Black quartz has become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops in recent years. With its beautiful dark color and durability, it’s easy to see why. But before installing new quartz counters, it’s important to understand how much black quartz countertops cost. Here’s a detailed overview of what impacts the price and how much you can expect to budget for black quartz countertops.
What is Black Quartz?
Black quartz, often referred to as black quartzite, is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins. The natural quartz gives it hardness and strength, while the resins allow flexibility in colors and patterns.
Quartz is non-porous, so it resists stains and etching better than granite. It’s also heat, scratch, and impact resistant. The dark black color provides a dramatic accent in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
Brands like Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone offer a variety of black quartz options in different finishes like matte, polished, and leathered textures. This versatility makes black quartz a popular surface material.
What Factors Impact the Cost of Black Quartz Countertops?
Several key factors contribute to the total installation price of black quartz countertops:
Quartz Slab Price
The biggest factor is the price per square foot of the slabs themselves. Basic black quartz starts around $50 per square foot. High-end designer brands can cost $120 per square foot and up. The more dramatic the veining and pattern, the more you’ll pay.
Labor Costs
Fabrication and installation labor typically adds $35-$75 per square foot. Complex projects with specialty edge treatments will be at the high end.
Countertop Area
The total countertop square footage directly impacts overall cost. Larger kitchens with more surface area will be more expensive.
Edge Treatments
Decorative edges like bullnose, ogee, and chamfered add $10-$20 per linear foot. Intricate treatments like a full bullnose edge or asymmetric edges add the most cost.
Backsplashes
Adding a quartz backsplash along with the countertops adds approximately $10-25 per linear foot installed.
Sink Cutouts & Added Features
Any specialty cutouts for sinks or other features add extra fabrication time and expense.
Demolition & Disposal
If you’re replacing old countertops, demolition and removal costs around $150-$300. New plumbing hookups may also be needed.
What Does Black Quartz Countertop Installation Cost?
Now that we’ve reviewed the factors impacting price, what does this mean in terms of budgeting for your new black quartz countertops? Here are typical price ranges:
- Basic Black Quartz Countertops: $80 – $120 per square foot installed
- High-End Black Quartz Countertops: $130 – $200 per square foot installed
According to 2021 cost data, most homeowners spend $2,500 to $4,500 for a typical 10-foot kitchen island or peninsula with black quartz countertops.
For a full kitchen makeover with 30 square feet of countertop area, expect to spend $3,000 to $6,000 for mid-range black quartz. High-end designer black quartz for a full kitchen averages $5,000 to $9,000.
Extra charges for special backsplashes, edges, cutouts, and other customizations can add $1,000 or more to your total. Your location will also impact price ranges for labor and installation.
How does Black Quartz Compare to Other Countertop Materials?
Here is how black quartz counters compare to other popular kitchen countertop options in terms of both cost and general pros and cons:
Granite: Granite starts around $80 per square foot installed, with black granite on the higher end from $90-$150 psf. Granite requires annual sealing.
Soapstone: A high-end natural stone with a dark gray color, soapstone is $70-$200 psf installed. It scratches easily.
Marble: Elegant but softer than granite and quartz. Carrara white marble is $70-$250 psf. Darker marble is more.
Concrete: Poured concrete counters are $125-$300 psf installed for a smooth polished finish. Takes sealing.
Laminate: At only $20-$50 per square foot installed, laminate is a budget option but less durable than real stone.
Butcher Block: Wood counters like walnut or maple cost $60-$100 psf. Needs heavy sealing to resist stains and scratches.
Stainless Steel: Extremely durable but more industrial. Ranges from $100-$250 psf for residential kitchens.
Tile: Porcelain, ceramic, or glass tile installed can start under $20 psf as a very affordable option.
How Much Does Quartz Countertop Installation Cost?
If you’re supplying your own slabs, here are typical costs for just fabrication and installation:
- Basic cutouts and installation: $35-$50 per square foot
- Detailed edging and seaming work: $70-$100 per square foot
Complex jobs with multiple slab seams or intricate edge profiles on a large island may cost up to $150 per square foot for fabrication and installation labor only.
Be sure to account for:
- Removal and disposal of old counters: $200-$400
- Plumbing adjustments: $200-$600
- Electrical work for outlets: $50-$100 per outlet
A pro can template and install new countertops in just 1-3 days typically once materials are ready.
FAQs about Black Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some common questions about black quartz countertop costs:
How much does a basic 30 square foot black quartz kitchen countertop cost?
For a typical 30 square foot kitchen, expect to pay around $2,500-$4,000 for installation of mid-priced black quartz countertops.
What thickness should I choose for black quartz?
Quartz countertops come in 1.2 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm thicknesses. 2 cm is recommended for most residential uses. Island and workstation areas may be 3 cm.
Can black quartz counters be repaired if damaged?
Small chips or cracks can often be filled, but extensive damage may require a full replacement. Avoid excessive heat and impacts.
Does black quartz need to be sealed?
No, quartz does not require sealing like granite. Simply clean with soap and water to maintain its shine and beauty.
Can you add a black quartz backsplash to match the counters?
Yes, matching quartz can make an attractive backsplash. Allow about $25 per linear foot for fabrication and installation.
Is black quartz more expensive than white or lighter colors?
Darker quartz, including black, is generally on the higher end of pricing due to popular demand. Lighter quartz starts around $10-$15 psf less.
Enhance Your Kitchen with Stunning Black Quartz Counters
With its deep, dark color yet sparkling finish, black quartz makes a dramatic statement in kitchens and bathrooms. Understanding what impacts the price allows you to plan and budget for the investment in these beautiful, durable countertops. From $100 to $200 per square foot installed, black quartz costs more than basic materials like laminate but comparable to granite, offering great value for the look and quality. With professional installation, you can enjoy elegant black quartz countertops in your home for years to come.