Introduction to Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. Made from ground quartz stone combined with resins and pigments, quartz offers a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance alternative to natural stone and laminate countertops.
With a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes available, quartz allows homeowners to customize their countertops to match their unique taste and style. Quartz is also praised for its non-porous surface which resists stains, scratches, and heat damage better than many other countertop materials.
However, like most home improvements, quartz countertops don’t come cheap. Their price can vary significantly based on the quality of the stone, design complexity, edge treatments, installation requirements, and more. This leads many homeowners to wonder: how much do quartz countertops cost on average?
Below, we’ll break down the factors that influence the cost of quartz countertops and provide price ranges so you can determine whether quartz fits your kitchen remodeling budget. We’ll also offer tips to help you minimize the cost of your new quartz countertops without sacrificing quality or design.
What Impacts the Cost of Quartz Countertops?
Many variables affect what you’ll pay for quartz countertops for your kitchen or bath. The major factors include:
Quartz Type and Quality
Not all quartz is created equal. The price per square foot can range dramatically based on the quality, clarity, consistency, and color patterns of the engineered stone.
- Low-end quartz usually costs $40-$65 per square foot installed. This economy-grade stone has more impurities and irregularities. The color and veining patterns are more uniform. Brands like Silestone Glynny, Cambria Bella, and Caesarstone Clamshell fall into this category.
- Mid-range quartz costs $65-$100 per square foot installed. These offer better clarity and aesthetic quality. Think Silestone Helix, Cambria Brittanicca, and Caesarstone Rugged Concrete.
- High-end quartz runs $100-$200 per square foot installed. Premium quartz contains the purest stone and most vibrant pigments. Cosentino Dekton and Compac Paradigma are examples.
- Exotic quartz with semi-precious metals, crushed glass, seashells, or other ornamentation can cost $200+ per square foot. These are the most luxurious slabs only found at high-end fabricators.
The product’s quality dictates how well it resists scratches, stains, cracks and chips long-term. Higher-priced quartz tends to offer greater durability.
Color and Patterns
Quartz comes in every color imaginable. Solid quartz costs less than dramatic designs with bold veining, flecks, swirls, and patches. The more complex the color pattern, the more you’ll pay.
For example, a single tone white quartz may run $50 per square foot while an elaborate blue quartz with gold swirls could cost $125 per square foot.
Some brands charge premium prices for select colors and patterns in high demand. For instance, the popular Calacatta Nuvo quartz by Caesarstone costs about 25% more than their standard colors.
Thickness
Quartz slabs typically come in 3⁄4 inch or 1 1⁄4 inch thicknesses. Thinner 3⁄4 inch options start around $65 per square foot installed. The thicker 1 1⁄4 inch slabs cost closer to $100 per square foot installed.
Thicker quartz is more durable and resistant to cracks and damage. It’s better for heavily used surfaces like kitchen workstations. Thinner options work well for low traffic areas like bathroom vanities.
Edge Treatments
You’ll pay extra to add decorative edges to your quartz countertops. The most affordable option is a simple eased or pencil edge. Beveled and rounded edges cost slightly more.
Elaborate edges like triple waterfall, dupont, or shark nose edges can add $10-$30 per linear foot. This significantly increases costs for larger countertops.
Fancy edges also require more expertise and labor to fabricate and install correctly. You’ll want to hire an experienced fabricator for specialty edges.
Size and Layout
The total size and number of seams impacts installed costs. Larger quartz slabs minimize seams but cost more. Here are the main measurements that determine price:
- Square footage – Most quotes are priced per square foot. More countertop square footage equals higher total cost.
- Linear footage – Long spans of countertop means you need a larger slab and more seams. Linear footage costs more.
- Number of seams – Seams interrupt the pattern and require extra fabrication work. Minimizing seams costs more upfront.
- Cutouts – The number and complexity of cutouts (sinks, cooktops, outlets) affects fabrication time and waste. Simple layouts are most affordable.
In general, expect to pay 10-15% more for quartz installations with multiple seams and cutouts.
Fabrication
An experienced fabricator cuts the slabs and manufactures the countertops to your specifications. Their skill greatly impacts the final product quality and price.
Master fabricators charge more but deliver meticulous cuts, seams, and alignments. Economy fabricators often have less experience and equipment. Be willing to pay 15-25% more for top-tier fabrication services.
Installation
Quartz countertop installation typically costs $35-$100 per hour based on local labor rates. Simple countertop installations may only take a few hours while complex jobs require a full day or longer.
Difficult access, plumbing and electrical work, and special reinforcement add hourly labor fees. Many fabricators charge a flat rate for installation to simplify pricing.
markup
Retailers, fabricators, and installers all add a markup to cover overhead and generate profit. Markups range from 20% to over 100%. Be sure to factor this into the total project cost.
Cost Ranges for Quartz Countertops
With all those variables in mind, what price range can you expect to pay for new quartz countertops in your home? Here are some averages:
- Basic economy quartz countertops with simple edges start around $70 per square foot for materials and installation.
- For a medium-grade quartz with common patterns expect to pay $90-$120 per square foot installed.
- High-end designer quartz with intricate styles averages $130-$180 per square foot installed.
- Ultra-luxury quartz with exotic designs or embellishments can cost $200+ per square foot installed.
To calculate your estimated investment, measure your existing countertops and multiply by the appropriate price per square foot.
For example, replacing 25 square feet of countertops with mid-range quartz at $100 per square foot would cost around $2,500 before taxes and fees.
Keep in mind, most kitchen projects require 40+ square feet of countertops. An expansive kitchen remodel with premium quartz installed could easily exceed $10,000.
Get free estimates from multiple quartz fabricators before setting your budget. Beware of prices that seem drastically low as these likely indicate lower quality materials and workmanship.
Cost Saving Tips for Quartz Countertops
Looking to cut down the cost of your quartz countertops without sacrificing style? Here are great ways to save:
- Select a low-variation quartz pattern – bold veining and patterns come with a surcharge.
- Stick with a square edge or standard eased edge – fancy edges increase linear footage costs drastically.
- Buy slabs directly through a wholesaler to avoid retailer markups.
- Supply your own sink and fixtures rather than having the fabricator provide them.
- Install 3⁄4 inch quartz instead of thicker 1 1⁄4 inch options if durability allows.
- Layout your countertops to minimize seams.
- Use large format tiles instead of a full slab for smaller surfaces like bathroom vanities.
- Hire an experienced local fabricator rather than a big box store.
- Provide exact measurements and templating yourself to reduce labor fees.
- Schedule your project during a fabricator’s slow season for discounted pricing.
With smart design choices, you can install gorgeous quartz countertops that stay within your budget and enhance your home’s value.
Factors that Justify Investing in Premium Quartz
Higher priced quartz delivers enhanced benefits that justify the steeper investment for many homeowners:
Unmatched Aesthetics
Designer-grade quartz offers artistic styles and bold colors that take any kitchen or bath to the next level. Exotic patterns like marble and onyx found in high-end slabs provide unmatched beauty.
Extreme Durability
Top-tier quartz contains over 90% pure quartz stone. This delivers superior stain, scratch, chip, and heat resistance compared to economy brands. They maintain their flawless factory finish for decades after installation.
Improved Longevity
With proper care, premium quartz countertops last 50+ years. This makes them a lifetime investment that adds value and enjoyment to your home for generations.
Easier Maintenance
Quality quartz needs little maintenance besides soap and water cleaning. You’ll avoid constant sealing and polishing required for natural stone and granite.
Greater Resale Value
Upscale quartz countertops can boost your home’s value by 120% of their cost. This makes them appealing to potential buyers and a wise investment in your home.
If these benefits are important to your home renovation goals, investing in high-end quartz can pay dividends for years to come.
Popular Brands of Quartz Countertops
If you decide quartz is right for your home, which brand should you choose? Here are ten top manufacturers of quartz countertops to consider:
Cambria Quartz
With over 100 unique designs, Cambria’s high-quality quartz includes artistic patterns and color variations that mimic natural stone. Prices range $55-$140 per square foot.
Caesarstone Quartz
One of the first engineered quartz brands, Caesarstone remains popular for its extensive style selection, including unusual finishes like weathered looks. Expect to pay $50-$120 per square foot.
Silestone Quartz
Known for durability, Silestone offers over 90 colors and textures inspired by natural granite, marble, and quartzite. Price range $60-$100 per square foot installed.
Pental Quartz
Based in Seattle, Pental quartz counters come in affordable fashion-forward solid colors and bold patterns. Their prices average a budget-friendly $50-$70 per square foot installed.
MSI Quartz
With unique technology that adds shimmer and polish, MSI provides quality quartz slabs across many color and finish options at $45-$75 per square foot installed.
Viatera Quartz
Quartz countertops made by Viatera incorporate recycled glass, marble, granite, and mirror for sparkling built-in accents and depth. The price tag is $70-$150 per square foot installed.
DuPont Zodiaq Quartz
Known for performance and reliability, Zodiaq by DuPont quartz offers cutting-edge style, priced $70-$130 per square foot installed.
LG Viatera Quartz
LG surfaces create high-tech quartz with anti-microbial properties. With a huge color selection, expect prices from $55-$100 per square foot installed.
Compac Quartz
For elite design, Compac Quartz features over 100 signature styles including glassy finishes. Costs range from $100 to over $200 per square foot.
Sapienstone Quartz
Eco-friendly recycled glass makes Sapienstone quartz counters gorgeously unique. Their prices span $65-$150 per square foot installed.
regardless of the brand, always inspect quartz slabs firsthand before finalizing your decision. Subtle distinctions in quality and aesthetics make a difference. Your contractor can help guide you to the best quartz option for your budget and style.
Maintaining and Cleaning Quartz Countertops
To keep your investment looking like new, be sure to care for your quartz properly. Here are the best practices for cleaning and maintenance:
- For daily cleaning, use a mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Disinfect surfaces with a diluted bleach solution if needed.
- Blot spills quickly to prevent staining. Don’t let moisture sit.
- Avoid exposing quartz to strong chemicals like paint removers, drain cleaners, etc.
- Use cutting boards to protect from scratches and nicks during food prep.
- Don’t place hot pans, pots, or dishes directly on the quartz. Always use trivets.
- Re-seal quartz annually using a stone sealant product.
- Avoid hard impacts that can chip the edges. Handle delicately.
With proper care, your quartz countertops will stay looking like new for decades.
Quartz Countertops: Frequently Asked Questions
Looking to learn more about quartz counters for your upcoming home improvement project? Here are answers to some common questions:
Is Quartz More Expensive Than Granite?
On average, quartz costs 20-30% more than granite. But granite requires yearly sealing and polishing which adds long-term maintenance costs.
Should I Get 1 1⁄4” or 3⁄4” Thick Quartz?
Quartz thickness depends on usage. Go with 1 1⁄4” for heavy prep areas like kitchen counters. Use 3⁄4” only for low-traffic spots like bathroom vanities.
How Long Do Quartz Countertops Last?
With proper care, expect quartz counters to last 50+ years. Their durability and longevity give them a strong return on investment.
Can Quartz Countertops Stain?
Quartz resists stains better than marble or granite. However, prolonged exposure to oils, dyes, or alkaline chemicals can cause staining if not cleaned promptly.
Is Quartz Scratch Resistant?
Quality quartz resists surface scratches under normal use. But cutting directly on the counter can damage the surface over time. Always use a cutting board.
Should I Sealing My Quartz Countertop?
Sealing quartz every 1-2 years will help maintain its flawless factory finish. Use specialty stone sealants, not grout sealers.
Can You Repair Chips or Cracks in Quartz?
Minor damage can be repaired by a pro. But deep cracks or intrinsic flaws mean replacing the entire slab.
How Do You Clean Quartz Countertops?
For day to day cleaning, wipe quartz with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals which can damage the surface.
Is Quartz Eco-Friendly?
Many quartz brands contain recycled materials like glass, plastic, and stone. Quartz doesn’t need ongoing stone quarrying like natural granite, making it earth-friendly.
Does Quartz Add Resale Value?
In most cases, quartz countertops return 75-125% of their cost at resale. They appeal to buyers with their durability, styling, and low maintenance.
Conclusion
With the right combination of quality materials, fabrication, and installation, quartz countertops offer unparalleled performance, beauty, and luxury. Although cheaper alternatives exist, quartz’s durability and design versatility make it a smart long-term investment for your home.
Use the guidance above to determine the right budget for your project’s size, design elements, and quality needs. Be sure to get multiple estimates and check fabricators’ references before making a decision.
With proper routine care, your new quartz counters will maintain their radiant appearance and significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic for decades to come. Let us know if we can answer any other questions about attaining the perfect quartz countertops for your remodeling project!