Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom renovations in recent years. With their durability, low maintenance, and customizability, it’s easy to see why quartz tops the list for many homeowners. But before taking the plunge, it’s important to understand the average cost of quartz countertops and what impacts the price.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered stone slabs made from 93% ground natural quartz crystals combined with polyresin binders. The quartz provides strength and durability, while the resin allows flexibility in molding and coloring.
The result is a non-porous, stain-resistant, and low-maintenance surface that is harder than granite. Quartz slabs are prefabricated in a factory and then cut and installed onsite. This allows for more custom sizing and edging options compared to natural stone.
Factors That Impact Quartz Countertop Pricing
Several key factors go into the total installation price:
Quartz Material Grade
Quartz comes in different tiers of quality, related to the purity of the quartz used:
- Entry-level: Contains more resins and recycled content. Lower priced but still durable.
- Middle-grade: Contains 90%+ natural quartz. Most popular residential grade.
- High-end: 93%+ natural quartz. More scratch and heat resistance. Highest cost.
Higher grades tend to have more dynamic and consistent patterns.
Color and Pattern
Plain white or light quartz is generally the most affordable option. Unique colors and bold patterns are more expensive.
Thickness
Quartz is typically available in 3/4 inch (2 cm) or 1 1/4 inch (3 cm) thicknesses. Thicker material costs more but is more durable and resistant to damage over time.
Installation Considerations
- Edge profiles: Simple square edges are the lowest cost. Specialty edges like bullnose, ogee, and dupont add labor and complexity.
- Backsplash: Full backsplashes versus just an edge backsplash add cost.
- Cutouts: More sink and cooktop cutouts mean more fabrication time and waste material fees.
- Labor: Complex projects take more installation time and skill, increasing cost.
Average Quartz Countertop Costs
Based on the above factors, here are the typical installed price ranges:
- Entry-level: $40-$65 per square foot installed
- Mid-range: $70-$100 per square foot installed
- High-end: $125+ per square foot installed
According to the Remodeling Calculator, the national average cost for a mid-range quartz countertop installation is $80 per square foot, including materials and professional installation.
For the average 10×10 kitchen of 100 square feet, a typical quartz countertop cost estimate would be:
- Materials: $2,500 ($70 per sq ft x 100 sq ft)
- Installation: $2,000 ($20 per sq ft x 100 sq ft)
- Total: $4,500
Quartz costs more than laminate ($20-50 per sq ft) but is comparable to granite ($50-100 per sq ft). Due to the durability and low maintenance, quartz often offers more long-term value compared to natural stone.
Cost Saving Tips
Here are some tips to get the look of quartz for less:
- Go for a simpler, plain-colored design in standard thickness.
- Choose square edges and integrated sink/backsplash.
- Look for quartz remnants or samples for a discount.
- Consider DIY prefabricated quartz kits if confident in own skills.
- Provide accurate measurements and templating to reduce errors/waste.
- Get 3-5 installer quotes to find the best value.
Is the Cost of Quartz Worth It?
While not the cheapest option, quartz offers significant durability and can last a lifetime with proper care. The customization and low maintenance make quartz a worthwhile investment for busy kitchens.
If choosing quality over cost is important for your home, quartz countertops can be an excellent choice providing lasting beauty and performance. Carefully weighing installation factors and design choices can help find the perfect balance of quartz style and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does basic white quartz cost?
Plain white quartz in the low-to-mid grade range installed tends to cost $50-70 per square foot on average.
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
Quartz pricing is comparable to granite, though very high-end granite may be pricier than some quartz options. Overall they are in a similar range, around $80-100 per square foot installed.
Is quartz cheaper than marble?
Yes, quartz is substantially cheaper than marble. Marble countertops tend to range from $100-200 per square foot installed.
Does thickness make a price difference in quartz?
Yes, thickness impacts cost. A 3 cm thick quartz top will cost 25-50% more than 2 cm thick. Thicker quartz is more resilient.
Can quartz be a DIY install?
Prefabricated quartz kits are available for DIY install. However, the cutting and precising fitting of seams takes skill, so full installs are best left to professionals. DIY kits have a higher chance of errors.
What impacts quartz countertop cost?
The main factors affecting quartz price are: quartz grade/tier, color/pattern, thickness, edge profile, amount of fabrication needed, and installation labor. More customization adds cost.
Conclusion
With an average cost of $70-100 per square foot installed, quartz countertops offer an attractive and functional option between value-priced laminate and high-end natural stone. Carefully selecting the quartz grade, color, edges, and fabrication needs allows homeowners to tailor the project to their budget. While not the cheapest choice, quartz stands up beautifully over years of use, making the initial investment well worth the cost for many kitchens.