
Here is how quartz stacks up against natural stone, solid surface, laminate and tile in terms of average installed costs:
- Laminate – $20 to $50 per sq.ft
- Tile – $15 to $50 per sq.ft
- Stainless Steel – $50 to $100 per sq.ft
- Solid Surface – $50 to $100 per sq.ft
- Butcher Block – $50 to $100 per sq.ft
- Quartz – $60 to $120 per sq.ft
- Marble – $60 to $100 per sq.ft
- Granite – $80 to $150 per sq.ft
Quartz is comparable price-wise to mid-range granite and marble. It is significantly more affordable than exotic natural stones like soapstone that can run over $200 per sq.ft.
In terms of durability and maintenance, quartz outperforms marble and granite and is easier to care for long-term. This value along with stylish options make it one of the most popular choices for busy kitchens and baths.
Recap – Key Factors for Quartz Countertop Cost
To recap, be sure to account for these key considerations when budgeting for quartz:
- Quartz costs $60 to $120 per sq.ft. installed
- Price varies based on brand, color, and thickness
- Expect to pay more for intricately designed patterns versus plain color quartz
- Thicker 1 1⁄4” slab will be 15% more than standard 3⁄4”
- Luxury brands like Caesarstone are priced over $100 per sq.ft
- Area labor rates significantly impact installed costs
- Allow for extra fabrication fees based on special cutouts, edges, seams
- Quartz requires less maintenance than natural stone
- Durability and appearance make quartz a top choice for contemporary kitchen and bath remodels
Carefully calculating these variables will help you estimate a realistic budget and quartz countertop cost per square foot for your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions on Quartz Countertop Costs
To help you further, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about pricing quartz countertops:
FAQ 1: How much does a basic 38 sq.ft. white quartz countertop cost?
For a straightforward 38 sq.ft white or beige quartz with standard 3/4″ thickness from a midrange brand, expect to pay around $3,000 to $4,000 installed. This assumes a basic rectangular layout with few seams or cutouts needed during fabrication.
FAQ 2: What is the price difference between 3cm and 2cm thick quartz?
Going from a 2cm (3/4″) slab to 3cm (1 1/4″) slab will add about 15% more in material costs, or approximately $10 more per sq.ft. The extra thickness increases structural durability and allows for longer spans if needed.
FAQ 3: Is quartz or granite cheaper for kitchen countertops?
Quartz and granite have similar average prices, but quartz is more consistent while granite pricing varies. Low-end granite can start around $50 per sq.ft. Mid-grade granite runs $80-100 per sq.ft similar to quartz. But high-end exotic granite can far exceed the top quartz prices.
FAQ 4: What thickness of quartz countertop should I get?
The standard thickness for quartz countertops is 3/4″. This is suitable for most applications, especially shorter spans. For longer spans between base cabinets or higher weight usage areas, 1-1/4″ provides more strength. Anything thicker than 1-1/4” is primarily for drama, not structural enhancement.
FAQ 5: Is it cheaper to buy quartz slabs and fabricate myself?
In most cases, no. Large quartz slabs are heavy, fragile and require specialized tools for fabrication. Hiring a reputable local countertop installer to handle everything is worth the cost. They have the skills, tools and experience to properly fabricate and install your new quartz countertops.
In Conclusion
Quartz delivers an unparalleled combination of aesthetics, durability, and low maintenance. While not the cheapest countertop choice, it provides great value for cost. When planning your next kitchen or bath remodel, arm yourself with accurate quartz pricing per square foot information. Carefully calculate costs based on the many impacting factors like brand, thickness, fabrication complexity, and regional labor rates. This helps you budget realistically and avoid surprise overages. With an informed understanding of what goes into the price, you can choose the best quartz countertop to suit your space within your budget.