Quartz countertops are hugely popular in modern kitchens and bathrooms for good reason – they are beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance. However, they also tend to be on the pricier end of countertop options. If you love the look of quartz but need a more budget-friendly alternative, there are several solid surface materials that can provide a similar aesthetic for less.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops, sometimes called “plastic laminate”, are one of the most affordable countertop options on the market. They consist of layers of kraft paper infused with melamine resin, covered with a plastic laminate coating.
Pros
- Extremely low cost – laminate countertops start around $20-30 per linear foot installed, compared to $80-150 per linear foot for quartz.
- Wide variety of colors and patterns – laminate comes in solid colors, wood grains, stone looks, and more. There are many options that resemble quartz.
- Very durable surface – laminate stands up well to scratches, stains, heat, and impact. The plastic coating resists moisture.
- Easy installation – laminate countertops can install directly over existing countertops in many cases.
- Low maintenance – just needs occasional cleaning with soap and water.
Cons
- Not as durable as natural stone or quartz – laminate can chip or peel at the edges with heavy impact.
- Prone to visible seams – the laminate sheets have to be seammed together, which are more visible than quartz seams.
- Can warp or bubble with excessive moisture – not ideal for sinks or dishwashers.
- Less resale value – laminate is not considered an upscale material, so it won’t add value to your home like quartz would.
Overall, laminate is an excellent budget option if you need an affordable kitchen or bathroom countertop with a wide variety of color and pattern options. The durability is decent, but not on par with engineered stone. Laminate works best in low-moisture areas.
Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops made from wood provide a classic, warm look for kitchens. Solid wood or wood composite countertops offer the beauty of natural wood grain patterns at a fraction of the cost of quartz.
Pros
- Lower cost – approximately $40-100 per linear foot installed.
- Natural material – wood provides a unique, timeless look.
- Easy to install – can be installed right over existing countertops.
- Easily repairable – scratches and stains can be sanded out.
- Adds value – wood countertops are considered upscale and can increase resale appeal.
Cons
- Requires sealing and maintenance – needs periodic resealing to resist stains.
- Can warp or crack with excessive moisture – needs extra sealing near sinks.
- Susceptible to scratches and dents – needs cutting boards for prep work.
- Not as durable as quartz overall.
Butcher block delivers an attractive, organic look that is warmer and softer than the edgy modern vibe of quartz. With proper prep and sealing, wood countertops can last for decades. The main downsides are the required maintenance and sensitivity to moisture and impact damage.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete is quickly growing in popularity as a stylish, durable, and affordable countertop choice. Concrete can realistically mimic the look of quartz while costing significantly less.
Pros
- Low price – precast concrete countertops cost $50-100 per square foot installed.
- Highly durable – resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and impact.
- Can mimic quartz – concrete can be stained and polished to resemble quartz.
- Easy maintenance – needs occasional resealing.
- Adds value – concrete has an upscale, modern appeal.
Cons
- Heavy – thicker and heavier than most countertop materials.
- Prone to cracking – needs proper curing time and sealing.
- Color inconsistencies – hand-poured concrete has natural variations.
- Requires sealing – needs periodic reapplication of sealant.
Concrete delivers the ultra-modern, industrial vibe that quartz is known for at a fraction of the price. Proper sealing and curing is crucial to prevent cracks and stains. The main drawback is the weight, making concrete less suitable for DIY projects. Overall, concrete is arguably the closest budget alternative to quartz in terms of appearance and durability.
Tile Countertops
Ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile can also provide the sleek, contemporary look of quartz for kitchens or bathrooms on a budget. Tiled countertops offer nearly endless customization options.
Pros
- Low cost for materials – tile costs $5-50 per square foot.
- Highly customizable – choose from endless tile materials, colors, shapes, and patterns.
- Easy to repair – damaged tiles can be replaced individually.
- Adds value – tile countertops are considered upscale.
- Durable if properly sealed – resistant to scratches, stains and heat.
Cons
- Higher installation cost – professional installation recommended, adding to cost.
- Grout requires sealing – the grout lines need periodic resealing.
- Not seamless – grout lines interrupt the pattern.
- Can crack or chip – tiles may crack if surface underneath shifts.
If you aren’t afraid of a small installation headache, tile can provide the look of stone or quartz countertops at a much lower cost. Using large format tiles and smaller grout lines can mimic the seamless look of quartz. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for high-moisture areas like sinks. Overall, tile is an affordable way to get a custom, high-end look.
Stone Tile
For those who love the look of natural stone, stone tiles provide an affordable alternative to quartz or granite slabs. Stone varieties like travertine, marble, and slate can create a beautiful countertop that appears high-end.
Pros
- Natural stone look at a lower cost – sliced stone tiles cost less than stone slabs.
- Matches stone backsplash beautifully – continue the same stone from countertop to backsplash.
- Heavily textured stone hides grout lines – travertine has a rough finish that disguises grout.
- Customizable sizes and patterns – mix different shapes, colors, and finishes.
- Eco-friendly natural material – stones like slate and travertine have less environmental impact than quartz.
Cons
- Not as seamless as quartz – grout lines interrupt stone pattern.
- Requires more sealing than quartz – natural stone is porous and needs frequent sealing.
- Vulnerable to stains – resealing needed to prevent stains from setting in porous stone.
- Grout can discolor – needs cleaning and sealing to keep bright white grout lines.
If you love the look of natural stone but not the price tag, stone tiles present a great alternative to quartz countertops. The rustic, earthy look of travertine or slate pairs beautifully with other natural materials like wood cabinetry. Just account for diligent sealing and grout maintenance when choosing this budget-friendly option.
Soapstone
Soapstone is an often overlooked natural stone that provides some major advantages over quartz at a much lower price point. It has a smoother, less busy look than most granites.
Pros
- Lower cost – approximately $50-100 per square foot installed.
- Heat resistant – can withstand very high temperatures.
- Stain resistant – impervious to stains from coffee, wine, and other liquids.
- Smooth feel – has a soft, smooth texture without etching or grout lines.
- Classic aged look – soapstone ages gracefully into a vintage weathered appearance.
Cons
- Prone to scratching – softer than quartz, can get knife marks and scratches over time.
- Needs occasional sealing – sealing helps limit stain absorption.
- Rare color options – limited mostly to grayish blues and blacks.
- Can produce rubbing marks – darker transfer marks can rub onto lighter objects.
For those seeking a sleek, smooth countertop, soapstone stands out as an affordable alternative to quartz with stellar durability. The natural look evolves into a rustic patina over time. While quartz still edges out soapstone in overall resilience, soapstone provides an attractive durable option.
Marble Countertops
Genuine marble countertops convey elegance and luxury. While still pricier than materials like concrete and laminate, marble slabs cost noticeably less than quartz while mimicking the high-end aesthetic.
Pros
- Less expensive than quartz – approximately $40-100 per square foot installed.
- Luxurious, elegant look – marble conveys status and class.
- Softer appearance – lighter grays and whites provide a softer mood than stark white quartz.
- Transitional style – pairs well with traditional or contemporary designs.
Cons
- Stains easily – being porous, marble readily absorbs stains.
- Etches from acids – acids in wine, juice, etc. can etch the calcite crystals in marble.
- Needs frequent sealing – sealing helps limit absorption of stains.
- Chips and cracks more easily than quartz – a fragile material compared to engineered stone.
For those desiring the undisputed elegance of marble without the staggering cost, marble slabs present a more budget-friendly solution compared to quartz. However, the high-maintenance nature and fragility of marble must be factored in. Overall, marble stands out as an alternative that aligns closest to quartz in terms of natural beauty and style.
What is the Cheapest Quartz Alternative for Countertops?
If your top priority is finding the most affordable option that resembles quartz, laminate countertops are the cheapest alternative material. High-quality laminate with realistic stone and quartz patterns can be purchased and installed for approximately $30-50 per linear foot on average.
Laminate lacks the prestige factor of quartz, and it cannot fully match the durability and seamless appearance. But for kitchens and bathrooms on a very tight budget, laminate countertops provide the most economical solution.
Concrete and butcher block also rank among the most wallet-friendly quartz alternatives. But laminate beats them in terms of upfront cost. Laminate also requires virtually no maintenance compared to materials like wood or concrete that need frequent sealing.
Key Takeaways: Cheaper Alternatives to Quartz Countertops
- Laminate countertops provide the most affordable option at $20-30 per linear foot installed. Wide range of stone and quartz looks available.
- Butcher block countertops made from wood offer elegance at $40-100 per linear foot. Requires heavy sealing and maintenance.
- Concrete countertops mimic the look of quartz for $50-100 per square foot installed. Durable and modern but very heavy.
- Ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile costs $5-50 per square foot. Heavily customizable. Grout requires sealing.
- Soapstone is an underrated natural stone alternative at $50-100 per square foot. Heat and stain resistant. Limited colors.
- Marble countertops provide luxury for less than quartz at $40-100 per square foot. Stains and etches easily.
- For the most affordable quartz mimicry, laminate countertops are the cheapest alternative starting around $20-30 per linear foot installed.
FAQ About Cheaper Alternatives to Quartz Countertops
What is the cheapest material that looks like quartz?
Laminate countertops provide the closest visual mimicry of quartz at the lowest cost, starting around just $20-30 per linear foot installed. High quality laminates like Formica and Wilsonart offer convincing stone, concrete, and quartz patterns.
What countertop is comparable to quartz?
The closest quartz alternatives in terms of appearance, performance, and prestige are marble, concrete, and soapstone countertops. These natural stones offer a similar sleek, contemporary vibe as quartz. Concrete and soapstone resist stains well, while marble conveys the same elegance.
What is the most affordable countertop option?
Laminate is the hands-down most affordable countertop material at approximately $20-30 per linear foot installed. Other cheap options include tile and wood countertops in the $30-50 per square foot range. Concrete and stone tiles can also be budget-friendly at $4-8 per square foot for materials.
What countertops are cheaper than quartz?
Common countertop materials cheaper than the $80-150 per square foot cost of quartz include:
- Laminate
- Wood/Butcher Block
- Concrete
- Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
- Stone Tile
- Soapstone
- Cultured Marble
Is there a countertop that looks like quartz but is cheaper?
Yes, laminate countertops offer the most realistic quartz visual mimicry at the lowest cost, starting at around $20-30 per linear foot installed. Many laminate patterns like Formica’s Calcutta Marble and Wilsonart’s Gemstone Quartz closely resemble popular quartz looks.
What is the most inexpensive quartz?
The most affordable quartz countertop brands include:
- IKEA (starts around $54/square foot)
- Lowes’s House Brand MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz (around $40/sf)
- Home Depot’s House Brand Caesarstone (around $56/sf)
- IKEA’s Sektion Quartz (around $54/sf)
- Discount warehouse brands like World Imports (around $35/sf)
How much cheaper is laminate than quartz?
On average, laminate countertops cost approximately 4-5 times less than quartz. Laminate starts around $20-30 per linear foot installed, compared to the $80-150 per linear foot typical cost of quartz. In terms of percentage, laminate is around 75-80% cheaper than installed quartz countertops.
Conclusion
While quartz countertops are beloved for their sturdiness, aesthetics, and prestige, the price point of $80-150 per square foot installed puts them out of reach for many budgets. Luckily there are several attractive and serviceable alternatives that mimic the look of quartz for a fraction of the investment.
Materials like laminate, concrete, and ceramic tile can deliver the sleek contemporary vibe of quartz for $20-50 per square foot. Natural stone options like marble, soapstone, and stone tile offer organic textures and patterns for less. With smart shopping and creative DIY installation, it’s possible to get the high-end quartz look you love for very little cost.
If you seek the most affordable solution, laminates offer stunning mimics of quartz, granite, and other designer looks starting at around just $20-30 per linear foot. While laminate cannot match the longevity and seamlessness of quartz, advancements in patterns and performance make laminate counters the top budget-friendly pick for quartz admirers. With realistic textures and colors, laminates like Wilsonart’s Quartz and Formica’s Calcutta Marble give you the most quartz-like appearance and lowest cost.