Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. Known for their durability, low maintenance, and customizability, many homeowners are choosing quartz over more traditional materials like granite and marble. But with the rise in popularity comes the question – how much does quartz cost? Here is a detailed look at what impacts the price of quartz countertops.
Quartz Countertop Cost Factors
Several key factors impact the total cost of quartz countertops:
Quartz Slab Price
The biggest contributor to overall quartz countertop cost is the price of the slab itself. Quartz is an engineered stone made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz and 10% polyresin binders. It is manufactured into slabs using Bretonstone technology under intense heat and pressure. Prices range based on:
- Brand – Popular premium brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone range from $50-$120 per square foot. Lesser known brands can be as low as $25 per square foot.
- Color/Pattern – Simple white or black quartz slabs are the most affordable options. Unique colors or patterned varieties can increase cost by $10-$15 per square foot.
- Thickness – Standard thickness is 3/4″, but thinner 1/2″ or thicker 1 1/4″ slabs will impact price.
- Supply Chain – Global supply chain issues have caused quartz pricing to rise over the past couple years. Expect to pay 10-15% more for a slab than pre-pandemic costs.
Installation
Fabricating and installing the quartz makes up the rest of the project budget. Expect to pay:
- Fabrication – $50-$100 per linear foot is standard to cut, shape, polish, and fabricate the slab. Complex edge profiles or cutouts increase fabrication costs.
- Installation – $10-$20 per square foot is typical for an experienced countertop installation company to deliver and install the finished product.
- Additional Costs – Any plumbing or electrical modifications needed, special supports or reinforcement for large overhangs, shipping costs for slab delivery, and tear out of old countertops can also add expenses.
Typical Total Quartz Countertop Costs
Taking all these factors into account, here are typical per square foot costs for a quartz countertop installation:
- Low End – $80-$100 per sq. ft. for basic white quartz, simple fabrication, and DIY installation
- Mid Range – $120-$150 per sq. ft. for name brand quartz, standard edge details, and professional installation
- High End – $200+ per sq. ft. for premium designer slabs with intricate fabrication and installation
The total price depends heavily on the size of the space. Here are average costs for some typical quartz countertop projects:
- Small Galley Kitchen (10 sq. ft. countertop) – $800-$1500
- Medium Kitchen (30 sq. ft. countertop) – $2,400-$4,500
- Large Kitchen (50 sq. ft. countertop) – $4,000-$7,500
- Master Bathroom (25 sq. ft. countertop) – $2,000-$3,750
Factors That Increase Quartz Countertop Costs
Several options can drive quartz countertop costs up from these averages:
- Full Backsplashes – Adding 4-6” backsplash along countertops adds $50-$100 per linear foot.
- Specialty Edge Profiles – Intricate ogee, chamfered, or beveled edges add fabrication complexity for $10-$20 per linear foot more.
- Thick Slabs – Going thicker than 3/4” for heavy duty use increases quartz slab costs.
- Intense Patterns – Special aggregates and designs require more quartz material and fabrication expertise.
- Large Islands – Overhangs over 8” require added structural supports adding $200+ per island.
Factors That Decrease Quartz Countertop Costs
You may be able to get closer to budget pricing by:
- Choosing a simpler square or eased edge style to reduce fabrication fees.
- Selecting a stock color in a locally warehoused slab to avoid special order shipping charges.
- Skipping standard backsplashes and only doing a simple clean finish back edge instead.
- Installing yourself if you have the DIY skills.
- Reusing your existing sink and cooktop to avoid change order costs.
- Purchasing remnants, blemished slabs, or smaller pieces for less material cost.
Quartz vs. Other Countertop Materials
To put the cost of quartz countertops in perspective, here is how they compare to other popular countertop options in terms of average installed price per square foot:
- Laminate – $20-$50
- Butcher Block – $50-$100
- Tile – $15-$50
- Concrete – $60-$105
- Granite – $80-$175
- Marble – $100-$250
- Quartz – $80-$150
- Soapstone – $100-$200
Quartz is competitive with granite, but generally costs more than laminate or tile. It offers significant advantages in durability and maintenance over marble or soapstone.
Is Quartz Worth the Investment?
While not the cheapest option, quartz countertops offer great value by combining good looks with extremely low maintenance. Benefits include:
- Durability – Highly resistant to scratches, heat, and stains.
- Low Maintenance – Never needs sealing or polishing. Easy cleaning with just soap and water.
- Customizable Style – Broad range of colors, patterns, and edges mimic looks of pricier natural stone.
- Hygienic – Non-porous so does not support bacteria growth.
Going with quartz avoids the yearly sealing and frequent polishing needed for marble and granite countertops. Its durability and longevity make it a sound long-term investment that can greatly enhance your home’s value.
Bottom Line
In the end, quartz countertops range from $80-$200 per square foot installed depending on the factors outlined above. For a typical 30-40 square foot kitchen, you can expect to invest $2,500-$6,000 in quality quartz countertops installed. While not cheap, this durable engineered stone offers great advantages over most other options. With proper planning and budgeting, quartz can be an excellent choice to reinvent your kitchen or bathrooms within almost any price range.