Quartz countertops are gorgeous and durable, but can be quite expensive. Here are tips for saving money on quartz countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel.
Shop Sales and Discounts
- Look for quartz brands running promotions, discounts, and rebates on their products. Manufacturers like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone often offer specials that can help slash the cost.
- Check big box home improvement stores for quartz countertop sales events. Retailers like Home Depot and Lowes periodically discount select quartz product lines. Watch for markdowns both in-store and online.
- Ask local quartz countertop suppliers about possible savings. Dealers may offer discounts on overstock materials, discontinued patterns, or older slab inventory they are looking to move.
- Consider buying quartz remnants or cutouts from installers. The irregular shapes often get discounted 30-50%. Use them for accent walls, backsplashes, islands, vanities, and more.
- Time the purchase right to snap up post-holiday or end of model year deals. Quartz sales often heat up in late winter and summer when demand is slower.
Choose an Affordable Quartz Variety
- Opt for quartz brands that cater to the value-driven market. Manufacturers like Silestone’s Lyra, Caesarstone’s Supernatural, and Cambria’s Brittanicca offer quality at a more budget-friendly price point.
- Select a quartz pattern with less variation. The more uniform look generally costs less than decorative slabs with bold veining, multiple colors, and striking aggregate.
- Go with a popular quartz color like white or gray rather than exotic tones that are pricier and harder to source. Stay mainstream to keep costs down.
- Consider quartz remnants for a unique yet affordable look. The irregular shapes and smaller sizes can add modern style at a fraction of the cost.
- Choose a thinner quartz thickness of 2 cm rather than a hefty 3 cm slab. The lighter weight means using less material and saving on price.
Shop Quartz Wholesale
- Check stone yards and slab warehouses to buy quartz wholesale. Eliminating the middleman markup can lead to dramatic savings.
- source quartz directly from the fabricator. Cutting out the retailer markup saves money. Fabricators may even offer discounted remnants and cutouts.
- Join forces with friends or neighbors planning quartz projects to do a group buy. Bulk purchasing often qualifies for steeper volume discounts.
- Online quartz wholesalers like MSI, Caesarstone, Silestone, and Cambria sell direct to consumers. Browse their sites for special deals.
- Negotiate cash discounts for paying the full amount upfront rather than financing the quartz purchase. A 3-5% cash incentive is common.
Choose an Affordable Fabricator
- Get quotes from several fabricators and compare costs. Rates can vary greatly between companies.
- Ask fabricators about value packages to keep costs down. Options like inline patterns, straight seam runs, and standard edging can save.
- Consider smaller or newer quartz fabricators charging lower rates to gain business rather than large established shops.
- Supply your own quartz purchase and have the fabricator install. Avoid their markup on materials.
- For simple designs, look into DIY prefab quartz kits installed onsite. The assembly process cuts fabrication costs.
Design on a Budget
- Keep quartz layouts simple – L-shaped, rectangular, straight runs vs. complex shapes. Custom designs cost more.
- Minimize seams and edges which inflate price. Streamline the look with fewer cuts.
- Have the fabricator make a template versus visiting for measurements. It saves you a trip charge.
- Size quartz pieces to standard slab dimensions (55”-60” wide) to prevent wasting material.
- Use a laminate, tile, or repurposed stone backsplash rather than pricier quartz.
- Consider rounding the countertop edge profile rather than ornate ogee or chamfered.
- Use a quartz apron front sink and forego a sink cutout to simplify fabrication.
- Install a quartz island on a DIY base of plywood and 2x4s rather than paying for cabinetry.
- If your budget is very tight, quartz laminates like DuPont Zodiaq can mimic the look at a fraction of the cost.
Adjust Your Expectations
- Quartz is remarkably strong and heat-resistant. Small scratches and scorches can often be sanded/polished out rather than requiring a full replacement slab.
- Remember even stone chips and cracks over time. Quartz’s durability means it will likely long outlast traditional granite or marble.
- Consistency in quartz patterns means a patched repair is less noticeable than in natural stone. Repair options like Colorwax filler make fixes even more seamless.
- Your quartz countertops may pick up some minor wear and tear rather than looking brand new forever. Focus on functionality rather than perfection.
Compare Installation Offers
- Get multiple granite fabricator bids to find the best deal on installation. Rates vary widely.
- Hire a handyman service at an hourly rate rather than a fabricator for DIY quartz kit installs.
- See if the quartz retailer offers installation included or discounted with purchase.
- Check costs of fabrication plus install versus pro install quotes on materials you purchase separately.
- Weigh DIY installation if you have remodeling skills. Factor in costs to rent tools, safety gear, and helpers.
Consider Quartz Alternatives
- Laminate countertops offer a remarkably realistic quartz look at a fraction of the cost. Brands like Wilsonart and Formica have convincing stone patterns.
- Butcher block provides an attractive natural look for much less. Use vegetable oil to maintain its durability.
- Tile countertops let you piece together inexpensive travertine, slate, or ceramic tiles for a custom look. Use mastic over cement board for best results.
- Check into durable concrete countertop mixes or resining kits. With molds and DIY skills, you can transform this affordable material.
- Give existing countertops an affordable “quartz-like” facelift with concrete overlay products like Duratherm. Watch online videos to learn the overlay technique.
- Consider refinishing old laminate or solid surface countertops with quartz-mimicking paint finishes like Giani’s countertop paint kits.
FAQ About Saving on Quartz
How much does quartz countertop installation cost?
Quartz countertop installation costs range from $60-100 per square foot installed. Exact pricing depends on the quartz variety, edge profiles, cutouts needed, and your location. Getting quotes from several fabricators is key to finding the best deal.
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
In most cases, quartz runs $5-15 less per square foot than granite. However, premium quartz can match the cost of fancy granite. Durability and lower maintenance of quartz help offset the higher initial price over granite.
What is the most affordable quartz brand?
Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, and MSI all offer quartz lines aimed at budget-minded consumers. Names like Silestone Lyra, MSI Everest, Cambria Brittanicca, and Caesarstone Supernatural balance quality and value.
Should I buy quartz samples before deciding?
Free quartz samples from fabricators and retailers help narrow the choice. Seeing and feeling quartz colors, patterns and finish in person rather than onscreen confirms you’ve selected the right look before purchase.
Is it worth it to DIY install quartz?
DIY quartz kit installation can cut costs but requires solid DIY skills. You need a helper, proper tools, safety gear, and patience. Watch online tutorials. Hiring a pro typically yields the cleanest result.
Conclusion
With some savvy shopping, flexibility, and DIY consideration, you can install beautiful quartz countertops while sticking to a budget. Focus the savings on maximizing quartz where it matters most – islands, cooking zones, vanities. Then creatively complement it with lower cost materials on other surfaces. With smart planning, it is possible to achieve both quartz’s durability and your financial goals.