Quartz countertops have become incredibly popular in recent years as a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance alternative to natural stone and solid surface countertops. But with so many options on the market, what is the typical price range for quartz countertops? Here is a detailed overview of the factors that impact quartz countertop pricing and what homeowners can expect to budget for a quartz countertop installation.
What is Quartz?
Before diving into quartz countertop prices, it helps to understand exactly what quartz countertops are. Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone countertops, are made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resin and other materials to create a durable, non-porous slab.
The quartz provides strength, hardness, and resistance to scratches, heat, and stains. The resin binds the crushed quartz together into a slab. Pigments are added to achieve different colors and patterns that mimic look of natural stone.
Unlike natural stone slabs which are cut directly from quarries, quartz slabs are engineered in factories under precise conditions to achieve uniformity and consistency. The engineered nature of quartz allows for more color and pattern flexibility compared to natural stone.
Quartz Countertop Price Factors
Many factors go into the final installed price of quartz countertops in your home. Here are some of the key considerations:
Quartz Material Brand
There are many major quartz manufacturers to choose from, including Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, MSI, LG Viatera, and DuPont Zodiaq. The brand of quartz determines the base material price per square foot.
The most premium designer brands like Caesarstone and Cambria tend to range on the higher end of $50-100 per square foot. Value-oriented brands like MSI and LG Viatera can cost as low as $40-50 per square foot.
Within each brand, there are different levels of quality, color patterns, and finishes. Exotic patterns and finishes usually demand a higher price point. Simple solid colors and matte finishes are typically the most affordable option within a brand.
Color and Pattern
As mentioned, different color patterns, finishes, and effects impact the price. Unusual patterns, bold colors, and gloss finishes often increase the price over standard colors and matte/honed finishes.
For example, a dramatic blue agate-style quartz may range $70-90 per square foot while a simple white or beige color may only be $50-60 per square foot from the same manufacturer.
Thickness
Quartz slabs typically come in thicknesses of 2cm (3/4″), 3cm (1 1/4”) or 4cm (1 1/2”). Thicker slabs are more durable and resistant to cracks and damage. Most fabricators recommend 3cm as the best balance of durability and price. 2cm slabs are the most affordable option for low-traffic areas.
Edge Profiles
The edge of the countertop – often called the edge profile – impacts install price. A standard eased or rounded edge is the most affordable. More ornate ogee, bullnose, or mitered edges take more time and skill to fabricate, increasing cost.
Size of Installation
The total size of your quartz installation impacts the price. Bigger countertop surfaces require more materials, time, and labor to complete. Expect to pay more for larger kitchens than for a small laundry room top.
Fabrication
An experienced, high-quality fabricator will charge more than lower-skill shops. However, you often “get what you pay for” in terms of tight seams, precision cutting, expert installation, and polish quality.
Regional Labor Costs
Like all home improvement projects, local labor costs play a role. Installation will be more expensive in areas like New York City vs. St. Louis due to higher wages and cost of living.
Demolition Needs
If you are replacing existing countertops, charges like removal of old tops and disposal fees can add cost. New construction is simpler as the fabricator is installing on blank base cabinets.
Sink Cutouts and Specialty Cuts
Any cutouts needed for sinks, cooktops, or other appliances will increase fabrication time and price. Intricate cutouts or edges around cooktops especially take skill and must be precisely measured.
Backsplashes and Sidesplashes
Backsplashes and side splashes also increase installed price over just countertop slabs alone. You can often opt for 4” or 6” versus full height backsplashes to save cost.
Installation Service
Hiring a fabricator/installer vs. DIY will increase cost, but ensure proper installation. Quartz is heavy and working upside down under cabinets requires experience.
What is the Typical Price Range for Quartz?
Given the many factors involved, installed quartz countertop costs can range dramatically. However, these are typical price ranges homeowners can expect:
- Low end: $40-50 per square foot for simple white or beige colors in 2cm thickness from a value brand like MSI with a basic edge profile.
- Mid-range: $55-75 per square foot for popular colors in 3cm thickness from leading brands like Caesarstone with eased or rounded edges.
- High end: $90-150+ per square foot for exotic quartz patterns in 3-4cm thickness from premium brands like Cambria with ornate edges.
According to the 2020 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the average homeowner spent around $3,500 for quartz countertops in their kitchen. This factors in approximately 40 square feet of countertop area with mid-range prices of $60-90 per square foot installed.
However, you may pay less for a small laundry or bathroom vanity install. And luxury kitchens with premium quartz can easily top $10,000+ for a full install.
Always get itemized quotes from at least 3 reputable local fabricators before committing to understand the full costs for your specific kitchen or bath.
Popular Brands & Price Ranges
Here is an overview of some of the most popular quartz brands along with typical per square foot costs:
Caesarstone
- Price Range: $55-100 per square foot
- One of the first engineered quartz manufacturers, known for quality and wide color range.
- Many unique patterns like metallic, color blends, and stone looks beyond basic solids.
- Premium tier Caesarstone Quartz Luxe Collection can cost up to $100 per square foot.
Cambria
- Price Range: $70-150+ per square foot
- Known for eye-catching designs and variety of colors/patterns.
- USA-based manufacturer with domestic operations and sourcing.
- High-end luxury brand used in many upscale homes.
- Cambria’s designer Elmsford Collection with wild patterns can hit $150 per square foot.
Silestone
- Price Range: $60-90 per square foot
- Diverse collection of over 90 colors and styles, many with unique quartz blends.
- Known for pioneering antibacterial protection in quartz.
- Brand used in many high-end kitchens and baths.
- Silestone Loft Collection features bold patterns, distinct veining, and high-polish finish.
MSI
- Price Range: $40-60 per square foot
- Large collection of stylish solids, marbles, concretes, granites, and stones.
- Budget-friendly options like Q Premium Natural Quartz start around $45 per square foot.
- Recently launched HQ Quartz Collection targeting premium market around $70 per square foot.
LG Viatera
- Price Range: $40-55 per square foot
- Affordable quartz with stylish, low-maintenance matte finish.
- More limited color selection, but covers most popular whites, grays, and patterns.
- Known for high-quality sheen and durable, resilient slabs.
Dupont Zodiaq
- Price Range: $60-80 per square foot
- Zodiaq pioneered engineered quartz surfaces starting in the early 1990’s.
- Reputation for innovation, consistency, and performance over decades.
- Understated palette of timeless whites, grays, and patterns.
- Recently launched Masfinity high-end quartz line costing $70-80 per square foot.
Cost Saving Tips
If you are on a tight kitchen or bath remodel budget, here are some tips to minimize the cost of your quartz countertops:
- Select a value brand like MSI over premium Caesarstone or Cambria.
- Stick to a neutral solid white, gray, or beige versus bold colors or patterns.
- Choose the thinnest 2cm slabs if your counters do not need to support much weight.
- Opt for a basic eased or rounded edge profile.
- Install smaller countertop sections like a laundry room or bar area rather than full kitchen.
- Skip backsplashes and sidesplashes for now if needed. These can always be added down the road.
- Supply your own quartz slabs purchased at discount if you can safely transport and fabricator approves.
- Consider DIY installation if you have access to lift equipment and feel comfortable with the process.
Is Quartz Worth the Investment?
At $50-100 per square foot installed, quartz is certainly more expensive than laminate or tile countertops. But many homeowners find quartz worth the investment for several reasons:
Durability – Quartz is nearly indestructible for busy kitchens. No need to worry about stains, scratches, chips or cracks over years of use.
Low Maintenance – Unlike natural stone, quartz requires very little maintenance beyond soap, water, and a yearly mineral oil application to stay looking like new.
Hygiene – Non-porous quartz resists bacteria growth, ideal for food prep and bathrooms. No need to seal or treat quartz.
Design Flexibility – Manufactured nature of quartz lets homeowners select from hundreds of colors vs. limited natural stone palette. Match any design style.
Consistency – Quartz offers uniformity. Natural stone has unavoidable variation with pits, cracks, color differences.
Resale Value – Upscale quartz countertops can help home values and sale prices down the road.
While not the cheapest option, quartz offers unparalleled performance, beauty, and variety to justify the investment for many homeowners. Carefully shopping around for best pricing from fabricators allows stretching your budget further.
Quartz vs. Other Countertop Materials
To decide if quartz is the right material for your home, it helps to compare costs and benefits to other leading countertop options:
Granite – Natural granite costs similar to quartz but requires annual sealing. More limited color/pattern options but provides authentic stone look.
Marble – Softer than quartz and stains easily. Costs similar but high-maintenance. Provides classic elegance but not as durable.
Silestone – As a popular quartz brand, costs are comparable. Slight differences in color/finish offerings between product lines.
Soapstone – More expensive than quartz. Stains and scratches require treatment. Provides old-worldclassic charm.
Laminate – Around $20-50 installed, laminate is much cheaper than quartz but easily scratched or damaged over time.
Butcher Block – Beautiful but requires diligent oiling/sealing. Around $50-100 per foot installed but not scratch resistant.
Concrete – Poured concrete is cheaper than quartz at $50-100 per square foot but requires sealing and compromised on looks.
Tile – Ceramic or porcelain tile very affordable at $10-30 per square foot but grout lines less seamless than quartz.
For most homeowners, quartz provides the ideal blend of aesthetics, performance, and maintenance-free durability at a reasonable cost, especially for busy kitchens and baths. Carefully comparing brands and prices allows stretching your countertop budget further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some common questions homeowners have about the costs of quartz countertops:
How much do basic white quartz countertops cost?
A basic white or beige quartz countertop in a 2cm thickness with square edge profile costs approximately $40-55 per square foot including professional installation. Branded options like MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz start around $45 per square foot.
What thickness of quartz countertop is best?
Most experts recommend 3cm thick quartz countertops as the ideal blend of durability and affordability. 3cm thickness costs about 10-15% more than 2cm and is suitable for most kitchens and baths. Go with 4cm only for heavy commercial use.
How much does quartz cost compared to granite?
Quartz and granite cost about the same on average, ranging $50-100 per square foot installed. Granite requires annual sealing which adds cost over time. Both materials provide high performance. Choice comes down to personal design preference.
Is quartz cheaper than natural stone?
Yes, quartz tends to cost less than marble, onyx, soapstone, limestone, and other natural stones. For example, a marble countertop often ranges $70-150 per square foot installed compared to quartz at $50-100.
What edge profile for quartz countertops is cheapest?
A basic square edge is the most affordable edge option for quartz. Upgrades like rounded, bullnose, ogee, and mitered edges add $5-15 more per linear foot depending on intricacy of detail work involved.
Can quartz countertops increase home value?
Yes, upgraded quartz countertops – especially designer brands like Caesarstone or Cambria – increase resale value. Kitchens with upscale quartz finishes often recoup over 80% at sale compared to lower-end laminate tops.
Is DIY quartz countertop installation realistic?
DIY quartz install is possible but challenging. Slabs weigh 100+ pounds requiring at least 2 strong people and special lift equipment. Precise cutting, seam placement, and mounting/leveling are also skills. Consider pros!
Conclusion
Quartz delivers durability, low-maintenance, and designer style, making it a go-to choice for busy kitchens and baths. While quartz costs more than laminate, it provides outstanding performance and resists scratches, stains, and damage over time.
Homeowners with budgets around $50-100 per square foot installed can enjoy the beauty and functionality of quartz countertops in their home or condominium. Carefully comparing different brand prices and installer quotes allows stretching your budget further.
With proper care, quartz countertops will serve as a timeless, elegant focal point in kitchens and baths for decades to come. Their engineered consistency, diversity of colors, and rising popularity make quartz a worthwhile investment for homeowners.