Installing quartz countertops can significantly upgrade the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. With their beautiful, sleek appearance and extreme durability, quartz countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners. However, like most home upgrades, quartz countertops come at a cost. So how much does a quartz countertop installation typically cost? Let’s take a closer look.
Factors That Influence Quartz Countertop Costs
Several key factors impact the total cost of quartz countertops:
Size of the Countertop Area
The overall square footage of countertop needing replacement is a major cost determinant. Larger kitchens and bathrooms with more surface area will cost more than smaller ones. Industry pros measure in linear feet to calculate total costs.
Quality of the Quartz Slab
Quartz is available in different quality grades. Lower-end options like builder-grade quartz cost $40-50 per square foot. Higher-end, designer-grade quartz slabs run $70-100 per square foot installed. The quality and pattern of the material affects overall price.
Edge Styles
You can choose different edge profiles for a quartz countertop, like square, beveled, ogee, and more. More complex edges add labor and cost. Simple edges tend to be the most affordable.
Thickness of the Slab
Standard thickness is 3/4″, but thicker options like 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″ are available for a more substantial feel. Thicker quartz tops cost more due to higher material costs.
Custom Cutouts and Shaping
Kitchen countertops often need customization like sink cutouts, cooktop cutouts, and integrated backsplashes. Bathroom vanities may need holes for sinks. Each custom modification adds cost.
Area Accessibility
Removing old countertops and installing new ones is more difficult in hard-to-access corners or areas with plumbing/electrical fixtures. Challenging access can increase installation costs.
Demolition Fees
If you’re replacing existing countertops, some installers charge an additional fee for demolition and removal of old countertops. This can add a few hundred dollars.
Local Labor Costs
Like other home services, quartz countertop installation costs vary by location and regional labor rates. Higher cost of living areas typically have higher install costs.
What’s the Total Cost for a Quartz Countertop?
Taking into account the many factors above, a typical total installed cost for a quartz countertop ranges from $80-150 per square foot. This includes materials, labor, demolition, and other installation costs.
To determine what a new quartz countertop may cost for your specific kitchen or bath, consider these rough estimates:
- Small countertop project ~25 sq.ft: $2,000 – $3,750
- Medium-sized ~40 sq.ft: $3,200 – $6,000
- Large project ~60+ sq.ft: $4,800 – $9,000+
These numbers assume mid-range quartz slab materials and standard edge/thickness options. Complex projects with high-end slab materials can reach $200+ per sq.ft installed.
Cost Comparison to Other Countertop Materials
How does a quartz countertop stack up cost-wise against other popular options? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Laminate countertops: $20-50 per sq.ft installed
- Butcher block: $40-100 per sq.ft installed
- Granite: $80-150 per sq.ft installed
- Marble: $100-200 per sq.ft installed
- Quartz: $80-150 per sq.ft installed
So quartz represents a significant upgrade from laminate in look, durability and maintenance. Cost-wise it runs neck and neck with premium natural stone at a mid-range price point.
Factoring Long-Term Value
Though quartz countertops carry a higher initial price tag than economy options like tile or laminate, keep in mind you’re gaining a high-end, luxury material that will last decades with minimal maintenance required.
The initial investment pays off over time when you consider:
- Extreme durability and scratch/stain/heat resistance
- Ease of cleaning and minimal maintenance
- Long-lasting beauty that retains its luster
- Potential increase in home resale value
So while quartz may cost more upfront, the years of enjoyment and lack of replacement costs down the road make it worth consideration as a smart long-term investment in your home.
Smart Ways to Save on Your Quartz Countertop Project
Here are a few tips to get the high-end quartz look you want while keeping costs in check:
- Select mid-range quartz: Avoid ultra-high-end designer slabs and opt for mid-range materials that balance quality and affordability.
- Standard edges and thickness: Skip expensive premium edges and thickness to control material costs.
- DIY demo of old countertops: Knock out and remove old countertops yourself before installers arrive.
- Find installer deals: Ask for a discount for bundling multiple countertops in one job, or buying slabs directly from their supplier.
- Shop end-of-year sales: Late fall/early winter is an ideal time for clearance sales on countertop materials.
Is Quartz Worth the Investment?
While quartz countertops are certainly not cheap, the years of rugged durability and luxury you’ll enjoy make them worth consideration as a smart long-term investment in both your home’s functionality and beauty.
If your budget allows, a new quartz countertop can be a remodel project that genuinely upgrades your daily life and adds real resale value. Just be sure to get an accurate estimate upfront and factor in potential long-term savings vs other alternatives.
With strategic planning and budgeting, you can likely find room in your home improvement budget to make quartz countertops a reality. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying beautiful, worry-free countertops that will serve your home well for decades to come.