White quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels thanks to their durability, low maintenance, and sleek modern aesthetic. But with so many options on the market, many homeowners wonder – how much does white quartz cost? Here’s a detailed overview of what impacts the price of white quartz countertops and what you can expect to budget for your remodeling project.
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 material that is non-porous, stain resistant, and incredibly durable – perfectly suited for heavy day-to-day use in kitchens and baths.
While granite and marble are mined straight from the earth, quartz slabs are manufactured, allowing much more control over the look and consistency. And while natural stone requires periodic sealing, quartz needs virtually no maintenance. No wonder it’s become such a popular countertop choice.
Factors That Impact White Quartz Countertop Pricing
Many variables affect the total cost of white quartz countertops. Prices range dramatically based on:
- Brand – Well-known brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone come at a premium. Lesser known brands tend to be more budget-friendly.
- Color and Pattern – Simple solid white or beige quartz is most affordable. Unique colors and bold patterns cost more.
- Thickness – Thicker slabs (2cm or 3cm) are more durable and cost more than standard 1.2cm thickness.
- Edge Styles – Decorative edges like ogee, bevel, and bullnose add labor and material costs versus straight slab edges.
- Size of Project – More surface square footage means higher overall cost. Additionally, some shops charge extra for pieces requiring seams.
- Fabrication & Installation – Countertop installation is usually about 50% of the total price. Complex projects take more time and skill to cut and install.
Cost Per Square Foot of White Quartz
On average, expect to pay $40-$100 per square foot for white quartz countertops installed. Here’s a breakdown of what white quartz typically costs by quality tier:
- Entry-level: $40-60 per square foot
- Mid-range: $60-80 per square foot
- High-end: $80-100+ per square foot
So for example, for a medium-sized kitchen with 40 sq. ft. of countertop space quoted at $75 per square foot, the total cost would be around $3,000.
Of course, costs vary by region and the complexity of your project. Get several quotes to compare pricing. Many fabricators offer quartz options across high-end, middle, and budget price points.
Factors That Impact Installation Cost
In addition to the cost of the materials, installation and fabrication represents about 40-60% of your total quartz countertop investment. What impacts the installation price?
- Edge styles – Fancier edges like bevels or rounded corners take more time to cut and polish.
- Seam placement – Seams require extra fabrication skill and also additional adhesive. Minimal seams are ideal.
- Cutouts – The more sink and cooktop cutouts needed, the more intricate the job.
- Removal and disposal – Taking out old countertops adds cost versus new construction.
- Accessibility – Tight spaces or tricky floorplans make installation harder than wide open spaces.
How to Get the Best Price on White Quartz
Looking to get quality white quartz countertops at a competitive price? Here are some tips:
- Get at least 3-5 quotes to compare pricing and see where you can find the best deal.
- Ask about current promotions, surplus inventory, or remnants to lower material costs.
- Go with a simplified slab edge like square or eased/pencil instead of decorative treatments.
- Install quartz yourself and hire a fabricator just to do the precision cutting if you’re handy. DIY can save 20-30%.
- Provide your own sink and hardware to avoid markup on those materials.
- Consider smaller local quartz suppliers alongside big box stores.
- Schedule your project during a fabricator’s slower season for better pricing.
Is White Quartz Worth the Investment?
While white quartz countertops are not cheap, many homeowners find the initial cost worthwhile given the remarkable durability and lasting beauty quartz provides. Properly installed, a white quartz countertop can easily last decades with minimal maintenance required.
Given that countertops are one of the first things potential home buyers notice, investing in elegant white quartz can also boost resale value. Plus, the ease of care and stain resistance helps make kitchen and bath chores less dreary.
While budget is always a consideration, don’t choose lesser quality countertops to simply save a few dollars. This is a purchase that will be central to your enjoyment of the home day after day. Get quotes on high-end quartz within your budget so you don’t have regrets down the road. With some smart negotiation, you can likely find white quartz counters that fit both your financial and design goals.
Popular White Quartz Brands
Still deciding which brand or style is right for you? Here are some of the most popular options for durable, attractive white quartz:
Caesarstone White Quartz
- Pure White – A bright, clean white with a contemporary vibe.
- Blizzard – Subtly marbled white with faint grey veining.
- London Grey – Light gray background with delicate white patterning.
Cambria White Quartz
- Brittanicca – A pristine white with just a touch of grey mottling.
- Windermere – Crisp white base accented with sparse silver flecks.
- Annicca – Smooth white surface with subtle neutral ripples.
Silestone White Quartz
- White Storm – Stark bright white for a dramatic modern look.
- Blanco Zeus – Matte white with delicate grey marbling.
- Pearl Jasmine – Warm white with a hint of cream.
Other Leading White Quartz Brands
- Viatera Alpine White
- LG Viatera Super White
- Wilsonart Antique White
- MSI Bianco Antico
- Stone Italiana Perla Venato
Quartz vs. Other White Countertops
How does white quartz compare to other popular white countertop options in terms of appearance, durability, and pricing?
- Quartz vs. Marble: Quartz has a more uniform look, while marble has elegant veining. Quartz is much more stain and scratch resistant. Prices are similar.
- Quartz vs. Granite: Granite offers unique natural patterning. Quartz is more consistent in color. Quartz is less porous. Granite is often cheaper.
- Quartz vs. Laminate: Laminate like Formica is an affordable alternative but is less durable. Quartz maintains its beauty much longer.
- Quartz vs. Solid Surface: Materials like Corian are seamless and also non-porous but can scratch and stain. Quartz is harder wearing. Prices are comparable.
FAQ About White Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about white quartz countertops:
How durable is white quartz?
Quartz is extremely scratch resistant and ideal for busy kitchens. It stands up well to knives, pots and pans, and other daily wear and tear.
Does white quartz stain easily?
Quartz resists most stains, including wine, coffee, and oils. Acidic substances like lemon juice can etch quartz if not wiped up quickly.
Is white quartz heat resistant?
Quartz handles heat better than solid surface but prolonged direct heat exposure can damage the surface. Always use trivets and hot pads.
Can you repair chips or scratches in white quartz?
Minor chips and scratches can often be carefully smoothed and polished out. But deep damage may require a professional fabricator to refinish the surface.
How often do white quartz countertops need to be sealed?
Never! Because it is non-porous, quartz does not require regular sealing like natural stone countertops do.
Is white quartz expensive to maintain?
Maintenance is very minimal – just use soap and water to clean. No need for sealants or special stone cleaners that add up over time.
Is white quartz environmentally friendly?
Made largely from natural quartz, it has less environmental impact than plastics or resins alone. Look for low VOC options as well.
The Takeaway on White Quartz Cost
White quartz countertops undoubtedly add an airy, clean elegance to kitchen and bath design schemes. While not the least expensive option, durable white quartz provides lasting enjoyment and stands up well to heavy use over time. Carefully weigh the differences between quartz brands and edge profiles to find options to suit your budget. With proper installation, you’re making an investment that will last for many years before a replacement is needed. Talk to countertop pros to get an accurate estimate for your project and help select beautiful white quartz countertops that fit both your price range and design dreams.