Installing quartz countertops can greatly enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. However, like most home improvement projects, installing quartz does come at a cost. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the factors that impact the total cost of quartz countertop installation so you can budget appropriately and get the high-quality quartz countertops you desire.
What is Quartz?
Before diving into installation costs, it’s helpful to understand exactly what quartz countertops are. Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments.
The quartz content typically makes up 90-94% of the material, while polymer resins account for 6-10%. The resins act as a binding agent for the ground quartz particles. Additional pigments can be added to achieve different colors and patterns that mimic natural stone.
Unlike natural stone materials like granite and marble, quartz is non-porous and does not need to be regularly sealed. The polymer resins make quartz resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. When properly cared for, quartz countertops can last for many years in both kitchens and bathrooms.
The end result is an extremely durable and low maintenance countertop surface that is growing in popularity for modern homes. The blend of natural quartz with polymers creates a countertop that is beautiful yet practical.
Factors That Determine Total Installation Cost
Installing new quartz countertops involves more than just the price of the slabs. Professional installation is required to properly cut, secure, and polish your new counters. The total project cost consists of:
- Quartz slab material – The type, quality, color, and design of the slabs themselves. Material costs range from $50-100 per square foot.
- Edge treatments – Decorative edges such as bullnose or ogee can increase material costs.
- Cutting & fabrication – Custom cutting slabs to size and fabricating your countertops. Typically $40-70 per linear foot.
- Installation – Securing countertops properly to cabinets. Around $40-100 per hour for labor.
- Sealing & polishing – Finishing the installation by sealing and polishing.
- Transportation fees – Delivery costs of materials and countertops to your home.
- Removal of old counters – Labor for demolition and disposal if replacing existing counters.
- Backsplashes – Integrated backsplashes usually add $10-30 per linear foot.
- Sinks & fixtures – New sinks, faucets, soap dispensers if needed.
Other factors like the complexity of the project, edge profiles, seam placement, and accessibility of your kitchen can also raise or lower the total installation cost.
Let’s take a more in depth look at each of the main components:
Quartz Slab Material Costs
The specific quartz material you choose will be a primary driver of the total project cost. Factors like color, quality, thickness, and design impact the price per square foot.
Color & Patterns
Quartz slabs come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Different pigments and aggregate can create unique visual styles.
- White or light slabs tend to be the most affordable option, starting around $50 per square foot.
- Darker colors and bold patterns usually range from $70-100 per square foot.
- Metallic, glassy, or quartzite styles are premium options priced over $100 per square foot.
Talk with your countertop supplier about which patterns are within your budget. There are plenty of great looking quartz options in the $50-70 per square foot range.
Slab Quality
Higher quality quartz slabs are more dense and resistant to damage. Density is measured by weight; the more a slab weighs per square foot, the denser and more resilient it will be.
- Low density quartz weighs about 115-120 pounds per square foot. It costs less but is more prone to damage over time.
- Medium density quartz, weighing around 125 pounds per square foot, provides a better balance of quality and affordability.
- High density quartz, at 140 pounds and above per square foot, offers premium durability and scratch resistance.
Aim for medium or high density quartz material if budget allows. Avoid very lightweight slabs. Also inspect slabs closely before purchasing to check for any cracks or imperfections.
Thickness Options
Quartz slabs typically come in 3/4 inch, 1 1/5 inch, and 2 inch thicknesses. Thinner options are often adequate for most countertops, but thicker quartz can provide some benefits:
- 3/4 inch thick material is the most common and budget-friendly choice. It works well for low-use surfaces.
- 1 1/4 inch quartz offers added durability and can support undermount sinks. It costs around 10-15% more.
- 2 inch thick slabs are extremely strong for heavy use kitchen counters. They can be 25-30% more than 3/4 inch.
Evaluate your existing cabinets and anticipated usage to determine if greater thickness would be beneficial. Thicker quartz is also marginally better at hiding seams between adjoining slabs.
Countertop Fabrication & Installation
In additional to material costs, professional fabrication and installation of your new quartz counters adds a significant amount to the total project budget. Expect to pay in the range of $100 to $200 per linear foot for these services.
The fabrication process includes making cuts for sinks, cooktops, and other fixtures, shaping edges, smoothing seams, and attaching backsplashes if needed. Quartz requires specialty equipment for cutting and polishing that you likely do not own as a homeowner.
Precision cutting is crucial since quartz slabs cannot be cut onsite like natural stone. Any sink or cooktop cutouts need to be done at the fabricator’s workshop.
Complex edge profiles like ogee, bevel, or modern eased also increase fabrication time and cost compared to a simple eased or straight edge. Any seams between quartz slabs should be minimized and placed in inconspicuous areas if possible.
Professional installers will securely fasten your countertops to the existing cabinets using screws, silicone adhesive, and/or brackets. A clean, even installation ensures your counters will be sturdy and have uniform seams.
Key Cost Factors to Consider
Here are some of the main variables that will impact the total fabrication and installation costs:
- Perimeter length – Longer total perimeters mean more cutting and seams. Expect higher overall costs.
- Number of cutouts – The more sink and cooktop cutouts needed, the more intricate the job. Each cutout adds time and cost.
- Edge treatments – Fancier edges like beveled, waterfall, or mitered cost more to fabricate.
- Seam placement – Seams ideally should be minimized and placed in discreet spots. More seams mean more work.
- Specialty patterns – Unique designs like fractured edges require more complex fabrication.
- Backsplashes – Integrated backsplashes add labor for precise cutting and installation.
- Site accessibility – Tight corners or stairs will make delivery and install more difficult.
Discuss these factors with your chosen fabricator to understand what is realistic within your budget. They can suggest ways to simplify the project if needed to control costs.
Additional Installation Services
Aside from fabrication and installation labor, some additional services may be required to complete your new quartz countertop installation. Be sure to account for these extra costs as well:
- Removal and disposal of old counters – $2-4 per square foot
- Plumbing disconnections/reconnections – $50-100 per fixture
- New undermount sinks & faucets – $200-2000+
- Backsplashes – $10-30 per square foot
- Shipping/transport fees – 10%+ of total cost
Removing old countertops properly and preparing the work area is crucial. Any plumbing disconnections needed for sink access should be done by a professional to avoid water damage or supply issues.
Upgrading sinks, faucets, soap dispensers and related fixtures is recommended to complete the new contemporary look. Quartz requires undermount sink installation for the best results. Expect to pay $200-500 for a basic stainless steel model. Higher end designer sinks can cost upwards of $2000.
Integrated quartz backsplashes are popular choices behind ranges, sinks, and other areas prone to splashing. Backsplashes often add $10-30 per linear foot but result in a seamless and stylish appearance.
Finally, don’t forget that delivery costs apply for transporting slabs and fabricated counters to/from the fabricator. Fuel surcharges around 10% of the project cost are typical.
Average Cost to Install Quartz Countertops
With all the expense factors considered, what can you realistically expect to budget for your quartz countertop installation? Here are some typical average costs:
- Quartz Slab Material
- Low End: $50 per sq. ft.
- High End: $100 per sq. ft.
- Mid Range: $70 per sq. ft.
- Fabrication & Installation
- Low End: $100 per linear ft.
- High End: $200 per linear ft.
- Mid Range: $150 per linear ft.
- Total for 30 sq. ft. Kitchen
- Low End: $4,500 ($3,000 material + $1,500 labor)
- High End: $9,000 ($6,000 material + $3,000 labor)
- Mid Range: $6,750 ($4,500 material + $2,250 labor)
For an average 30 sq. ft. kitchen with 10 linear ft. of counter space, expect to pay $4,500 on the low end and up to $9,000 on the high end. Many quartz installations fall in the $6,000 to $7,500 range for mid grade materials and fabrication.
However, costs ultimately depend on your specific kitchen size, layout, and countertop material chosen. Measure your existing counters or draw up kitchen plans to estimate your square and linear footage. Then get quotes from fabricators based on your desired quartz selection to dial in pricing.
Cost Saving Tips
If your budget is limited, here are some tips that can help reduce the overall cost of your quartz countertop installation:
- Select lower cost white or light quartz slabs
- Choose a standard 1 1/4” thickness instead of 2” thick material
- Opt for a square edge profile rather than an expensive ogee or bevel
- Place seams in inconspicuous spots to minimize their number
- Avoid intricate patterns like fissures or veins to simplify fabrication
- Install backsplashes separately instead of integrated
- Shop around for the best fabricator pricing in your area
- Provide your own sinks/fixtures to save on markups
- Remove old counters yourself if possible
Even small changes like these can potentially save you hundreds of dollars without sacrificing the beauty of quartz. Focus on where you want to allocate your budget, whether that is a premium material, edge profile, or professional installation.
Hiring Professional Countertop Installers
Because of the specialized cutting, fabrication, and installation required, quartz countertop installation should always be left to experienced professionals. Avoid any DIY attempts or handyman services without proven expertise.
Be sure to hire installers that are certified in working with quartz materials. Confirm they have all the proper specialized tools like CNC cutting equipment.
When comparing quartz fabricators and installers, here are some good questions to ask:
- How long have you been working with quartz materials specifically? Look for 5+ years of experience.
- Are you certified or trained through brands like Cambria or Caesarstone?
- Do you fabricate the slabs yourself or use a 3rd party? In-house is better.
- What does your typical kitchen installation process look like?
- What specific tools and adhesives do you use? Make sure adhesives are low-VOC and non-yellowing.
- Can you provide referrals from past quartz installation clients?
- Do you offer any warranties or satisfaction guarantees?
- What are your standard turnaround times from template to install? 4 weeks or less is ideal.
Be sure everything is clearly outlined regarding costs and timelines in a contract before work begins. Never pay for a project fully upfront. Stagger payments over order, fabrication, and installation milestones.
Hiring the right quartz specialists ensures your counters will be perfectly cut, seamless, level, and secured safely for long lasting beauty and functionality.
Maintaining Your Quartz Countertops
Once your quartz counters are professionally installed, maintaining their appearance is relatively easy compared to other surfaces. Here are some tips:
- Use coasters under glasses and avoiding direct hot pans to prevent burns or marks.
- Clean up spills quickly to minimize staining risks.
- Rinse with water and use a soft cloth and mild non-abrasive soap for most cleaning needs.
- For stuck on residue, use a non-scratching scrub pad and mineral spirits, acetone, or denatured alcohol.
- Avoid exposing quartz surfaces to strong chemicals like paint removers, drain cleaners, etc.
- Reseal quartz every 1-2 years using a product formulated for engineered stone.
- Inspect sealant around edges regularly and reapply as needed.
- Use a honing powder or cleanser monthly to retain the polished finish.
By caring for your quartz properly and keeping surfaces free of damage, your counters will stay looking like new for many years before ever needing replacement. Not having to regularly seal the material also keeps maintenance simple.
Quartz Offers Beauty, Durability, & Value
Installing new quartz countertops is a significant investment, but it can also greatly enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen or bath for years to come. By understanding what impacts the total cost, setting realistic budgets, and hiring experienced professionals, you can enjoy stunning quartz surfaces that will last for decades.
While not cheap, quartz offers outstanding durability, intricate designs, and low maintenance when installed properly. For homeowners that want to upgrade to a beautiful yet practical countertop material, quartz provides ideal value. Just be sure to factor in all the expenses accurately when planning your next countertop installation project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical cost per square foot for quartz?
Quartz slabs range from $50-100 per square foot on average. The exact cost depends on the color, pattern, and quality you select. More premium designer styles can be over $100 per square foot.
What thickness should I choose for quartz?
The most popular thickness is 1 1/4 inches. 3/4 inch can save money for low use surfaces. 2 inch thick quartz is best for heavy usage areas but comes at a higher cost.
Is it better to get thicker quartz countertops?
In most cases, 1 1/4 inchquartz provides adequate durability and support. 2 inch thick material is beneficial for homes with active children, heavy prep work, or as a design choice.
How much does it cost to install 20 square feet of quartz?
For a 20 sq. ft. space, expect to pay around $1,400 – $2,000 for mid-grade quartz materials. Fabrication and installation will likely add $3,000 to $4,000 for a standard layout. Total costs could range from $4,400 to $6,000 or more.
Is Quartz cheaper than granite?
Quartz countertops tend to cost $50-100 per square foot while granite slabs run $40-150 per square foot. Due to higher fabrication costs, quartz counters can be more affordable overall for smaller kitchens compared to granite.
Should I get integrated or separate backsplash?
Integrated backsplashes simplify installation and have a seamless look. However, tiled or alternate backsplash materials provide more design flexibility. Integrated backsplashes add $10-30 per linear foot typically.
What kind of edging should I get with quartz?
A standard eased or square edge offers an understated, contemporary look. Bullnose, bevel, ogee, or waterfall edges provide more decorative profiles but cost more.
How long does it take to install quartz?
Fabrication takes 5-10 business days generally after templating. Installation typically takes 2 or 3 days total depending on the size of the project. So plan on about 2 weeks total from template to install.
Conclusion
Installing engineered quartz countertops can take your kitchen or bath to the next level visually and functionally. While quartz is more expensive than options like laminate, it offers superb durability and designer styles to enhance your home’s look and value. Just be sure to account for all the material, fabrication, installation, and additional costs required. With proper planning and hiring experienced installers, you can enjoy stunning, low maintenance quartz surfaces that will stay looking beautiful for decades.
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