Quartz countertops can greatly increase the value of your home while providing durable and beautiful surfaces for your kitchen or bath. Here’s an in-depth look at how much value quartz countertops can add.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a highly durable, non-porous material that is resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and bacteria.
Some key advantages of quartz:
- Extremely durable – quartz is harder than granite.
- Non-porous – does not need to be sealed like natural stone.
- Resists stains – quartz won’t absorb liquids like wood or natural stone.
- Heat resistant – can withstand hot pans.
- Low maintenance – easy to clean and keep looking like new.
- Stylish options – available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
How Much Does Quartz Cost?
The cost of quartz countertops ranges from $80-150 per square foot installed. This is comparable to premium natural stone like granite or marble.
While quartz is more expensive than materials like laminate, it’s considered an upscale surface and can significantly increase home value. The elegance, durability, and low maintenance of quartz make it a premium option.
Return on Investment from Quartz Countertops
Multiple studies have looked at how much various home upgrades can recoup in added resale value. According to the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine, the average recouped value for a midrange quartz countertop upgrade in 2022 is 68.4%.
This means if you spend $10,000 to upgrade to quartz countertops, you can expect to recoup around $6,840 when you sell your home. This provides an excellent return compared to many other home remodels and upgrades.
In addition, data from the National Association of REALTORS shows that granite and quartz countertops are considered the most desirable surfaces by home buyers. Having a premium material like quartz can help attract buyers and increase offers in a competitive housing market.
How Quartz Stacks Up to Other Countertop Materials
It’s helpful to compare what value quartz provides versus alternative countertop options:
- Laminate: Only recoups about 40% of cost. Prone to scratching, heat damage and water damage.
- Tile: Recoups about 60% of cost. Takes more maintenance than quartz. Grout lines can stain.
- Wood: Only recoups about 43% of cost. Requires frequent sealing. Easily scratched or burned.
- Marble: Recoups about 68% like quartz. Softer and etching can occur from acidic liquids. Needs frequent sealing.
- Granite: Recoups about 64% of cost. More prone to staining. Needs periodic sealing.
As you can see, quartz recoups more value at resale than any material except for marble. Yet it requires less maintenance than marble or granite. This makes it an ideal choice if maximizing investment value is a priority.
Enhancing Your Kitchen Design with Quartz
Beyond the resale value, quartz allows for flexible kitchen design features that can make your space look high-end and impressive:
- Seamless appearance – quartz surfaces can be fabricated in very large pieces minimizing seams.
- Unique edge profiles – edges can be shaped and molded in different ways. Very modern and sleek.
- Integrated sinks – sink basin can be directly integrated for a smooth uniform look.
- Creative patterns – man-made nature of quartz allows for striking colors and patterns not found in natural stone.
- Backsplash or full surfaces – can be used beyond counters for walls, backsplashes, islands and more.
Your design options are wide open with quartz compared to more traditional materials like granite or natural stone.
Is the Value Worth the Investment?
Given its resale value, design flexibility, durability, and low maintenance, quartz certainly gives homeowners excellent value for the investment. If you plan on being in your home for many years, quartz provides beauty and convenience.
And if you plan to sell, quartz can easily recoup over half its cost and help buyers see your home as updated and high-end. While the upfront cost is more than cheaper options, quartz adds character and luxury that make the expense worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does quartz compare to granite countertops in value added?
Quartz and granite provide comparable value – both recoup about two-thirds of their cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine. Granite remains popular, but quartz generally has a more uniform appearance since it’s engineered, while granite has natural variations. Both are seen as premium materials.
Does the color or pattern of quartz impact resale value?
While neutral quartz colors may have a slightly broader appeal, today’s quartz patterns are generally on-trend for upscale homes. Even bold patterns or colors shouldn’t negatively impact value. Just avoid very niche or outrageous designs for the widest resale appeal.
What are signs my current countertops need replacing?
Signs it’s time to replace worn countertops include deep scratches and stains that can’t be removed, burn marks, excessive sealing required, cracks, delamination or damage around sinks. Replacing significantly worn countertops with fresh quartz can help sell your home faster.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
One advantage of quartz is that it does not require regular sealing like natural stone. Sealing is not necessary for quartz countertops. Simply clean with soap and water or stone-safe cleaners to maintain its beauty.
How long do quartz countertops last compared to other materials?
Quartz countertops are expected to last 10-15 years with proper care, generally longer than most natural stone. Many manufacturers offer 15-year warranties as they stand behind the long lifespan of this engineered material. Quartz lasts longer than most DIY materials like wood, laminate or tile.
Conclusion
Installing stylish, low-maintenance quartz countertops can add significant resale value to any kitchen or bath remodel. While making an investment in your home’s surfaces, you can recoup over half the project cost. With proper care, quartz countertops will retain their beauty for well over a decade, even with heavy use. If you’re looking to boost your home value for the long-term, quartz countertops provide an upgrade that buyers are sure to appreciate.