Buying new countertops can be an expensive endeavor, but quartz provides a high-quality and affordable option for kitchen and bathroom upgrades. Here is an in-depth look at where to buy quartz countertops cheap without sacrificing style or durability.
Evaluate Quartz Countertop Price Ranges
Quartz countertops range in price from $50 per square foot on the low end to $120 per square foot on the high end. The price depends on the quality, thickness, and color pattern. Basic quartz starts around $50 per square foot, while higher-end engineered stone with more complex patterns can cost over $100 per square foot installed.
When comparing prices, be sure to look at the total installed cost, not just the price per square foot. Installation, edging, backsplash, and other customizations will impact the total budget.
Check Home Improvement Stores
Big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer very competitive pricing on quartz countertops. They buy materials in bulk directly from manufacturers, passing the savings on to customers. Expect to pay around $55-$75 per square foot for basic quartz at these stores.
Home improvement stores have an excellent selection of popular quartz styles and colors. Shop display models to see patterns in person. Be aware that inventory is limited compared to slab yards. If choosing a rare pattern, check availability before finalizing plans.
Look for Warehouse Store Discounts
Warehouse stores like Costco provide discounts on everything, quartz countertops included. Costco offers exclusive deals with brand name manufacturers like Caesarstone. Expect to pay 10-15% less at Costco compared to big box home stores.
The selection at warehouse stores is more limited. However, the savings may justify choosing from the available inventory. Warehouse stores primarily carry popular whites, grays, and blacks.
Search for Fabricator Specials
Purchasing directly from a countertop fabricator eliminates retailer markups. Many fabricators run weekly or monthly specials on surplus inventory. These specials can translate to quartz pricing at $40 per square foot or less.
Call local countertop fabricators to ask about current promotions on leftover quartz slabs. Be flexible on color and visit the slab yard to view options in person. Buying discontinued or overstock quartz directly from the fabricator provides the best value.
Time Sales Around Holidays
Quartz countertops go on sale around major holidays when demand is lower. For the best deals, shop for countertops around Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, or Black Friday. Retailers and fabricators are more likely to offer discounts to boost slower holiday season sales.
Sales around the holidays apply to big box stores, warehouse stores, fabricators, and kitchen remodeling contractors. Ask providers directly about holiday promotions or sign up for their sales newsletters. With some advanced planning, you can save 10% or more.
Negotiate with Installers
Kitchen remodelers and countertop installers offer more room for negotiating on pricing. Many installers charge separately for materials and labor. Offer to purchase the slabs yourself at a lower cost in exchange for a discount on installation.
Also negotiate to provide your own cabinets, sink, and accessories to lower the job cost. If using an installer for the full remodel, package multiple projects together to qualify for a bulk discount. Consider getting quotes from multiple installers and mention competitor bids to encourage discounting.
Buy Remnants for Small Spaces
For small countertop projects like bathrooms, look at buying a remnant piece instead of a full slab. Fabricators frequently have leftover pieces from larger jobs available at a steep discount. The selection is limited, but remnants can yield substantial savings on a powder room refresh.
Check remnant pricing at big box stores, fabricators, and kitchen dealers. Provide measurements of the desired space and ask what quartz remnants are available. A little flexibility goes a long way when choosing the shape and color.
Consider Lower Thickness
Quartz thickness ranges from 2 to 3 centimeters, with 3 centimeters being standard. Opting for thinner 2 centimeter slabs provides some cost savings. Although thinner, 2 centimeter quartz remains very durable for everyday use.
Also consider ordering the backsplash and any cutouts to be made from thinner 2 centimeter stock. Using the standard 3 centimeter thickness only where structurally needed reduces square footage pricing. Discuss options with your fabricator.
Compare Convenience Upcharges
Extra charges for convenience can quickly increase the price at some retailers. Make sure to factor in cutout charges, edging upgrades, shipping fees, and anything beyond the base price per square foot.
Avoid these add-ons when possible or choose a supplier that includes installations and other features in their base pricing. For example, big box stores typically charge extra for professional installation. Calculate total costs to accurately compare deals.
Utilize Cash Discounts
Many countertop sellers provide a cash discount incentivizing customers to pay upfront rather than financing the purchase. Paying cash eliminates processing fees and other costs to the seller. Expect 3-5% savings or more when paying the full amount by cash, check, or debit card.
Some retailers also run promotions like ???10% off if paid within 10 days??? to encourage fast payment. Keep financing costs low by shopping around to find the best cash price rather than taking a store financing deal.
Consider Alternative Materials
Although less durable than natural stone or quartz, alternate materials like recycled glass counters or concrete can provide significant savings. Expect to pay 25-50% less for materials like glass, concrete, porcelain, or butcher block.
These options work well for applications like workshop counters, laundry rooms, and rustic cottage aesthetics. However, keep wear and tear considerations in mind before installing less resilient surfaces in heavy-use kitchens.
Buy Seconds Quality Remnants
???Seconds??? refer to remnant slabs with minor flaws and defects. Issues may include small chips, inconsistency in patterning, or color variation. Seconds offer substantial discounts but have aesthetic imperfections.
Fabricators frequently sell remnant seconds at rates as low as $25 per square foot. The defects may be barely noticeable once cut and installed. Seconds work well for inexpensive countertop projects with some risk tolerance.
Consider DIY Installation
Professionally fabricating and installing quartz countertops generally costs $40-$75 per square foot depending on features and modifications. Opting for a DIY installation with pre-fabricated quartz can reduce costs.
DIY big box retailers like Lowes and Home Depot sell pre-cut quartz kits intended for customer installation. These kits include tools, adhesives, fasteners, and instructions guiding DIYers through the process. DIY quartz starts under $35 per square foot.
Buy Direct from Overseas Suppliers
Importing quartz slabs directly from manufacturers in China or India can yield dramatic savings, often below $50 per square foot total cost. However, buyers take on the cost and hassle of arranging international shipping.
Research reputable quartz brands with transparent pricing and quality controls in place for exports. Be prepared to purchase an entire container load or find other buyers to share a shipment to make importing cost effective.
Get Mobile Installation Services
Using mobile countertop installation services saves on overhead costs associated with showrooms and warehouses. Mobile installers bring a limited selection of affordable quartz to your home. Expect to pay 25-40% less than traditional shops.
Research mobile installers online and read reviews carefully before purchasing. Meet installers at an installation site to view their work. Get everything in writing upfront including materials, pricing, warranties, and timelines.
Consider DIY Concrete Countertops
With the right materials and techniques, concrete can create a one-of-a-kind, artisanal look for a fraction of the cost of quartz. Material costs for concrete counters add up to about $10 per square foot.
The tradeoff is concrete requires significant hands-on labor for mixing, pouring, smoothing, sealing, and polishing. There are also challenges creating a consistently smooth surface without defects. For DIYers on a tight budget, it can provide major savings.
Maintain Countertops Properly
Caring properly for quartz counters maintains their appearance and longevity. This allows them to last until you recoup the initial investment. Follow manufacturer instructions to avoid damage from chemicals or excessive heat.
Use cutting boards, trivets, and hot pads instead of directly cutting or placing hot items on the surface. Seal surfaces yearly to prevent staining. Follow a routine cleaning schedule using mild soap and water to keep them looking like new.
Bottom Line
With some savvy shopping techniques, quartz counters can fit almost any remodeling budget. Compare deals both online and locally to maximize savings. Remember to factor in total installed costs. With careful planning and smart compromises on color, thickness, or layout, you can find high quality, stylish quartz countertops at an affordable price point.