What is Average Cost of Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made from engineered stone, quartz offers an attractive, durable, and low-maintenance surface. But with the many quartz options on the market, what is the average cost of quartz countertops?

What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone countertops, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a man-made material that is non-porous, stain resistant, and durable.

Quartz countertops are available in a wide range of colors and patterns. The resin allows quartz to take on the look of natural stone like marble or granite while avoiding some of the maintenance issues. Quartz requires very little sealing and is not prone to etching from acids like citrus fruits.

Factors Affecting Quartz Countertop Cost

Several factors go into the total average cost of quartz countertops for your project:

Quartz Type: Basic quartz starts around $50 per square foot installed. Higher-end branded quartz like Caesarstone can cost $70-$120 per square foot installed.
Color and Pattern: Some quartz has veining or flecked patterns that add to the look and cost. Unusual colors like black or blue quartz cost more than basic whites and tans.
Thickness: Most quartz is 3/4” thick, but 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” premium thicknesses are available for a heftier look. Thicker quartz can cost $10-$15 more per square foot.
Edge Treatments: Basic square edges are standard. Ogee, bevel, bullnose, or laminated edges add $10-$30 per linear foot.
Installation: Hiring a professional to template, fabricate, and install will add $40-$75 per hour for labor.
Other Factors: Backsplashes, seams, island shapes, appliance cutouts, and demo/disposal fees can all add to the final costs.

Average Cost to Install Quartz Countertops

Taking all the above factors into account, the average total cost to install quartz countertops ranges from $80 to $140 per square foot.

For a medium sized kitchen with 40 square feet of countertop space, a typical quartz installation would cost around $3,200 to $5,600 with professional installation.

Here is a breakdown of average costs per square foot for quartz countertops:

Quartz Material: $50 to $120 per square foot
Professional Fabrication: $20-$30 per square foot
Professional Installation: $20-$30 per square foot
Total Installed Cost: $80 to $140 per square foot

The total cost can be higher if you select premium thicknesses, edge treatments, cutouts, or backsplashes. Your overall budget can range from $4,000 up to $10,000 or more for a larger kitchen.

Factors That Affect Quartz Countertop Cost

Here is more detail on the different factors that go into what is average cost of quartz countertops for your home:

Quartz Material Brand

The brand of engineered quartz you choose greatly impacts the price:

Basic Quartz: Affordable options from IKEA or local stone yards cost as little as $50 per square foot. These offer fewer color choices but excellent durability.
Name Brands: Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone and Zodiaq cost $70-$120 per square foot. These come in unique colors and patterns.
High-End Designer: Premium designer brands like Pental, LG Viatera or Compac can cost over $100 per square foot. These offer polished looks for luxury homes.

Colors and Patterns

Quartz slabs come in a rainbow of colors from elegant whites and greys to bold reds, blues, and blacks. Exotic patterns like veining, flakes, or swirls can add cost:

Solid Colors: Simple solid white or tan slabs start around $50 per square foot.
Mid-Range Colors: Light blues, grays, and greens are moderately priced in the $70 to $90 range.
Vibrant Colors: Bold reds, blacks, and browns cost $80 to $100 per square foot.
Premium Patterns: Veining, mica flakes, or gemstone look for $90 to $120 per square foot.

Thickness

Standard quartz thickness is 3/4” thick. But thicker options provide a heftier look and feel:

3/4” thickness: The standard thickness for most installations is 3/4” thick.
1 1/4” thickness: Called quartzite, the extra 1/2” thickness adds $8-$12 per square foot.
1 1/2” thickness: Maximum thickness for a heavy duty look at $10-$15 more per square foot.

Thicker quartz of 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” is recommended for flooring or heavy use kitchen islands. The thicker profile is more durable and has less chance of cracking under impact.

Edge Treatments

Edges can be finished with decorative treatments for $10 to $30 per linear foot added cost:

Standard Squared Edge: This 90 degree angle edge is typical.
Beveled Edge: A 45 degree beveled edge helps prevent chipping.
Ogee Edge: An elegant ogee curved edge has a rounded profile.
Bullnose Edge: A rounded bullnose edge works well for islands.
LaminatedEdges: Contrasting edges like a waterfall laminated edge make a design statement.

Cutouts and Seams

For most kitchens, the quartz fabricator will need to cut holes for sinks, faucets, and appliances. Complex patterns and seams can add labor and material costs.

Simpler shapes like a single-bowl sink opening add minimal cost.
Elaborate shapes like a professional range cooktop can add hundreds for the extra fabrication time, materials, and seaming work.
Intricate Patterns with veining or flecks require extra care to line up patterns perfectly across seams, adding to fabrication time.
Islands often require seaming from multiple slabs, which must be perfectly color-matched. This labor-intensive work can add cost.

Installation

Quartz countertop installation is not a simple DIY project. The heavy material requires professional skills for a perfect fit.

Typical professional installation costs around $40-$75 per hour for an experienced quartz fabricator/installer. This covers:

Template creation
Measurement and layout
Seaming edges
Cutting/drilling holes
Fastening securely
Finishing edges
Polishing installed surface

Be sure your quote includes all necessary tasks, as piecemeal work can end up costing more.

Other Costs

Backsplashes: Quartz backsplashes cost $10-$25 per linear foot installed depending on height and complexity.
Demolition and disposal: Removing old countertops and proper disposal fees average $150-$300 depending on your area and amount of waste.
Shipping: Shipping large slabs from the fabricator to your home can range from $200-$500 or more.
Additional fabrication visits: For complex jobs, your fabricator may need to visit multiple times for templating/fit checks, adding labor fees.

Maintenance Costs of Quartz Countertops

One of the advantages of quartz is very low maintenance compared to natural stone. Over 10 years, basic maintenance costs include:

$350 for sealers – Once every 3-5 years is sufficient
$480 for cleaning products – Simple soap and water is best for routine cleaning
$200 for repairs – Chips or cracks are rare, but can be repaired by a pro

Proper care like using trivets, wiping spills quickly, and avoiding abrasives will keep your quartz looking like new for decades. The initial investment will pay off in years of beauty and durability.

Quartz vs Other Countertop Materials

Quartz is an excellent option, but does come at a higher price than some materials:

Quartz is more expensive than laminate at $10-$30 per square foot installed. But it is much more durable.
Quartz is more affordable than natural stone like granite or marble which can cost $80-$150 per square foot installed.
Quartz is comparable to solid surface acrylic at $70-$100 per square foot installed. It offers more color options.
Ceramic tile can cost $10 to $50 per square foot for the tile, plus professional installation. Quartz requires less maintenance.

For most kitchens, quartz offers the best balance of attractive appearance, durability, and ease of maintenance. While not the cheapest option, it provides excellent long-term value.

Is Quartz Worth the Investment?

Investing in quartz countertops adds real value and appeal to any home. Quartz is a smart choice for anyone looking for:

Beauty: Quartz offers gorgeous colors, patterns, and gleaming polished finishes.
Durability: Harder and less porous than granite, quartz stands up beautifully for decades.
Easy Care: Quartz needs virtually no sealing and cleans up easily.
Hygiene: The nonporous surface inhibits bacteria growth.
Resale Value: Quartz countertops appeal to buyers and add value to your home.

While quartz costs more upfront than some options, it pays off in lower maintenance, longer lifespan, and higher resale value. For most buyers, investing in quartz countertops is well worth the cost.

Final Average Quartz Countertop Costs

To recap, here are the typical price ranges for quartz countertops:

Quartz Material: $50 to $120 per square foot
Fabrication: $20 to $30 per square foot
Installation: $20 to $30 per square foot
Total Installed: $80 to $140 per square foot
Average Kitchen: $3,200 to $5,600
Larger Kitchen: $4,000 to $10,000+

Your total depends on which quartz products you select and the size and layout of your space. An experienced quartz fabricator can provide a detailed quote based on your exact project specs.

Investing in high quality quartz countertops will add functionality, beauty, and value to your home for years to come. Careful shopping, measurement, and professional installation are the keys to getting the most for your budget. With some planning, you can enjoy stunning new quartz countertops that stay looking like new.