Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in California. With their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance, it’s no wonder why many homeowners are choosing quartz over other materials like granite and marble. But before installing new quartz countertops, it’s important to understand how much they typically cost. Here is an overview of quartz countertop pricing in California.

Average Cost of Quartz Countertops in California

The cost of quartz countertops can range quite a bit based on the quality of the stone, complexity of the project, and other factors. On average, expect to pay:$50 to $120 per square foot for installed quartz countertops in California.

This puts the typical price range for a medium-sized kitchen between $2,500 and $6,000. High-end designer quartz can cost over $150 per square foot installed. On the lower end, big box stores like IKEA offer DIY quartz kits starting under $50 per square foot.

Below is a breakdown of the typical installed costs based on quartz grade:

• Entry-level quartz: $50 – $70 per square foot
• Mid-range quartz: $70 – $100 per square foot
• High-end/designer quartz: $100 – $150+ per square foot

Many factors beyond just the stone grade affect the total price, which we’ll explore in the next sections.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Quartz Countertops

Some of the key factors that determine the overall investment for quartz countertops in California include:

Type of Quartz

As mentioned above, quartz comes in varying quality levels. Entry-level quartz usually has fewer colors and patterns to choose from. It also tends to have less quartz content and more polymer resins in the slabs. Higher quality quartz has more unique veining, patterns, and colors. The increased quartz content also boosts the durability and longevity.

Color and Pattern

Some color and pattern options are more expensive if the raw materials are pricier to source. And naturally, neutral colors tend to be the least expensive options. Unusual stone shapes and elaborate edge profiles also increase the fabrication costs.

Installation Complexity

The more complex the installation, the more labor it requires. Curved countertops, intricate tile backsplashes, specialty edges, and other custom designs take more time and skill to install properly. This gets factored into the total project cost.

Fabrication Techniques

There are a few different techniques used to fabricate quartz countertops. Seamless countertops created from a single slab tend to be more expensive than countertops with seams where multiple pieces are joined. The fabrication shop’s skill level also impacts costs.

Location

Like with most home improvement projects, location makes a difference in pricing. Installation costs tend to be higher in areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles compared to more rural parts of California.

Contractor Markups

The company you hire will apply a markup to both the materials and their labor. Bigger brand contractors tend to have higher markups. Getting multiple bids is important.

Cost Comparison to Other Countertop Materials

Here’s how the cost of quartz compares to other popular countertop materials in California:

• Quartz: $50 – $120 per sq. ft. installed
• Granite: $60 – $135 per sq. ft. installed
• Marble: $70 – $200 per sq. ft. installed
• Soapstone: $70 – $100 per sq. ft. installed
• Stainless steel: $100 – $200 per sq. ft. installed
• Butcher block: $30 – $70 per sq. ft. installed
• Laminate: $10 – $35 per sq. ft. installed

While quartz is costlier than affordable options like laminate, it’s competitively priced compared to natural stone. And it comes with perks like high durability and low maintenance needs.

How to Save Money on Quartz Countertops

If your budget is tight, here are some tips to reduce costs on your quartz countertop installation:

• Shop for quartz slabs at warehouse stores instead of traditional fabricators.
• Select a simpler edge profile like eased or straight instead of an intricate Ogee edge.
• Reuse your existing cabinetry if it’s in good shape to avoid that additional cost.
• Install the countertops yourself if you’re fairly handy.
• Opt for integrated sinks instead of expensive undermount sinks.
• Consider DIY quartz kits from home improvement stores to save on labor.
• Add quartz to just part of your countertop run instead of the entire surface.

Even with these cost-saving measures, be wary of prices that seem too good to be true from some contractors. Stick with reputable, experienced installers for best results.

FAQ About Quartz Countertop Costs in California

How much does it cost to install quartz countertops in a small kitchen?

For a typical 10′ x 10′ kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop space, expect to pay around $1,500 to $3,600 for installed quartz countertops.

What’s more expensive, quartz or granite?

The cost is similar, though high-end granite may exceed the price of luxury quartz. The average cost is $50 – $120 per square foot for quartz and $60 – $135 per square foot for granite.

Can you get quartz countertops for under $50 per square foot?

It is possible to find entry-level DIY quartz kits for under $50 per square foot. But for professionally installed countertops, it’s rare to find reputable contractors charging less than $50 per square foot. Beware of suspiciously cheap offers.

Should I expect to pay more for installation in Los Angeles versus Fresno?

Generally yes, you can expect to pay 10-20% more for quartz countertop installation in more expensive urban areas like LA and San Francisco compared to smaller inland cities.

Does the sink hole need to be cut out before installation?

For undermount sinks, yes, the fabricator will need to cut out the sink hole in your quartz slab before installation. This is factored into the total project cost.

The Bottom Line

While not the cheapest option, quartz offers unbeatable durability andMaintenance for a very competitive price point compared to other upscale counters. Investing in high-quality installation is important to ensuring your quartz countertops last for decades. With proper care, quartz is sure to be a worthwhile investment in your California home.

Conclusion

Quartz countertops can be a sizable investment for your kitchen or bath remodel. Prices in California range from $50 to over $120 per square foot installed depending on the factors discussed in this article. With some smart planning and budgeting, quartz can be an affordable option that delivers outstanding performance, beauty, and longevity. Be sure to get multiple bids and understand exactly what is covered in each quote. With reasonable expectations of cost and proper installation, you can enjoy your new quartz countertops for many years to come.