Installing a quartz countertop can significantly upgrade your home’s style and value. However, like most home remodeling projects, the cost can vary widely based on the size of your space, materials, and installation. Here is a detailed overview of the factors that influence quartz countertop pricing, along with cost estimates to help you budget for your new countertops.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a durable, non-porous surface that is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.
Compared to natural stone like granite or marble, quartz offers consistent color and patterns without natural fissures or veins. And unlike laminate, quartz countertops are made from natural stone so they have an elegant, high-end look and feel.
Cost Factors for Quartz Countertops
Several key factors determine the total installed price of quartz countertops in your home:
Size of the Countertops
The overall square footage of your countertop space is the primary cost driver. Total costs increase with the countertop size due to needing more slab materials and greater fabrication and installation effort. Extra charges may apply for a very large island or countertop.
Type of Edges and Cutouts
The complexity of your countertop’s edges and any special cutouts or ornamental edge details will impact the installation cost. Simple eased or pencil-round edges are the most affordable. More ornate ogee, bevel, or mitered edges cost more for fabrication. The number and intricacy of cutouts for sinks, faucets, and appliances also add to the price.
Choice of Materials
Quartz brands offer varying quality, patterns, and price points. Entry-level materials like Caesarstone start around $55 per square foot. Higher-end Silestone or Cambria quartz ranges from $70-$100 per square foot installed. Odd-sized slabs, more intricate patterns, or rare colors can boost costs as well.
Kitchen vs Bathroom
In general, kitchen countertops cost significantly more than bathroom vanity tops due to their larger size. However, bathrooms with elaborate quartz tub or shower surrounds can also get quite pricey.
Labor Costs
Fabrication and installation costs make up 30-50% of your total price. Local market rates for skilled countertop labor will greatly affect the project cost. Simple countertop installs may start around $40 per linear foot, while complex jobs with tile backsplashes or precision seaming can range up to $100 per linear foot for labor.
Demolition and Disposal
If you are replacing existing countertops, factor in $2-$5 per square foot for demolition, removal, and disposal of your old countertop and backsplash. This helps avoid surprises down the road.
What is the Total Cost for a Quartz Countertop?
The total cost for a quartz countertop installation generally ranges from $80 – $150 per square foot. This covers everything including the slab material, fabrication, delivery, and professional installation.
As a rough estimate, a medium-sized kitchen countertop of about 30 square feet would cost $2,400 to $4,500 for a quality quartz countertop installed.
Here is a breakdown of estimated quartz countertop costs by application:
- Kitchen countertops – $3,000 to $8,000, depending on size, layout, and details.
- Bathroom vanities – $1,200 to $3,500 depending on width and intricacy.
- Laundry or bar countertops – $700 to $2,000 for simple installs.
- Quartz backsplashes – $10 to $15 per square foot installed.
- Islands – $1,500 to $3,500 for common 8-12 square foot island sizes.
- Tub surrounds – $2,500 to $4,500 per tub, based on details.
- Shower surrounds – $1,500 to $3,000 depending on extent and niche shelves.
Keep in mind that costs in rural areas are often lower, while major metro areas like Los Angeles or New York City will be on the higher end of these ranges.
How Much Does Quartz Cost Compared to Other Countertops?
Quartz countertops are in the middle to upper price range for countertop materials, generally costing more than laminate or tile but less than high-end granite or marble. Here’s how quartz stacks up:
- Laminate countertops – $20-$50 per square foot installed
- Tile countertops – $15-$50 per square foot installed
- Butcher block – $40-$100 per square foot
- Quartz – $80-$150 per square foot
- Granite – $60-$175 per square foot
- Marble – $85-$250 per square foot
- Soapstone – $70-$150 per square foot
Keep in mind you often “get what you pay for” with countertop materials. While you can find quartz for under $70 per square foot, the quality and durability tend to be lower. Investing in the $100 per square foot range provides an elegant stone look with excellent performance.
Factors That Can Increase Your Quartz Countertop Cost
Several factors could drive your total quartz countertop price above the typical range:
- Oversize countertops – Extra-large kitchen islands over 20 square feet incur upcharges. Outsized bathroom vanities over 12 feet wide also cost more.
- Thick countertops – Going from standard 1 1/4″ thickness to 1 1/2″ or 2″ thick quartz adds $10-$15 per square foot typically.
- Intricate details – Complex edges like waterfall, modern bevel, or mitered add $10-$20 per linear foot in fabrication fees.
- Gourmet kitchens – High-end kitchens with extra prep sinks, cooktop and appliance cutouts can boost costs $3,000+ with additional fabrication expertise needed.
- Designer brands – Luxury or designer quartz brands like Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, and Pental Quartz often come at a 10-25% premium.
- Rush orders – Fast-track fabrication and installation in 5 days or less often doubles the labor rates.
- Remote location – Long distances from fabricators and major metro areas can increase travel fees.
How to Get the Best Price on Quartz Countertops
Here are some tips to get the most competitive bid and pricing on your quartz countertop project:
- Shop around and get at least 3 quotes from reputable local countertop dealers. Don’t assume big chains like Home Depot are cheaper.
- Consider cost-saving edge profiles like eased or pencil round instead of intricate edges.
- Look at lower-priced quartz options like Viatera or Affinity over premium designer brands.
- Avoid any rush fees by having flexible timing – 6-8 week lead times can yield better pricing.
- Supply your own sink and cooktop rather than having the fabricator supply them.
- Evaluate Thin Quartz options around 1/2″ thick for potentially lower material costs.
- Bundle countertop installs across multiple bathrooms or kitchen spaces for project discounts.
FAQs about Quartz Countertops Costs
Does quartz price include installation?
Quartz countertop costs typically cover the delivery, fabrication, and professional installation. But always verify if installation labor is included in the quote rather than assuming.
Is Caesarstone more expensive than Silestone?
Caesarstone and Silestone are comparable in price for most colors and patterns. However, Caesarstone offers some premium designer collections that can be $20+ more per square foot than Silestone.
Should I expect to pay more for white quartz?
White and light-colored quartz does not inherently cost more than darker quartz. However, some white designer collections from brands like Cambria can come at a premium cost.
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
On average, quartz runs $10-$20 less per square foot than granite. However, you can find premium quartz near the higher end of granite prices, while lower-cost imported granite can rival quartz pricing.
Can I install a quartz countertop myself?
Quartz fabrication involves precision cuts, seams, and polishing for an expert installation. DIY quartz installs often result in uneven seams and damage. Hiring a professional is highly recommended.
The Bottom Line
Quartz delivers the beauty and durability of natural stone with lower maintenance needs compared to granite or marble. Investing in quality quartz countertops in the $3,000 – $5,000 range can dramatically elevate your kitchen or bath while adding value to your home. Getting multiple estimates and using cost-saving strategies can help you find the best quartz countertops within your budget.