Introduction
Installing quartz countertops can significantly upgrade the look and feel of your home’s kitchen or bathroom. With its durability, easy maintenance, and variety of colors and patterns, quartz offers an attractive and practical option for countertops. However, quartz is not the cheapest countertop material, and professional installation adds to the total cost. So how much does labor actually cost for installing quartz countertops?
The labor cost for installing quartz countertops ranges from $35 to $75 per hour depending on your location and the specific complexity of your project. Most jobs will end up costing between $800 and $2,500 for installation of the countertops in a standard sized kitchen. Several key factors impact the overall labor expense including:
- Size of the space and lineal feet of countertops needed
- Edge treatments like bullnose edges or special cutouts
- Level of demolition and removal work required
- Complexity of the project and installation process
- Geographic location and wage rates in your area
With some preparation and planning, you can get an accurate estimate and budget for having your quartz countertops installed by a pro. Understanding what goes into the installation process helps explain why professional quartz countertop installation is priced the way it is.
Factors That Impact Quartz Countertop Installation Cost
Quartz countertop installation involves multiple steps that require expertise and care to get right. The exact price per hour or per project can vary based on several key factors:
Size of the Space
The size of the kitchen or bathroom is one of the biggest variables in quartz installation cost. The more countertop lineal feet that needs to be installed, the more time and higher cost for the project. Typical kitchens have 15-25 linear feet of countertop space while large luxury kitchens may have over 40+ linear feet. More surface area equals higher overall labor costs.
Layout Complexity
The complexity of the space layout also impacts installation time and pricing. Straight countertop runs are simplest while L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens add seams and joins that are more labor intensive. Island counters, peninsulas, and other unique designs also increase project complexity and costs.
Edge Treatments
Quartz edges can be left straight or dressed up with treatments like bullnose edges, ogee edges, chamfers, etc. These customized edges require extra fabrication time and specialized tools to cut and finish. The more edge treatments, the higher the project price.
Cutouts and Special Details
Any special cutouts for sinks, cooktops, faucets, and so forth will add labor time and cost for precise measurements and professional cuts. Decorative edge profiles, backsplashes, inset tiles, and other custom details also bump up the installation work and pricing.
Demolition and Removal
If you’re replacing old countertops, the demolition and removal of the old materials factors into the total project price. Simple lift outs are quicker than removing countertops set in place with adhesive or fasteners. Any repairs needed after demolition also add cost.
Type of Installation
Quartz countertops are usually installed in one of two ways:
- Seamless – Countertops are cut and polished in a fabrication shop, then installed onsite as full slabs with few seams. This is simplest and most economical.
- Modular – Countertops are built up onsite from pre-cut quartz pieces. This allows more customization and intricate designs but takes more labor time.
Modular installation costs significantly more due to the extra fabrication and assembly work involved.
Experience Level
Quartz countertop installation is best left to experienced professionals. Their expertise allows them to work efficiently and handle any complexities that arise during the project. Less experienced installers often take longer and may make mistakes that add extra costs.
Location and Wage Rates
Labor costs for construction and trades work vary widely across different geographic regions. Areas with higher costs of living tend to have higher hourly rates for installers. Travel time between the shop and job site can also drive up pricing outside of metro regions.
Specialized Tools
Proper installation of quartz requires specialized tools like wet saws for precision cuts and cutting-edge adhesives and sealants. Professionals have invested in this specialized equipment to handle higher-end materials like quartz.
What’s Included in Quartz Countertop Installation?
To understand what factors into the labor pricing, it helps to look at what’s involved in the full installation process:
Design and Measurement
The installer will measure your existing space and finalize details like seams, edges, and any cutouts. A template is essential for sizing and cutting the slabs perfectly.
Material Selection
You’ll choose your preferred quartz color and surface finish. The installer sources the slabs needed for the project.
Fabrication
Slabs are cut to size, edges finished, holes cut, and pieces may be assembled into modular sections. This specialized work is usually done offsite at a fabrication shop.
Installation
The countertops are carried into place and securely installed. Adhesive, fasteners, and sealant create a seamless installation against the base cabinets.
Cleanup
Installers clean up all debris, tools, adhesive, and dust after the installation process. Your countertops are left clean and ready for use.
Customer Education
The pro should educate you on how to properly care for and clean your new quartz surfaces. Following maintenance best practices prevents damage.
A professional quartz fabricator and installer handles all these steps, providing an efficient, high-quality installation and saving you from the complex process of DIY quartz countertop replacement.
Average Cost to Install Quartz Countertops
Based on the factors above, most standard sized kitchens cost $800 to $2,500 for professional quartz countertop installation. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Small Kitchen (10 – 15 LF): $800 – $1,500
- Medium Kitchen (15 – 25 LF): $1,200 – $2,000
- Large Kitchen (25 – 40+ LF): $1,800 – $2,500
- Bathroom Vanity (8 – 12 LF): $500 – $800
- Backsplash Only: $3 – $5 per square foot
- Edge Treatments: $15 – $30 per linear foot
- Cutouts: $50 – $150 per cutout
- Demolition: $2 – $3 per square foot
- Modular/Custom: $150 – $200 per linear foot
For a basic 15 linear foot straight run kitchen countertop install with no special treatments, most homeowners report paying $1,200 – $1,700. The per foot price is lower for larger projects with more countertop square footage.
Saving Money on Installation
If the quotes you received seem high, there are a few ways to control costs:
- Choose a low-cost quartz variety like Vicostone over premium brands like Caesarstone.
- Opt for straight polished edges rather than specialized edges which add labor and expense.
- Install countertops yourself and pay only for fabrication, not installation.
- Provide your own sink and cooktop to avoid markups on materials.
- Get quotes from several pros and compare their hourly rates.
- Offer to remove old countertops yourself to avoid demolition fees.
- Go for seamless installation which is faster and cheaper than a modular build.
Is DIY Installation Realistic?
While a DIY quartz installation is possible, it’s only realistic for experienced home improvers. The heavy materials, specialized cuts, and seamless joining make it challenging. Unless you have the tools and skills, professional installation is strongly advised for a flawless result. Attempting the job yourself risks:
- Damaging the fragile quartz slabs during transport
- Incorrect measurement resulting in ill-fitting countertops
- Cracked surfaces from imprecise cutting
- Misaligned seams and corners due to lack of experience
- Using the wrong adhesives leading to future separation
- Failing to adequately support and secure the quartz
Hiring a pro isn’t the cheapest route, but it does provide peace of mind and the best looking finished project.
Questions and Answers
How much does it cost per square foot to install quartz countertops?
On average, expect to pay $65 – $100 per square foot for professional quartz countertop installation. The total cost per square foot decreases for larger projects.
Is it cheaper to install quartz countertops yourself?
In most cases, DIY installation won’t save much on cost once you factor in purchasing tools, adhesives, and handling the heavy materials. The risks of cracking or improper installation also make DIY less appealing for most homeowners.
How thick are quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops are typically 3/4″ to 1-1/4″ thick. Thicker slabs are more durable and resist bending or warping. Most fabricators recommend a minimum 3/4″ thickness.
Can you install IKEA quartz countertops yourself?
Yes, IKEA quartz countertops like the Kasker line are designed for DIY installation. IKEA provides detailed instructions and includes all adhesives and hardware needed. These slimmer countertops are lighter and easier to handle than full slabs.
Does a handyman install quartz countertops?
Quartz fabrication and installation requires specialized tools and experience that most handymen lack. You’ll get better results hiring a professional quartz installer or fabricator rather than a general handyman or contractor.
Should I get quartz countertops professionally installed?
Yes, professional installation is strongly recommended for quartz countertops. The heavy material and need for seamless cuts and joins makes DIY installation extremely difficult. The cost of hiring a pro pays off in a flawless finished look.
How long does it take to install a quartz countertop?
The installation time varies based on size but typically takes 2 to 3 days for a full kitchen. The countertops must first be fabricated offsite before the Installer can fit them in place. Most jobs take 1 day for templating, 1 day for fabrication, and 1 day for install.
Can quartz countertops be installed over existing countertops?
It’s generally not recommended to install quartz over old countertops. The uneven surface underneath can cause cracking or breaking. For best results, old countertops should be removed prior to installing new quartz countertops.
Conclusion
Installing new quartz countertops is a significant investment that can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bath at around $100 per square foot installed. Paying a professional to handle the fabrication and installation is the best way to ensure your new quartz surfaces are perfectly fitted and built to last. While DIY quartz installation is technically possible for some, the risks and challenges make hiring a pro advisable for most homeowners. With some smart planning and design choices, you can keep your total installation costs on the lower end while still enjoying beautiful, durable quartz countertops.