Looking to get your hands on scraps of white quartz countertops for a DIY project or to save on costs for your kitchen remodel? Quartz countertop offcuts can be a great way to score quality material on a budget, but finding them often requires some digging. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about procuring leftover white quartz pieces so you can create stylish and affordable countertops and surfaces in your home.
What are Quartz Countertop Scraps?
Quartz countertop scraps refer to the leftover remnants from quartz slab installations. When countertops are cut to size for customers, there are always irregularly shaped scraps left over. These offcuts would normally go to waste, but many retailers now sell them at steep discounts rather than sending them to the landfill.
Quartz scraps come in a huge variety of colors, styles, and patterns. The pieces are random sizes and shapes, usually a few square feet at most. Thicknesses range from 0.5 inches for vertical applications to 1.25 inches for horizontal countertop uses.
Benefits of Using Quartz Countertop Scraps
There are many advantages to using leftover quartz pieces instead of full slabs:
- Cost savings – Scraps are sold at a fraction of the cost of a full slab. Savings of 50% or more off retail quartz prices are common.
- Reduced waste – Using scraps keeps landfill waste to a minimum and gives materials a second life. It’s an eco-friendly choice.
- Creative applications – The unique shapes and patterns of scraps lend themselves beautifully to mosaic designs, accent walls, backsplashes, and more.
- Ease of transport – Scraps are much easier to transport than heavy full slabs. You can easily fit pieces in your car.
- Convenience – Having the material pre-cut makes DIY installation faster and easier than working with a full slab.
Where to Find Quartz Countertop Scraps
Now that you know the benefits, here are the best places to source white quartz countertop remnants:
Check Local Stone Yards and Fabricators
The number one source for quartz scraps is directly from the companies fabricating and installing countertops in your area. Stone yards, fabricators, and manufacturers will often accumulate a stockpile of leftovers they are looking to sell at low cost.
Search for “quartz countertop fabricators near me” and call around to inquire about scrap availability and pricing. Let them know you are happy to take any white remnants off their hands. You may be able to get pieces for as little as $5-$10 per square foot.
Ask when they refresh their scrap inventory so you can call back and get first pick of the new selection. Building a relationship with a fabricator is the best way to get dibs on their latest cast-offs.
Inquire With Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Companies
Kitchen and bath contractors who handle full remodeling projects are another inside source for quartz scraps. When they cut out old countertops or have material left over from new installs, scraps are generated.
Reach out to removers and remodelers in your area to find out if they have a scrap recycling program or boxes of quartz remnants they are looking to clear out of their shop. Offer to take everything off their hands and provide your contact info so they can reach out when more material accumulates.
This can be a fruitful way to get small batches of quartz pieces for free or cheap. Just get the details on colors, edge profiles, and dimensions so you know what you are getting.
Check Discount Building Supply Stores
Big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s don’t usually carry quartz remnants, but some discount and salvage building supply retailers will. Check these outlets in your area:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores – they carry donated construction leftovers and diverts them from landfills. Call ahead to see if any quartz scraps are currently in stock.
- Discount granite and stone yards – these warehouses sell discounted stone products, including quartz scraps they aggregated from various shops. Prices might be a bit higher than directly through a fabricator though.
- Construction salvage stores – stores specializing in used building materials sometimes have quartz remnants available. You may find pieces here for rock-bottom prices.
Search Online Materials Marketplaces
For the widest selection without leaving your home, browse online materials marketplaces. Here are some top sites worth checking:
- eBay – Search eBay for quartz, Cambria, Silestone or Caesarstone remnants to find scraps sellers are listing. You can get excellent deals buying here.
- Craigslist – Check under materials or “free stuff” sections for sellers offering up quartz scraps. Arrange local pickup for free or cheap pieces.
- Facebook Marketplace – Search for quartz, granite, marble, or countertops. Local sellers often post remnants here for sale. Easy pickup.
- NextDoor – Follow the same search process as Facebook. Check free listings too.
- Etsy – Believe it or not, some Etsy sellers offer quartz samples and scraps. Search and filter to find local pickup options.
Check these online marketplaces frequently since scrap inventory is constantly changing. Act fast if you see a piece you like before someone else snaps it up. Coordinate pickup or shipping within 24 hours.
Talk to Local Granite Shops
While less common, you may also be able to source quartz offcuts from granite retailers, especially if they have begun stocking some engineered stone. Call around, explain that you are looking for white quartz remnants, and ask if they have any available.
The benefit of granite shops is you may find larger pieces since granite slabs are generally bigger than quartz. Just ensure the material is actually quartz and not granite before purchase. Check thickness and edge profiles which are different between the two.
What to Look for When Selecting Quartz Scraps
To end up with quartz pieces you will be happy with, be selective in choosing which remnants to purchase. Keep the following in mind:
- Color/Pattern – Look for white or light-colored pieces to match your intended design or existing elements like cabinets. Neutrals work best for mixing and matching.
- Finish – Glossy, matte? Match the finish of your other surfaces. Quartz comes in range of polish levels.
- Thickness – 0.5″ for vertical uses like backsplashes. 1.25”+ for horizontals like countertops and tabletops.
- Edge profile – Straight, beveled? Should match the rest of your counters. Eased edges are great for DIY projects.
- Condition – Avoid cracks, chips, or discoloration unless you intend to cut those sections off.
- Size – Estimate dimensions and total area. Purchase more than you think you need to allow wiggle room.
- Amount – Buy from multiple sources to get quantity. Call suppliers regularly to check inventory.
How Much Do Quartz Countertop Remnants Cost?
As mentioned, quartz scraps cost a fraction of what a full slab would. Here are typical price ranges:
- Smaller pieces under 1 square foot: $5 – $20 per piece
- Medium sized pieces in the 3-5 square foot range: $20 – $100 per remnant
- Larger remnants in the 5-15 square foot range: $75 – $200 per piece
- Very large cutouts 15+ square feet: Up to $100 – $400 per piece
Remember these are rough estimates. Pricing varies widely based on supplier, color, finish, edge profile, and more. Expect to pay more for popular white and neutral remnants vs. bold patterned colors.
Be sure to factor in delivery charges if not picking up locally. Shipping can add $50-$300+ depending on location.
Using Quartz Scraps for Different Home Projects
The irregular shapes and smaller sizes of quartz remnants make them ideal for smaller scale DIY projects around the home. Here are some creative ways to put scraps of white quartz to use:
Kitchen Backsplash
A gorgeous, customizable backsplash is one of the most popular uses for quartz leftovers. Mix and match different scraps for a unique mosaic or clustered design. Use tile adhesive to install them just like tile.
Kitchen Countertops
With enough remnants, you can piece together recycled sections to cover kitchen countertops. Use white epoxy to create seams between pieces. This saves thousands over full slab counters.
Bathroom Countertops
Quartz is water-resistant and durable, making it the perfect material for bathroom vanities. Design one-of-a-kind spaces with remnant pieces cut to size.
Tabletops
Adhere pieces to a substrate like MDF or plywood to create stunning dining tables, desks, nightstands, and more. Use the same epoxy methods as countertops.
Backlit Walls
With LED lighting installed behind them, translucent white quartz pieces create a gorgeous illuminated wall accent. Especially stunning in bathrooms.
Fireplace Surround
Design a completely custom fireplace surround with quartz remnants stacked in an artistic layout around the firebox.
Flooring
While less common, quartz tile make a great resilient and stylish flooring material. You can cut scraps into uniform tile shapes.
Outdoor Kitchens
Thanks to its durability, quartz is an ideal outdoor countertop choice. Use remnants to create BBQ prep spaces that withstand weather.
With creative planning and strategic cuts, the design possibilities are endless for giving quartz scraps new life!
DIY Installation Tips for Quartz Pieces
While professional fabrication is recommended for full slabs, you can install quartz scraps yourself with some DIY know-how. Here are tips to make your project a success:
Gather Supplies
You’ll need safety gear, an angle grinder or circular saw with diamond blade, epoxy, tile adhesive, silicone caulk, mixing paddles, grout float, mixing buckets, denatured alcohol, rags, painters tape, and more.
Plan Your Layout
Map out your remnant arrangement on paper first for minimal cuts, joints, and wasted material. Mix pieces for visual interest.
Cut Pieces to Size
Use the wet saw to cut edges and shapes as needed. Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from debris. Cut slowly to avoid cracks and chipping.
Grind and Polish Edges
Smooth any rough edges with a diamond pad grinder attachment. Polish cut edges to match the existing finish.
Prepare the Surface
Surfaces should be clean, dry, and securely supported. Apply primer if needed. Cut backsplash boards, plywood, etc to size.
Dry Fit Layout
Test the layout before permanently adhering. Make sure pieces fit neatly together with tight seams.
Adhere Pieces
Apply adhesive mortar to pieces and substrate. Carefully lower remnant into place, pressing out air pockets. Allow to set completely.
Fill Seams
Mix two-part epoxy resin and use a scraper to tightly pack into seams. Wipe away excess before hardening. Caulk edges.
Grout Remaining Gaps
Where spacing allows, use unsanded grout to fill any surrounding gaps for a seamless look. Let cure before sealing.
Seal and Polish
Use denatured alcohol and a microfiber cloth to clean dust and residue from the surface. Apply sealant with lint-free rags.
While it requires careful planning and patience, the end result of a DIY quartz scrap installation is well worth the effort and will save thousands over purchasing new slabs.
Hiring a Professional for Scrap Installation
If taking on a remnant project yourself seems too daunting, consider hiring professionals. The cost will be far less than if installing full slabs. Here’s the process:
- Find a reputable quartz fabricator through reviews and referrals.
- Provide them with your remnants and discuss your desired design.
- The fabricator will transport pieces to their shop for fabricating.
- They will cut, polish, reinforce and prepare remnants and map out the install plan.
- At your home, they will adhere pieces to the surfaces per the layout and finish seams.
- Last is cleaning, sealing, and polishing for a flawless final product.
Hiring a pro takes the guesswork out of working with irregular remnants and provides peace of mind. Expect to pay around $100 per cutout, plus adhesive and finishing costs. Still far cheaper than buying new quartz!
FAQs About Using Quartz Countertop Scraps
What are some good uses for small quartz pieces?
Smaller scraps work great for backsplashes, wall accents, shower niches, fireplace hearths, vanity tops, windowsills, desk inserts, bar tops, and other small surfaces. Get creative with how you incorporate them!
What should I look out for when buying remnants?
Carefully inspect each piece for any cracks, chips, discoloration, or damage that would affect usability or design. Also confirm thicknesses and edge profiles to ensure it will work for your plans.
How do I cut and shape quartz scraps myself?
Use a diamond tipped wet saw to gently cut and shape pieces as needed. Take it slow and steady to avoid cracking and chipping. An angle grinder can smooth cut edges. Wear proper eye and respiratory protection.
What’s the best way to create seams between quartz remnants?
Two-part epoxy resin is ideal for filling gaps between pieces. The clear adhesive is nearly invisible once cured. Use 100% clear silicone for caulking edges and corners.
Can I install quartz scraps on walls or floors?
Absolutely! With proper preparation and adhesive, quartz remnants can be installed as backsplashes, shower walls, and floor tile. Use mortar for floors and tile adhesive for walls.
How are quartz scraps priced compared to full slabs?
Being irregular pieces, remnants are priced at a fraction of full slabs. Expect to pay $5-$20 per square foot for scraps vs. $60-$120 per square foot for a full slab. The cost savings are massive.
Get Creative with Quartz Countertop Remnants!
Hopefully you now feel equipped to track down those coveted white quartz leftovers and transform them into stunning countertops, backsplashes, tables, and more in your home. With some persistence calling around to suppliers, you can source amazing remnants at prices that just can’t be beat.
Get creative with how you arrange, cut, and install your quartz scraps. They provide such a unique, upcycled alternative to buying new slabs at full retail cost. Your home projects will gain visual interest and character thanks to the variability of remnant pieces.
So start searching for the perfect white quartz scraps today and breathe new DIY life into a material that would otherwise go to waste!