What Does Quartz Countertop Cost Per Square Foot?

Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. With their durability, low maintenance, and customizability, it’s easy to see why homeowners love quartz. But before installing new quartz countertops, one of the first questions is often: what does quartz countertop cost per square foot?

The cost of quartz countertops per square foot can vary quite a bit based on the quartz brand, pattern, edge treatments, installation, and more. In this complete guide, we’ll break down the different factors that impact quartz countertop pricing so you can better understand what to budget for your kitchen or bath remodel.

Average Cost of Quartz Countertops Per Square Foot

The average cost for quartz countertops falls between $50 – $100 per square foot installed. This covers everything including materials, fabrication, and professional installation. Here’s a quick look at typical price ranges:

Entry-level: $50 – $70 per square foot
Mid-range: $70 – $90 per square foot
Premium/high-end: $90 – $150 per square foot

So for an average kitchen with 40 square feet of countertop space, total costs for installed quartz countertops would be:

Entry-level: $2,000 – $2,800
Mid-range: $2,800 – $3,600
High-end: $3,600 – $6,000

However, many factors beyond the quartz itself impact the final price per square foot. Let’s take a closer look at the specifics.

Factors That Influence Quartz Countertop Costs

When doing any home renovation project, it’s always smart to understand what factors affect pricing so you can set realistic expectations. With quartz countertops, the following aspects make the biggest difference on overall cost per square foot:

Quartz Brand

Quartz countertops are engineered from crushed quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. But not all quartz brands are created equal in terms of quality, appearance, and price.

Entry-Level Brands

Caesarstone
Silestone
Viatera

Mid-Range Brands

Cambria
LG Viatera
Quartz Master

Premium Brands

Compac
DuPont Zodiaq
HanStone
LG Hausys
Pokarna

The entry-level quartz brands start around $50 per square foot installed. Mid-range options run $70 – $90 per square foot. And the high-end designer quartz lines can cost over $100 per square foot.

So while the material itself makes up a portion of the overall price, the brand name plays a significant role as well. Going with a premium quartz can add $30+ per square foot versus an entry-level option.

Color and Pattern

Along with brands, the specific color and pattern you choose for quartz countertops also affects pricing. Simple solid white or light-colored quartz tends to be the most affordable option. However, dramatic dark colors or heavily patterned quartz costs more due to extra manufacturing processes.

For example, black quartz requires more pigment. And vein or stone-like patterns need custom fabrication to achieve the desired look. This extra effort means the material costs more, which then raises the per square foot price.

Edge Profiles

The edge of your countertop also adds to the total price per square foot. A standard 90-degree angle edge is the most economical route. More complex edges like bullnose, chamfer, ogee, and Dupont edges cost extra for materials and fabrication.

Fancy edge profiles can add $10 – $20 per linear foot versus a straight edge. For the average kitchen with 25 linear feet of countertop, upgraded edges would add approximately $250 – $500 overall.

Thickness

Quartz thickness options typically include:

3/4 inch
1 1/4 inches
2 cm
3 cm

The standard 3/4 inch thickness keeps costs on the lower end around $50 per square foot. Going up to 1 1/4 inches or 3 cm thickness can increase cost by 20% or more. The extra thickness provides more visual mass yet requires greater amounts of quartz.

Installation Costs

While the quartz itself accounts for 50% – 70% of total project costs, professional installation also factors into the final per square foot price. Most quartz installers charge $40 – $100 per hour for labor.

The time involved depends on:

Countertop layout
Number of seams/joints
Access to the space
Special finishing like backsplashes
Additional electrical or plumbing work

Simple countertop layouts in open concept kitchens provide the most affordable install. Long spans, excessive seams, and poor access can drive up installation costs.

Cost Comparison to Other Countertop Materials

To help decide if quartz offers the right value for your home, it helps to compare to other popular countertop materials:

Quartz vs. Granite

Quartz is typically 20% – 50% cheaper than granite per square foot installed.
However, high-end quartz can rival lower-cost granite.
Quartz needs less maintenance than natural stone.

Quartz vs. Marble

Quartz is roughly 30% – 50% less expensive than marble.
The main advantage of quartz is stain and scratch resistance.

Quartz vs. Laminate

Laminate only costs $20 – $40 per square foot installed.
But laminate is prone to scratches, stains, and damage over time.
Quartz offers a more durable, luxurious look for the price premium.

Quartz vs. Solid Surface (Corian)

Solid surface is comparable in cost to mid-range and premium quartz.
Quartz is preferable for most buyers due to higher durability and more realistic stone-like visuals.

Quartz vs. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel costs $70 – $200 per square foot installed.
Stainless is more expensive than most quartz options.
Quartz offers warmer, more decorative visuals.

Quartz vs. Concrete

Concrete costs $80 – $150 per square foot, on par with premium quartz.
Concrete requires intensive sealing to prevent stains.
Quartz is easier to keep clean and maintain over time.

Quartz vs. Soapstone

Soapstone runs $70 – $120 per square foot.
It requires ongoing sealing and oiling.
Quartz provides greater stain protection with less maintenance.

Based on this comparison, quartz countertops offer an appealing balance of affordability, durability, and visual appeal compared to leading alternatives. The upgrade from materials like laminate is often well worth it for busy kitchens and baths.

Factors That Add Additional Costs

Aside from the quartz itself, several other aspects of your countertop installation project can increase the total spend:

Specialty edge profiles – Unique edges like a waterfall look or inside-out design add fabrication time and waste material.
Thick countertops – Going beyond the standard 3/4″ thickness means using more quartz material.
** Integral sinks** – Having sinks seamlessly built into the countertop requires extra quartz and custom cutting.
Backsplashes – Adding a coordinating quartz backsplash along walls adds to labor and material costs.
Cutouts – Any specialty cutouts for stoves, sinks, or other features need custom fabrication and increase install time.
Plumbing/electrical work – If your project requires hooking up sinks, installing outlets, or specialty lighting, expect added labor fees.
Curved countertops – Radial shapes and curves require additional skills to cut and install, again raising project costs.
Large surface areas – The more surface square footage needed, the more quartz is required overall.
Multiple separate pieces – Having multiple disconnected countertop sections rather than one continuous span adds seams and labor time.
Difficult access – Impeded access to the space like narrow staircases or hallways makes installation slower for workers.

Keeping these kinds of factors in mind while planning your project and layout will help avoid budget surprises down the road. Opting for standard countertop shapes, simple edges, and easy access can realize significant savings with a quartz installation.

Smart Ways to Save Money on Quartz

For homeowners watching their budgets, here are some insider tips to get beautiful quartz countertops at a lower per square foot price:

Select a mid-range quartz – Steer clear of ultra-luxury brands and inexpensive quartz alike. The sweet spot for value is often the middle tier.
Stick to classic colors – Simple white and light grey quartz patterns cost less than bold darks or heavily patterned looks.
Choose standard edges – Keep edges simple and sleek with standard 90-degree profiles to avoid upgrade fees.
Buy larger remnant pieces – Shops often sell remnant quartz pieces at a discount of 20% or more.
Purchase your own quartz – DIY purchasing can save 20% – 30% off buying through the installer.
Get quotes from several shops – Comparing 3+ installer quotes helps find the best deal.
Provide your own base cabinets – Letting installers use your own cabinets avoids their markup on these costs.
Opt for integrated vs. undermount sink – Using an integrated sink design eliminates extra fabrication and installation steps.
Install counters yourself – For DIYers, self-installing quartz counters mean paying only for materials.

With smart planning and cost-saving measures, it’s possible to get quartz countertops installed for around $50 per square foot even for higher-end options. Always get quotes from multiple installers and be flexible on brands and colors to find the best value.

Quartz Countertop Cost Per Square Foot By Quality Tier

To give you a helpful gauge on pricing, here is an overview of what typical per square foot quartz prices look like across different quality levels:

Entry-Level Quartz

Total per square foot cost: $50 – $70

Pros:

Most affordable option
Wide range of colors/patterns
Offered by leading brands

Cons:

Prone to damage over time
Limited thickness options
Lower resale value

Best for:
Budget kitchen/bath remodels

Brands:
Caesarstone, Silestone, MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz, Cambria Bella

Mid-Range Quartz

Total per square foot cost: $70 – $90

Pros:

Great durability
Thicker options available
Look of high-end quartz

Cons:

Limited exotic patterns
Fewer color choices

Best for:
Most kitchens and bathrooms

Brands:
Cambria, LG Viatera, Quartz Master

Premium/High-End Quartz

Total per square foot cost: $90 – $150

Pros:

Ultimate durability
Unique patterns available
Luxury aesthetics
Greater thickness options

Cons:

Much higher cost
Limited supplier network

Best for:
High-end home renovations

Brands:
Compac, Dupont Zodiaq, LG Hausys, Pokarna

The best value for most homeowners is shopping in the middle tier. This provides an ideal blend of quality, appearance, and affordability over the long term. Paying a slight premium for durability now can prevent the need for countertop replacement down the road.

Importance of Hiring Professional Installers

While DIY countertop installation might seem like a way to save money, quartz counters specifically are best left to the professionals. Here’s why skilled installers are worth the investment:

Correctly measure and fabricate countertops to ensure a perfect fit
Have expertise cutting and finishing quartz materials
Properly join sections to prevent future cracks or gaps
Accurately install countertops at the right height and support
Integrate sinks, faucets, and other features seamlessly
Apply finishes like edges and backsplashes flawlessly

Quartz is more fragile than granite or other natural stones and can crack if not handled properly during fabrication and installation. Hiring a reputable pro ensures your investment is protected from any installation errors or issues down the road.

FAQ About Quartz Countertop Costs

Many homeowners have additional questions about what impacts the pricing for quartz countertops. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Does thickness affect quartz countertop cost?

Yes, thicker quartz countertops do cost more per square foot due to using more material. Most homes do well with standard 3/4 inch quartz. Going up to 2 cm or 3 cm thickness can increase cost by 20% or more but provides enhanced visual mass.

Is white quartz cheaper than darker colors?

Generally white, light grey, and cream quartz colors cost less than dramatic dark hues or heavily patterned options. The more pigment and processing required, the more expensive the slabs. But even whites vary across brands, so always compare exact pricing.

Is installing quartz yourself cheaper than hiring a pro?

In theory, DIY installation may seem cheaper. But imperfect results or damage from improper handling of slabs can ruin the investment. Pros have specialized tools and expertise well worth their labor fees for flawless results.

Does quartz have hidden costs?

Aside from the countertop itself, added features like edges, sinks, and backsplashes do increase overall project costs. Structural issues, electrical work, and poor kitchen access can also drive up pricing. Always get an itemized quote from installers to avoid surprises.

Is quartz more expensive than granite?

Due to advanced manufacturing, quartz is typically 20% – 50% less expensive than natural granite per square foot installed. Very high-end designer quartz can rival lower cost granite options but most quartz provides savings over granite.

The Bottom Line

When selecting new countertops for the kitchen or bath, quartz remains one of the most popular choices for busy households thanks to its optimal blend of form and function. And understanding the costs behind this excellent material is the key to smart budgeting.

While many factors impact the final per square foot installed price, quartz generally ranges from $50 – $100 per square foot depending on the brand, color, edges, thickness, and installation requirements. For the best return on investment, most homeowners target the middle ground around $70 – $90 per square foot to obtain enduring durability, beauty, and convenience.

With proper planning, cost comparison shopping, and strategic countertop layout, quartz can often achieve an attractive price point for even modest home renovation budgets. Thanks to the crystal-like composition and advanced engineering behind quartz slabs, this surface provides modern sophistication and luxury for the heart of any home at a cost that brings true, long-lasting value.