Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. With their durable, low-maintenance, and stylish nature, it’s easy to see why. But before taking the quartz plunge, it’s important to understand the average costs involved so you can budget accordingly. Here’s a detailed look at what goes into a quartz countertop installation and what you can expect to pay.

What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, 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 heat tolerant.

Quartz offers the look of natural stone like marble or granite but without some of the maintenance issues. It does not need to be regularly sealed, is highly scratch resistant, and keeps its color and polish for years. This makes it an excellent choice for busy kitchens.

Cost Factors for Quartz Countertops

Several variables affect the total cost of quartz countertops in your home. The main factors include:

Quartz Material Cost

This refers to the per square foot price of the slabs you select. Quartz ranges from economical options like Silestone starting around $50 per square foot up to premium designer brands costing $125+ per square foot. The material you choose has the biggest impact on your total price.

Popular mid-range brands like Caesarstone and Cambria cost $70-100 per square foot. Going with a lower cost quartz can save you hundreds on the overall job.

Edge Profiles

The edges of your countertop also affect price. Simple flat edges are the most affordable. If you add an ogee, bevel, or other carved edge profile, it can add $10-15 per linear foot to the material costs. Intricate edges require more fabrication time and special router bits.

Color and Veining

Quartz comes in every color imaginable, from solid white to bold blues and blacks. Patterns that mimic natural stone with wispy veining are also available. These designer options often cost $5-10 more per square foot. Neutral solids keep pricing on the lower end of the scale.

Installation Costs

You’ll need to pay a professional fabricator/installer to custom cut and install your quartz countertop. Average labor costs range from $40-$100 per hour. The total installation price depends on:

Size and shape of your countertop
Seam placement
special cutting needed for sinks and cooktops
Access to the kitchen (carrying large slabs upstairs adds labor time)
Your location (rates vary across the country)

Most kitchen countertop installations run $2000-$4000 depending on these factors.

Other Costs

Other potential costs to factor in:

Removal of old countertops: Adding $50-100 per hour for demolition and disposal fees.
Granite vs laminate: Laminate counters are easier to remove than granite.
Plumbing modifications: Adjusting sink cutouts or cooktop ventilation often adds $200-500.
Backsplashes: Tiling adds both material and labor costs.
Shipping: For some premium slabs not stocked locally, shipping can add hundreds.

Average Cost to Install Quartz Countertops

The total cost of quartz countertops for a typical 10×10 kitchen begins around $2,500-3,000 on the low end. For higher grade materials and more complex installations, costs can easily exceed $10,000.

According to HomeAdvisor, here are the typical costs by quartz material type:

Low tier quartz: $50-70 per sq. ft. installed
Mid tier quartz: $70-100 per sq. ft. installed
High tier quartz: $100-150 per sq. ft. installed

This means that a medium grade quartz installation in a roughly 30 sq. ft. kitchen would cost $2,100 – $3,000. Upgrading to premium materials or larger layouts increases the price accordingly.

Factors That Increase Quartz Countertop Costs

Premium designer quartz materials like Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone
Intricate edge profiles like ogee and bevel edges
Quartz with veining patterns or multiple colors
Large kitchens over 30 sq. ft.
Extra fabrication needed for complicated counter shapes and angles
Cutouts for undermount sinks and special cooktops
Carved/mitered edges on island corners
Installation requiring demolition of existing counters like granite or tile
New plumbing modifications needed
Adding a matching quartz backsplash

Factors That Decrease Costs

Choosing affordable brands like MSI, Pental, or Viatera
Standard 1.5 cm thickness instead of 3 cm
Simple flat edge profile
Neutral solid colors
Smaller kitchen size under 30 sq. ft.
Straight counter runs requiring no seams
Keeping existing sink and cooktop cutouts
No backsplash included

Quartz vs Natural Stone Pricing

How does the cost of quartz compare to other popular countertop materials?

Quartz vs Granite: Quartz is often $10-20 less per square foot installed than granite. Granite requires more sealing and maintenance.
Quartz vs Marble: Marble is comparable to quartz in price, around $70-120 per square foot installed. Marble stains easier than quartz though.
Quartz vs Laminate: Laminate only costs $20-50 per square foot but is less durable than quartz.

So quartz offers a great balance of attractive aesthetics, easy care, and mid-range pricing. When chosen in lower priced slabs and colors, it can also provide an affordable alternative to pricier granite and marble.

How to Get the Best Price on Quartz

To get the lowest possible price on quartz countertops for your kitchen or bath, keep these tips in mind:

Shop lower priced quartz materials like MSI, Silestone, Vicostone, and Pental Quartz.
Select a simple flat edge rather than a decorative profile.
Use a neutral solid color without veining.
Get quotes from 3-4 fabricators and compare costs.
Provide the exact measurements and layout to get the most accurate quote.
Avoid additional modifications like added backsplashes.
Reuse your existing sink and cooktop cutouts if possible.
Schedule your installation during the fabricator’s slower season, often winter months.

Quartz Countertops: Beautiful, Durable, and Cost-Effective

While not the absolute cheapest option, quartz countertops offer a great balance of beauty, durability, and value. With an average installed cost between $50-100 per square foot, they can transform the look of your kitchen or bath within most homeowners’ budgets. Just be sure to get multiple estimates and look for ways to keep your project on the more affordable end of the quartz pricing spectrum. With some smart choices, you can enjoy stunning quartz countertops without breaking the bank!

FAQ About Average Quartz Countertop Costs

Below are some frequently asked questions about the costs of installing quartz countertops:

How Much Does Quartz Cost Compared to Granite?

Quartz countertops tend to cost $10-20 less per square foot than granite. Installation prices for granite start around $60 per square foot on the low end, with quartz in the $50 per square foot range.

Granite remains popular for its natural beauty, but requires more sealing to keep it stain resistant. Overall, quartz provides better value in terms of aesthetics, durability, and price.

What is the Cheapest Quartz Countertop Brand?

Some of the most affordable quartz brands include MSI, Silestone, Vicostone, Caesarstone, and Pental Quartz. These offer a range of stylish options starting as low as $50 per square foot installed.

High end designer quartz can cost over $100 per square foot. Sticking with an economical brand is an easy way to trim costs on your project.

Should I Get 2 cm or 3 cm Thick Quartz?

The standard thickness for quartz countertops is 3 cm (1.2 inches). Some brands offer a thinner 2 cm (0.8 inch) option to reduce costs.

2 cm quartz runs $5-10 less per square foot but is more prone to cracks and warping. In high traffic kitchens, opting for the thicker 3 cm quartz is worth the small upcharge for added durability and peace of mind.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Quartz Countertops Yourself?

Attempting a DIY quartz install is not generally recommended. The slabs are heavy, fragile, and require special tools to cut and polish properly. Hiring a pro to fabricate and install your quartz ensures a seamless result.

Factor $40-$100 per hour for professional installation labor costs. The overall price to install quartz yourself versus paying a contractor ends up comparable when factoring in rental fees for tools, adhesives, and the learning curve.

Should I Get Quartz Countertops in My Kitchen?

Thanks to its stylish appearance, extreme durability, and mid-range pricing, quartz is one of the best choices for busy kitchens. It offers a high-end look without the maintenance of natural stone. Stains, scratches, and chips are minimal.

Quartz is also ideal for kitchens because it is impervious to acids from citrus, vinegar, wine and tomatoes unlike marble. For those wanting an affordable but luxury material, quartz is hard to beat.

Conclusion

The cost to install quartz countertops runs $50-100 per square foot on average. Choosing affordable materials, simple edges, and neutral colors help lower the price. While not the cheapest option, quartz provides unparalleled durability and style perfect for kitchen counters used daily. With some smart choices, you can enjoy quartz in your home within budget.

What’s the Average Cost of Quartz Countertops?