How Much Did Your Quartz Countertops Cost Forum

Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made from engineered stone, quartz counters offer durability, low maintenance, and stylish aesthetics at a more affordable price point than natural stone surfaces like granite or marble. However, quartz countertop costs can still vary widely depending on the brand, thickness, edge treatments, regional costs of materials and installation labor, and other factors. This forum explores real-world quartz countertop costs that homeowners have experienced to help you budget and set realistic expectations for your own quartz counter installation.

What Are Average Costs for Quartz Countertops?

Quartz counters range from $50-100 per square foot installed, with most homeowners reporting spending $70-90 per square foot for materials and professional installation. This translates to the following average overall investment:

Small Kitchen (30 sq.ft. of Counter Space) – $2,100 to $3,000
Medium Kitchen (40 sq.ft.) – $2,800 to $3,600
Large Kitchen (50 sq.ft.) – $3,500 to $4,500
Master Bath (25 sq.ft.) – $1,750 to $2,250

However, many factors influence your final installed quartz countertop costs per square foot.

What Factors Affect Quartz Countertop Prices?

Several considerations impact how much you’ll pay to outfit your kitchen or bath with quartz counters.

Quartz Brand

Quartz pricing varies by manufacturer. At the higher end, name brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone start around $75-100 installed per square foot. Budget-friendly quartz brands such as MSI, Viatera, or IKEA cost $50-70 installed per square foot.

The extra cost of premium brands comes from reputation, quality, pattern variety, and technological innovations like antimicrobial properties. Lower-priced quartz still offers durability but typically with fewer color/finish options.

Thickness

Standard quartz thickness is 3/4 inches (2cm). Opting for a thicker 1 1/4 inch (3cm) slab costs $10-15 more per square foot but provides more visual heft and durability. Thinner 1/2 inch material saves about $5-10 per square foot but is prone to cracks and warping.

Edge Treatments

Squared edges are standard. Upgrades like beveled, rounded, or ogee edges add $10-20 per linear foot. Fancier treatments like triple pencil edge can cost over $30 per linear foot.

Texture & Patterns

Quartz comes in smooth polished finishes, softly textured matte/suede finishes, or bold patterns which command 10-20% higher prices than plain solid colors. Metallic and glass flecked quartz also costs more.

Backsplash

Integrated quartz backsplashes cost $10-25 per linear foot installed. Tiled backsplash adds $6-15 per square foot depending on materials and labor rates.

Installation

Professional installation averages $50-100 per hour. Complex cuts, seams, island layouts or using a specialized installer will fall on the higher end of installation costs.

Regional Labor & Materials Costs

Project costs run higher in areas like San Francisco, New York, Chicago where labor rates are steep. Rural jobs may enjoy lower material transport fees and contractor rates.

What Impacts Overall Quartz Countertop Cost?

Combining all these factors, here are some examples of total costs homeowners have reported based on their specific quartz brand, layout, and location:

35 sq.ft quartz counters with integrated backsplash using Vetrazzo recycled glass quartz in Kansas City – $2,800 total.
60 sq.ft. Cambria London Sky quartz island and perimeter counters with bullnose edges in Austin, TX – $6,750 total.
45 sq.ft. Caesarstone Rugged Concrete quartz peninsula and backsplash in Los Angeles, CA – $5,400 total.
35 sq.ft. MSI Calacatta Laza quartz with upgraded 3 cm thickness and ogee edges in Savannah, GA – $3,150 total.

Below are more firsthand reports from homeowners on their full investment in quartz countertops.

Homeowner Quartz Countertop Costs

Midwest Region

“Just had 50 sq ft of white Macaubus quartz that looks like marble installed in our Des Moines, Iowa kitchen. With the backsplashes and edges it was right at $4,000 after tax.”

“I’m located in Indianapolis, Indiana. I went with QuartzMaster for 55 square feet of their premium line in a neutral gray/white color. With a backslash and standard edges it came to $4,300 including delivery and installation.”

“We’re in Omaha, Nebraska and just got Lowe’s house brand Dayton Quartz in the sparkle style for our small 35 sq ft galley kitchen. With tax and installation fees our total was right around $2,300.”

Southern Region

“I’m in Birmingham, Alabama. For 70 sq ft of white quartz counters throughout our kitchen and island, with bullnose edges, it was $5,400 to have Everything Installed.”

“I’m located in Jacksonville, Florida. I went with the quartz brand Evrika through a local fabricator. For 40 sq ft of their mid-range line in a white marble look, my total with tax was $3,600.”

“Just installed 50 sq ft of Cambria Brittanicca quartz in our North Carolina kitchen. With their integrated 1 inch backsplash and standard polish finish, our total was $5,750.”

Western Region

“Here in Boise, Idaho I installed Hanstone Oceanside quartz counters in ivory/light grey. For around 60 sq ft including a small backslash, with edges, cutouts, and installation my total was $5,500.”

“I’m in Spokane, Washington. For 40 sq ft of Caesarstone Raven quartz counters throughout our whole kitchen, it cost $4,200 total after tax.”

“Just installed 30 sq ft of Silestone Helix in a cream/grey swirl for our Los Angeles, California condo kitchen. With their standard edges, it came to $3,750 all in.”

Northeastern Region

“We’re located in Albany, New York. For about 45 sq ft of Cambria Whitehall quartz in our kitchen, with an integrated 4 inch backsplash, rounded edges, and shipping – our final cost was $5,800.”

“I’m in Newark, New Jersey. For 55 sq ft of Quartz Master champagne colored quartz, my total with installation came to $5,100.”

“We’re located in Boston, Massachusetts. We went with Caesarstone in the color Frosty Carrina for our kitchen island and perimeter counters totaling 60 sq ft. With their square edges, our final cost was $6,500.”

How to Get the Best Price on Quartz Counters

Here are tips to get the most affordable quartz countertops without sacrificing quality:

Shop around for quotes and negotiate costs. Be sure to get itemized estimates.
Ask about “quartz remnant” deals on discontinued or irregular pieces.
Only pay 50% deposit upfront and don’t pay remaining balance until satisfied.
Consider DIY installation if skilled – can save $2,000+ on smaller projects.
Choose a lower cost quartz brand like MSI over premium Caesarstone or Cambria.
Opt for the standard 3/4″ thickness and square edge treatment.
Look at quartz “seconds” through suppliers which contain minor flaws.
Provide your own sink & hardware to prevent markups on these.
Schedule your project during the “off season” rather than busy summer months.

Important Questions to Ask Your Installer

Be sure to ask the right questions upfront when getting bids from quartz fabricators and installers:

Do you have examples of past quartz installations I can view?
Are you certified by the quartz brand you source from?
Does the quote include necessary materials like adhesive, seam kits, and sink installation?
What is the turnaround time from template to installation?
Is any warranty from the quartz manufacturer passed to the homeowner?
Who handles repairs if something is damaged during installation?
What are your payment terms and cancellation policy if needed?

Getting bids from 3-5 local installers and asking the right questions helps ensure you get the best quartz countertops experience for your budget and project.

Factors that Impact Quartz Countertop Durability

While quartz itself is remarkably durable, some factors affect how well your counters hold up long-term:

Quality of Installation

An improperly supported slab, uneven overhangs, gaps or weak seams can compromise quartz’s sturdiness. Certified installers prevent unnecessary cracks or damage.

Thickness

The thicker the quartz, the stronger the countertop. 1 1/4 inch slabs resist chips and cracks better than thinner 3/4 inch pieces.

Edge Treatments

Fancy edge styles like beveled or rounded look nice but are more prone to chipping than basic square edges.

Surface Finish

Heavily textured quartz finishes better hide everyday wear and scratches compared to polished varieties.

Maintenance

Following care instructions from your fabricator, avoiding excessive impact and cleaning with non-abrasive products maximizes durability.

While not completely indestructible, quartz stands up well compared to natural stone. Paying for quality professional installation and proper maintenance helps your quartz counters look like new for years.

How Quartz Improves Upon Natural Stone Countertops

Quartz delivers many benefits over classic countertop materials like granite and marble:

More Durable

Won’t chip, crack or stain like natural stone
Heat and scratch resistant
Low porosity prevents bacterial growth

Easier Maintenance

Never needs sealing
Simple cleaning with soap and water
Resists most acids and chemicals

Greater Consistency

No variation between slabs
Pattern goes all the way through material
Consistent coloring throughout the slab

More Affordable

30-50% lower cost than natural stone
Greater inventory keeps product costs low
Can be manufactured fast to meet demand

Wider Range of Colors

Over 90% of natural stones only come in grays and browns
Quartz available in almost any color imaginable
Can mimic luxury marble and granite looks

If this combination of advantages appeals to you, quartz likely makes sense over natural stone for your next project!

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

How Does the Cost of Quartz Compare to Other Countertops?

Here’s how the installed costs of quartz stack up against other popular counter materials:

Laminate – $20-60 per sq. ft.
Butcher Block – $50-100 per sq. ft.
Quartz – $70-120 per sq. ft.
Recycled Glass – $80-150 per sq. ft.
Granite – $80-150 per sq. ft.
Soapstone – $100-200 per sq. ft.
Marble – $100-250 per sq. ft.

Quartz fills an attractive middle ground – more durable and stylish than laminate or butcher block at a more affordable price point than premium natural stone.

Is Quartz Worth the Investment Over Laminate Countertops?

Quartz costs $50-100 more per square foot installed than laminate counters. But for many homeowners, the benefits of quartz are worth the higher initial investment:

Styling – Quartz looks like high-end natural stone in nearly any color. Laminate has a more artificial, utilitarian look.

Durability – Laminate scorches, stains, scratches easily. Quartz is highly stain, scratch and heat resistant.

Resale Value – Quartz counters can increase home resale value and appeal to buyers. Laminate looks dated to many homebuyers.

Longevity – Properly cared for, quartz counters last essentially forever. Laminate shows wear in 5-10 years.

Food Prep – Non-porous quartz inhibits bacteria growth vs. laminate which can harbor germs in seams and crevices.

For all these reasons, quartz transforms a kitchen while laminate simply suffices. If your budget accommodates quartz, it makes an excellent investment in your home’s look, function and value.

How to Clean & Care for Quartz Countertops

Caring properly for quartz will keep it in top condition for the lifetime of your home. Here are tips for cleaning and maintenance:

For daily cleaning, use a mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads.
Blot up spills immediately to prevent any possible staining.
For stubborn dried spills, use a non-bleach cleaner and soft brush or sponge.
Avoid exposing the surface to strong chemicals like paint removers or oven cleaners.
Use a trivet under hot pots and pans to prevent scorching.
Cut only on designated cutting boards – never directly on the quartz.
Inspect sealant around sinks and edges once yearly and reapply if needed.
Avoid sitting or placing heavy loads on unsupported quartz overhangs.
Reseal quartz every 1-2 years using a penetrating sealer made for engineered stone.

With regular care, your quartz counters will stay gorgeous and impervious to damage. Consult your fabricator if you ever have a stubborn stain or repair need.

FAQs About the Cost of Quartz Countertops

How Much Does Lowes or Home Depot Charge for Quartz Countertops?

Big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot offer quartz from budget-friendly brands like Samsung Radianz, VK Quartz or DuPont Zodiaq starting around $45-65 per square foot. Installation through Lowes or Home Depot often costs $150-250 per hour. For a medium kitchen around 40 sq ft, expect to pay $3,000-4,000 total.

Is it Cheaper to Install Quartz Countertops Yourself?

In most cases, the cost of a professional install (around $100 per hour) is worth it for the proper cutouts, seamwork and structural integrity from an expert. But for smaller projects, DIY installs can save $1,000+. Watch online tutorials to see if a DIY install is feasible for your project.

Should I Hire a Specialized Fabricator or General Contractor?

Dedicated quartz fabricators have specialized training, templates and adhesives formulated for quartz. While pricier than general contractors, specialists often provide better results on critical details like seams or mitered edges. Get references to find a reputable quartz pro.

Can Quartz Countertops Get Wet?

Quartz countertops are impervious to water. Their low porosity prevents moisture from penetrating the material while proper sealing prevents water ingress through seams. Feel free to wash quartz using damp rags or sponges without worry. Just avoid prolonged direct contact with standing water.

How Often Should You Seal Quartz Countertops?

Sealing is not necessary for the integrity of quartz but can help prevent staining. Reapply a penetrating sealer designed for engineered stone every 1-2 years. Annual sealing is recommended for kitchen counters that undergo heavy use. Over-sealing can create a plastic-like sheen.

Does Quartz Add Resale Value Like Granite?

While not adding as much value as natural stone, quartz counters in modern styles and colors certainly boost a home’s appeal to buyers compared to laminate or dated tile. The National Association of Realtors says midrange kitchen updates like quartz recoup about 75% of their cost at resale.

Is Quartz Heavier than Granite?

Quartz weighs 140-155 pounds per cubic foot compared to granite at 165-175 lbs/cu.ft. Both materials require strong cabinetry since most kitchen slabs weigh 200-300 pounds. But on a per inch thickness basis, granite is up to 15% heavier than quartz.

Conclusion

After reading firsthand reports from homeowners, you likely now have a clearer picture of realistic costs for installing quartz countertops. While price varies based on specific factors like brand, edging, size and location the typical range of $70-90 per square foot installed for midrange quartz is supported by real-world data.

With some smart shopping, budgeting 15-20% extra on initial quotes, and proper maintenance, quartz can be an affordable and worthwhile investment upgrading your kitchen or bath for decades to come. We encourage you to quote multiple local quartz fabricators, learn what specific brand and style fits your functional needs and taste, and get those beautiful, durable counters installed!