Manufactured quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. Often seen as a high-end alternative to natural stone and solid surface materials like granite, marble, and Corian, quartz countertops combine natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments to create a durable, low-maintenance, and customization surface option. But how much does manufactured quartz cost compared to other countertop materials? Here is an overview of the cost factors and price ranges you can expect when budgeting for quartz countertops.

What Impacts the Cost of Quartz Countertops?

Several variables affect the total installed cost of quartz countertops on a per square foot basis. Key factors include:

Quartz slab price – The baseline material cost depends on the brand. Higher-end designer brands like Caesarstone generally cost $50-100 per square foot. Value-oriented brands like IKEA or Lowe’s house brands are $25-50 per square foot.
Edge treatments – Edge profiles like bullnose, ogee, or decorative edges add $5-15 per linear foot. Complex edge details cost more.
Thickness – Standard thickness is 3/4″. Thicker 1 1/4″ slabs cost 20-30% more but are more durable.
Fabrication – Professional cutting, polishing, and installation adds $40-100 per square foot. More complex job layouts cost more.
Transportation – Delivery fees from the fabricator and distance add cost, especially for rural areas.
Backsplashes – Integrated 4-6″ backsplashes add $10-20 per linear foot. Full height splashes cost more.
Special features – Options like cutouts for sinks or textured finishes increase cost.

What Is the Average Cost of Quartz Countertops?

In general, expect to pay $70-150 per square foot for installed quartz countertops, with most homeowners reporting costs around $80-120 per square foot. This compares to granite countertops which are typically $60-150 per square foot installed.

Here is a breakdown of costs by quartz brand:

IKEA – $25-45 per sq. ft. for the slab only. With installation, expect to pay around $70-100 per sq. ft. overall.
Lowe’s House Brands – $40-70 per sq. ft. for material. Around $80-120 installed.
Silestone – A mid-range brand, slab prices are $55-90 per sq. ft. Installed cost is $100-150 per sq. ft.
Caesarstone – A premium brand, their slabs range from $70-150 per sq. ft. Total installed costs are $120-200 per sq. ft.
Cambria – Similar premium brand with slab prices of $80-120 per sq. ft. Installed runs $130-180 per sq. ft.

Cost Comparison to Other Countertop Materials

How does the cost of quartz stack up against popular alternatives? Here is a quick comparison:

Laminate countertops cost $20-40 per sq. ft. installed, making them the most affordable option.
Granite countertops range from $60-150 per sq. ft. installed, with an average cost of $80-100 per sq. ft.
Solid surface like Corian costs $70-100 per sq. ft. installed typically.
Butcher block runs $70-120 per sq. ft. installed generally.
Quartz starts at about $70 per sq. ft. and ranges up to $150 or more per sq. ft. installed.
Marble countertops start at around $100 per sq. ft. and often run $150-200 per sq. ft. installed.

Factors That May Increase Your Quartz Countertop Cost

There are several special considerations that can significantly increase the price you’ll pay for quartz countertops:

Oversized slabs for longer counters without seams. 60″ is standard – over that adds cost.
Thick 2 cm slabs rather than standard 1.2 cm. 30-40% higher material cost.
Full backsplashes and intricate backslash tile patterns.
Intricate edge profiles like waterfall edges or dual bevel profiles.
Using quartz on multiple surfaces like islands, banquettes, or step risers.
Choosing premium designer brands like Caesarstone or Cambria rather than value brands.
Rush fabrication and accelerated installation timelines.

Tips for Getting the Best Value with Quartz

If budget is a concern, here are some tips for maximizing value with your quartz countertop project:

Stick to 1.2 cm thickness unless you need extra durability.
Select a value brand like IKEA or Lowe’s house brand vs. premium brands.
Choose a simple edge profile like eased or small bullnose.
Use a 4”- 6” backsplash rather than full height.
Minimize seams by keeping counter lengths under 60”.
Get quotes from 3-4 fabricators and compare their prices.
Provide your own sink and cooktop to avoid markups.
Install in standard rectangle layouts without a lot of joints.

The Bottom Line on Quartz Countertop Cost

Quartz delivers an attractive, no-maintenance surface that looks like stone, but avoids some of the hassles of natural materials. While not cheap, it is competitive with premium countertops like granite and marble. The total cost of your project will depend on the brand selected, overall square footage, edge treatments, backsplashes, fabrication requirements, and other enhancements. With smart design choices, you can likely keep your installed quartz cost to $70-120 per square foot.

FAQ About Quartz Countertop Cost

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the cost of quartz countertops.

Is quartz more expensive than granite?

Quartz and granite have similar price ranges. Overall granite slabs tend to be $5-15 less per square foot compared to quartz. However, installed costs for granite and quartz counters end up being very comparable, usually between $80-150 per square foot.

Does thickness affect the cost of quartz?

Yes, thicker quartz slabs do cost more. The standard thickness is 1.2 cm (3/4″), while 2 cm (1 1/4″) slabs range 20-40% higher in price. Thicker quartz is more durable, but not always necessary.

Should I expect to pay more for installation with quartz?

Not necessarily. Quartz is no more difficult to fabricate and install than natural stone. Paying a premium fabricator $150 per hour vs. $75 per hour makes a bigger difference than the material itself. Get multiple installation quotes.

Is quartz cheaper than solid surface like Corian?

Quartz often costs a little more than solid surface per square foot. Solid surface slabs run $40-70 per square foot plus fabrication/installation. The total installed price is typically $70-100 per square foot compared to $80-120 for quartz.

How much does quartz cost compared to marble?

Marble is almost always more expensive than quartz. While you can find some quartz brands under $100 per square foot installed, marble will rarely be priced below $125 per square foot installed, with many types over $150 per square foot.

Should I expect extra fees with quartz?

Yes, it’s common for fabricators to charge extra fees for certain services like: design layout or drawings ($50+), sink cutouts ($35+ each), accelerated turnaround (25%+ extra), and mileage/delivery charges if located far from the fabrication shop.

Is there a big difference between Lowe’s vs. Home Depot quartz prices?

Not necessarily. Both big box stores sell their own exclusive quartz lines (Allen + Roth for Lowe’s, Hampton Bay for Home Depot) which cost about the same – $40-70 per square foot for materials. Prices vary more based on the fabricator used.

Can I install quartz myself and save money?

It’s possible, but fabricating quartz counters requires special tools and expertise. Poor DIY fabrication or installation can ruin your investment. Leaving it to professionals is highly recommended, unless you have the proper equipment and experience.

What are ways to reduce the overall cost of quartz?

Selecting a value-range brand, standard edging, simple layouts, integrated sink/cooktops, and limiting backsplashes and special features will help minimize the total installed price. Also get quotes from several fabricators before deciding.

Is quartz worth the extra cost over cheaper countertops?

Quartz provides an upscale look, with higher durability and less maintenance than most surfaces. That makes it appealing for busy kitchens. But materials like laminate can also work well at lower budgets. Evaluate your budget, needs, and longevity expectations when deciding if the extra cost is justified.

Conclusion

Quartz countertops provide homeowners with an attractive, quality surface that competes with premium materials like granite and marble. But it comes at a price – expect to invest $70-150 per square foot for this engineered stone, depending on the brand selections, fabrication requirements, and special features. With good planning, it may be possible to keep your project on the lower end of this range. When weighing quartz costs versus alternatives, be sure to consider total longevity, maintenance expectations, and resale value – not just initial price. With its natural beauty and minimal care requirements, quartz is likely to remain popular in kitchens and baths for years to come.

How Much Does Manufactured Quartz Countertops Cost Per Square Foot?