Quartz countertops are popular choices for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. While buying a full slab can be expensive, quartz countertop remnants provide a budget-friendly alternative while still offering the same great benefits. Here is a comprehensive guide on where to buy quartz countertop remnants for your next renovation.
What are Quartz Countertop Remnants?
Quartz countertop remnants are leftover pieces from the fabrication and installation of full quartz slabs. They come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, colors, and edge profiles. Remnants are generally priced at a significant discount compared to full slabs, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious homeowners and contractors.
When quartz slabs are cut to size for a customer, there are invariably leftover sections that go unused. Rather than discarding these leftovers, many countertop suppliers sell them as remnants. They represent an excellent value, providing an inexpensive way to obtain high-quality quartz for your project.
Benefits of Using Quartz Remnants
There are many advantages to using quartz remnants versus buying a full slab:
- Cost savings – Remnants are priced lower, sometimes up to 50% less than a full slab. This can add up to huge savings on your renovation budget.
- Material conservation – Using remnants reduces waste and makes good use of leftover material that would otherwise go to landfills. It’s an environmentally friendly choice.
- Flexibility – Remnants come in a wide variety of sizes, allowing you to find pieces that work well for small or unusual countertop dimensions.
- Same durability – Remnants are cut from full slabs so you still get the same resilience, stain resistance, and longevity as buying a full piece.
As long as you are open to a potential limitation in color/pattern choice, quartz remnants offer an unbeatable value.
Where to Find Quartz Remnant Suppliers
You have several options when sourcing quartz remnants for your project:
Stone Yards and Suppliers
Check with stone yards and building supply stores in your area to see if they stock quartz remnants. Let them know the specifics of your project, including dimensions and any color/pattern preferences. Be flexible, as their inventory will change frequently.
Fabricators
If there are commercial quartz fabricators in your region, give them a call to inquire about remnants. Fabricators deal with them regularly and may have suitable pieces available at good prices.
Home Improvement Stores
Some home improvement big box stores sell quartz remnants, though selection is typically limited. Check the stone/tile departments or speak with kitchen specialists.
Online
Search online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace using keywords like “quartz remnants” or “quartz countertop scraps.” Individuals and businesses will often advertise remnants for sale online.
DIY Reuse Forums
Check forums like /r/HomeImprovement on Reddit where people sometimes offer up leftover quartz pieces for free or cheap. You may have to collect pieces from multiple sources.
Questions to Ask When Buying Remnants
When sourcing quartz remnants, there are some key questions you should ask to determine if a particular piece will work for your project:
- What are the dimensions of the remnant (length, width, thickness)?
- What color/pattern is the remnant? Does it match what you want for the design?
- Does the remnant have any cutouts or special edge profiles?
- What type of sink/faucet will the remnant accommodate?
- Do you provide any installation services if needed?
- Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on the remnants?
- How was the remnant stored? Heat and UV light can damage quartz over time.
Don’t be afraid to inspect remnants carefully before purchasing. Check for any cracks, chips, or flaws. Also request to see remnants in person rather than buying sight unseen online.
How Much do Quartz Remnants Cost?
Cost will vary depending on size, color, source, and other factors. In general:
- Smaller pieces under 30 inches may run $50 – $200+
- Medium sized remnants in the 30″ – 60″ range cost $100 – $400
- Larger pieces from 60″ – 100″ can cost $200 – $800+
Rare or premium colors and patterns will be pricier than common options like white quartz. Edges that are pre-fabricated to accommodate aprons or backsplashes also increase cost.
Be sure to measure your space carefully. Having to join multiple pieces that don’t fully cover your counters means more fabrication work and higher installed cost.
Using Remnants for Other Surfaces
While most popular for countertops, quartz remnants can also be utilized for:
- Backsplashes
- Wall tile
- Tabletops
- Bars
- Vanities
- Fireplace surrounds
- Mosaic designs
Get creative with your remnants. Smaller pieces can often be pieced together in an artistic way to create custom surfaces.
Saving on Installation with Precut Remnants
One way to maximize savings with remnants is to source pieces that are precut to size with finished edges. This avoids additional fabrication and installation costs.
Precut remnants have squared cuts on the ends and polished edges. Some may even have pre-drilled holes for plumbing fixtures. This allows them to be installed as-is without extensive modifications.
Hiring a Pro for Seamless Installation
While DIY installation is possible for some smaller remnants, larger pieces with seams may require hiring a professional fabricator/installer to ensure proper fitting. This is especially important for kitchen counters supporting sinks/appliances.
Don’t compromise on installation – improperly joined pieces can lead to cracks, gaps, and misalignments down the road. Paying a little more for pro installation leads to a seamless end result that will last for years.
An Inexpensive Yet Stylish Choice
In summary, quartz remnants provide homeowners, contractors, and designers an affordable, eco-friendly material option without sacrificing aesthetics or performance. With some flexibility and careful planning, remnants can be turned into beautiful countertops and surfaces at a fraction of the price of full slabs.
Check stone yards, fabricators, online sources, and reuse forums in your area to track down the perfect remnants for your next kitchen, bath or remodeling project. Keep the above tips in mind, and you’ll save big on your quartz surfaces.