Engineered quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. With the look and feel of natural stone, but without some of the drawbacks, engineered quartz offers an attractive and durable surface at a range of price points. Here is an overview of what factors impact the cost of engineered quartz countertops and what you can expect to budget for this material.
What is Engineered Quartz?
Engineered quartz is made from crushed quartz combined with resins and pigments to create a durable, non-porous material that can be fabricated into countertops. Brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone are leaders in engineered quartz.
Some key advantages of engineered quartz:
- Extremely durable and resistant to scratches, stains, burns, and heat
- Non-porous so does not need regular sealing
- Available in a wide array of colors and patterns
- Minimal maintenance required
- Does not need to be conditioned like natural stone
- More consistent patterning than natural stone
- Resists bacteria growth
While more expensive than laminate, engineered quartz is competitive price-wise with many natural stones and offers added durability and easy maintenance.
What Impacts the Cost of Engineered Quartz?
Several factors affect the total price of engineered quartz countertops:
Brand
Popular brands like Caesarstone and Silestone are often more expensive than lesser known brands. Prices can range quite a bit between brands.
Color and Pattern
Unusual or premium colors and patterns cost more than standard whites and blacks. Materials with more variation and movement in the pattern also command higher prices.
Thickness
Standard thickness is 3cm (1.2 inches), but thicker material options like 4 or 5cm cost more. Thicker material is more durable and suitable for heavily used surfaces.
Edge Treatment
Decorative edges like bullnose, ogee, and bevel cost extra compared to a standard squared edge. Intricate edge treatments increase the fabrication time and skill required.
Fabrication
The main cost of installation is labor for customized cutting, shaping, and edging. Complex projects take more time and skill to fabricate.
Area to Be Covered
The total square footage needing countertop coverage impacts the overall cost. Bigger areas require more material and fabrication time.
Cost Per Square Foot
The average cost for installed engineered quartz countertops ranges from $80-150 per square foot. Here is a breakdown for what to expect:
- Economy – $80-100 per square foot. This is for basic colors and patterns from lesser known brands. Only includes a simple straight edge treatment. Best for smaller kitchens or bathrooms needing basic function over luxury.
- Standard – $100-130 per square foot. Mid-range materials from major brands like Caesarstone. Includes some edge treatment upgrades like eased or beveled edges. Most popular choice for bathrooms and mid-size kitchens.
- Premium – $130-150+ per square foot. High-end materials from luxury brands like Silestone, Cambria, and Dupont. Premium colors and patterns, coupled with intricate edge profiles. Best for large, high-end kitchens that need maximum durability.
These costs are inclusive of materials, fabrication, transportation, and professional installation. Be sure to get an itemized estimate from countertop professionals, as additional costs may apply for removal and disposal of old countertops, plumbing modifications, etc. Keep the total project scope in mind.
Factors That Increase Engineered Quartz Costs
Some specific material choices and project factors can increase costs above standard rates:
- Popular or rare colors and patterns
- Thicker slab materials
- Intricate edging like ogee, bullnose, or Dupont
- Tile backsplashes made with matching material
- Full height backsplashes
- Kitchen islands
- Radius corners
- Multiple seams needed
- Cutouts for sinks and cooktops
- Installation challenges requiring extra labor
How Thickness Impacts Cost
The standard thickness for engineered quartz is 3cm, though thicker options are available:
- 3cm – Most popular choice. Provides adequate durability for residential uses while keeping costs affordable.
- 4cm – Provides some extra durability and heft. Useful for heavy use kitchens. About a 10-15% upgrade over 3cm.
- 5cm – Maximum durability for hardy surfaces that can withstand heavy commercial use. More difficult to fabricate. Around a 20% upgrade over 3cm.
Keep in mind that thicker slabs come with exponentially higher material costs. Labor costs also increase for transportation and fabricating these heavier slabs. Evaluate whether you really need the benefits conferred by extra thickness.
Cost Comparison to Other Countertop Materials
Here is how engineered quartz compares price-wise to other popular countertop options:
- More expensive than – Laminate, ceramic tile, concrete, stainless steel, and butcher block.
- Similar pricing to – Many natural stones like granite.
- Less expensive than – Marble, soapstone, onyx.
So while not the absolute cheapest option, engineered quartz provides good value for its looks, durability, and ease of maintenance compared to pricier natural stone surfaces.
Tips for Keeping Project Costs Down
If working with a limited budget, consider these tips to keep your engineered quartz project economical:
- Choose a mid-range brand and color
- Stick with 3cm thickness
- Opt for basic edge profiles like eased or straight
- Reuse existing countertops if possible
- Install yourself if skilled to avoid labor fees
- Purchase remnant pieces for a smaller area
- Time the project for winter or fall when demand is lower
- Provide your own tear-out and prep work
With smart design choices and savvy purchasing tactics, engineered quartz can fit into most kitchen remodeling budgets. Prioritize quality over quantity when investing in this durable and low-maintenance surface.
Conclusion
While not the cheapest countertop material on the market, engineered quartz provides homeowners with an attractive and highly functional product. Expect to invest $80-150 per square foot for professional installation, with the final cost depending on brand, material thickness, edge treatments, overall size, and other project-specific factors. With some careful planning and budgeting, engineered quartz can create lavish looks in the kitchen or bath without breaking the bank. Its durability and longevity also make it a smart long-term investment for any home remodel.