Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. When budgeting for quartz countertops, one of the key factors is determining the cost per square foot. Here is an overview of what to expect when it comes to quartz countertop pricing.
What Impacts the Cost of Quartz Countertops?
Several variables impact the overall price of quartz countertops on a per square foot basis:
- Quartz Slab Quality – There are different grades of quartz slabs ranging from economy to premium levels. The quality grade affects the price, with higher grades costing more per square foot.
- Color and Pattern – Simple solid quartz colors tend to be the most affordable options. Unique veins, flecks, and bold patterns add cost.
- Thickness – Standard thickness is 3/4″, but thicker 1-1/4″ slabs command a higher price point.
- Edge Profiles – Decorative edges like ogee, bevel, and bullnose add labor and cost more versus a standard straight edge.
- Installation – Complex designs, specialty cuts, and extra installation time will increase the overall project cost.
- Brand Name – Premium designer quartz brands tend to cost more than generic or imported quartz.
- Location – Regional variables like labor, material transportation, and demand impact quartz countertop pricing.
What Is the Average Cost per Square Foot?
The average cost for installed quartz countertops ranges from $70-100 per square foot. However, it’s possible to pay between $50-150 per square foot depending on the factors above.
Economy-grade quartz starts around $50 per square foot while premium quartz can exceed $100 per square foot. Most mid-range quartz options fall between $70-90 per square foot installed.
Here is a breakdown of what to budget for quartz countertops based on the quality tier:
- Economy Quartz: $50-70 per square foot
- Mid-Range Quartz: $70-90 per square foot
- Premium Quartz: $90-150 per square foot
So for a 25 square foot countertop using middle-grade quartz at $80 per square foot, total cost would be approximately $2,000.
Cost Comparison to Other Countertop Materials
Quartz pricing per square foot is comparable to other popular countertop materials:
- Granite: $60-100 per square foot installed
- Marble: $70-150 per square foot installed
- Soapstone: $70-100 per square foot installed
- Laminate: $20-50 per square foot installed
Quartz is generally more affordable than upscale options like marble. But it comes at a higher cost than value-priced materials like laminate.
Factors That Increase Quartz Countertop Costs
Several factors can increase the price of your quartz countertop project:
- Intricate edges – Decorative edges add style but also extra fabrication time and cost.
- Full backsplashes – Having backsplash cut from the quartz slab has a higher price tag than tile.
- Specialty sink cuts – A custom sink cutout adds complexity versus a standard rectangular sink cutout.
- Multiple seams – Seams are needed for larger countertops but add project costs.
- Island counters – Island and peninsula layouts require more material and labor.
- Designer brands – Leading quartz brands like Caesarstone and Cambria come at a premium.
If your budget is flexible, upgrading these aspects of your quartz countertop can enhance the overall look and function. But if costs need to be controlled, opting for simple edges, tile backsplashes, standard sink cutouts, and avoiding seams will provide savings.
Factors That Decrease Quartz Countertop Costs
On the other hand, certain design choices will reduce the overall price of quartz:
- Standard 3/4″ thickness – Thinner quartz slabs cost less than 1 1/4″ thick material.
- Minimal seams – Having fewer seams lowers fabrication and installation time.
- Neutral solid colors – Plain white or gray quartz is typically the most budget-friendly.
- Straight edge style – Avoiding decorative edges like bevels and ogees reduces costs.
- Standard sink cutouts – Opt for a common rectangular sink opening, not custom.
- Smaller surface areas – Less total square footage means lower overall project price.
Average Quartz Countertop Costs By Area
To give a better idea of potential quartz countertop costs, here are estimated price ranges for a few typical installation areas:
Kitchen
Total Cost: $2,500 – $5,000
A kitchen with 30-40 sq ft of countertop space will often fall in this range when using mid-priced quartz. Island counters, specialty edges, and premium brands push costs toward the higher end. Simple layouts and economical quartz selections bring the price down.
Master Bathroom
Total Cost: $1,000 – $2,000
With roughly 15-25 square feet of countertop space, most master bathrooms total $1,500 on average for quartz installation. More intricate designs are possible but will increase the budget needed.
Secondary Bathroom
Total Cost: $500 – $1,000
For smaller bathrooms with only one sink and 10 sq ft or less of countertop area, quartz often ranges between $500-1,000 depending on grade and design elements selected.
Quartz Countertop Price Per Square Foot by City
Geographic location is one factor impacting the cost of quartz countertops. Here are the estimated price ranges for major US cities:
- New York City: $80-120 per square foot
- Los Angeles: $70-110 per square foot
- Chicago: $60-100 per square foot
- Houston: $60-90 per square foot
- Phoenix: $60-90 per square foot
- Philadelphia: $70-110 per square foot
- San Antonio: $60-90 per square foot
- San Diego: $70-120 per square foot
- Dallas: $60-90 per square foot
- San Jose: $70-120 per square foot
Labor expenses and material transportation costs cause some variability in quartz countertop pricing across different parts of the country. But quality of the materials and complexity of the project are bigger cost factors than geographic region alone.
FAQ About Quartz Countertop Pricing
How much does a basic kitchen quartz countertop cost?
For a simple design in a small to medium-sized kitchen with around 30 square feet of standard grade quartz, expect to pay $2,000-$3,000.
What factors make quartz more expensive?
Premium quartz grades, bold patterns, decorative edges, large and complex layouts, designer brands, and thicker slab thickness add to the total cost.
Can you get quartz countertops for under $50 per square foot?
It is possible to find economy quartz in the $50 per square foot range, but product quality is lower. Most decent mid-range quartz starts around $70 per square foot installed.
Is quartz or granite more expensive?
Quartz and granite have similar price ranges, typically $70-150 per square foot installed. Granite can be a bit more expensive for exotic and rare stone types. Overall, pricing is comparable.
Is it cheaper to install quartz yourself?
Attempting DIY quartz installation is difficult and risks damaging the material. The cost to have quartz professionally templated and installed is worth the investment for proper results.
Key Takeaways: How Much Does Quartz Countertops Cost?
- Expect to pay an average of $70-100 per square foot installed for quartz countertops. Total costs ultimately depend on slab grade, color/pattern, thickness, edges, brand, and installation factors.
- Kitchen countertops often run $2,500-$5,000 in total price. Bathrooms are $500-$2,000 total on average.
- Opt for simple edges, neutral colors, and standard thickness to get the most economical pricing. Decorative edges, bold patterns, large layouts, and premium brands increase costs.
- Quartz pricing is similar to materials like granite, marble, and soapstone when comparing per square foot costs. It is more affordable than stone but pricier than value options like laminate.
- Get 3-5 quotes to find the best combination of material quality, design, and fair market pricing for your quartz countertop project.