Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. Often seen as an upscale alternative to natural stone and laminate, quartz combines natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments to create a durable, low-maintenance, and stylish countertop. But how much does quartz countertop cost per square foot installed? Let’s take a closer look at quartz countertops, their pros and cons, pricing factors, and cost comparisons to help homeowners budget for a quartz countertop installation.
What is Quartz Countertop?
Quartz countertop, also known as engineered stone, is made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with polyresin adhesives and pigments. The quartz content typically ranges from 90-94%, with the remainder consisting of binding agents and color.
The mixture is molded into slabs and hardened under vacuum conditions to create a non-porous material. The slabs are then finished with a sealing treatment before fabrication and installation. This process allows quartz to be molded into consistent, durable surfaces unlike natural stone.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Non-porous – resists stains and bacteria growth
- Consistent coloring and patterns
- Low maintenance – no ongoing sealing needed
- Heat and impact resistant
- Available in wide range of colors and styles
- Long lifespan – does not etch or wear easily
Drawbacks of Quartz Countertops:
- Higher cost than laminate or tile
- Requires professional installation
- Seams may be visible between slabs
- Limited ability to repair damage compared to natural stone
- Some patterns may appear unnatural
With benefits like durability, low maintenance, and resistance to damage, it’s easy to see why quartz has surged in popularity for busy kitchens and baths. But the higher material and installation costs mean it’s important to understand what impacts the price per square foot.
What Impacts the Cost of Quartz Countertops?
Many factors affect what you’ll ultimately pay to have quartz countertops installed in your home. Here are some of the key considerations:
Quartz Material and Grade
Quartz pricing can range dramatically based on the brand, pattern, and stone grade you select. Higher-end, premium quartz made by companies like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone range from $65-$150 per square foot. Budget quartz options start around $40 per square foot. More complex patterns, special finishes, and rare stone grades increase costs.
Color and Finishes
Quartz slabs come in a endless array of colors from crisp whites to bold blues. Popular finishes include polished, matte, and leathered textures. Some specialty finishes like crackled or metallic can add $10-$15 per square foot. Deeper, darker quartz colors may also cost slightly more than lighter tones.
Supplier, Fabricator, and Installer Fees
In addition to the base material cost, you’ll need to factor in fees for suppliers, fabricators, and installers involved. Most suppliers charge 30-50% on top of the slab cost. Fabrication fees range from $40-$100 per cutout or seam. Installation costs $5-$15 per square foot depending on complexity.
Countertop Dimensions and Layout
The total square footage of your project impacts cost. Due to cutting and seams, quartz for larger surface areas like kitchen islands can have 15-20% added waste costs. Complex layouts with multiple seams, cutouts, and edge profiles will also increase fabrication time and expenses.
Regional Labor Costs
Like other home improvement projects, local labor rates affect quartz countertop costs. Installation in high-demand areas like New York City or San Francisco will be pricier than rural regions. Be sure to get contractor quotes based on your specific area.
Transportation Fees
If rare or specialty slabs must be shipped long distances by the supplier, this can drive up costs. Be wary of significant transportation fees if your fabricator and materials are not locally sourced.
What Does Quartz Countertop Cost Per Square Foot?
So what can the average homeowner expect to budget for quartz countertops? Here are some typical per square foot costs:
- Quartz Material Cost: $40-$150 per sq. ft.
- Fabrication Cost: $40-$100 per cutout/seam
- Installation Cost: $5-$15 per sq. ft.
- Total Avg. Cost: $80-$200 per sq. ft. installed
Most home projects end up in the $100-$150 per square foot range when all factors are included. High-end materials and complex installations can exceed $200 per square foot.
However, it’s important to note that the total cost involves more than just multiplying by the square footage. You’ll need to account for seams, cutting, edges, and other custom fabrication required. Be sure to get an itemized quote for your specific project.
Quartz vs. Other Countertop Materials
How does the cost of quartz compare to other popular countertop materials? Here’s an overview:
- Laminate countertops cost $20-$50 per sq. ft. installed making them the most budget-friendly option. However, laminate is less durable, prone to scratching and burns, and lacks the high-end look of quartz.
- Tile countertops range from $10-$50 per sq. ft. installed. Porcelain and ceramic tile is durable and affordable but requires grout sealing and a specialist for installation.
- Granite countertops range from $60-$150 per sq. ft. installed, on par with mid-range to high-end quartz. Granite requires annual sealing and can have minor maintenance issues quartz lacks.
- Marble countertops start around $70 per sq. ft. installed for low-end options. But rare marble can exceed $200 per sq. ft. Marble stains easily and requires vigilant sealing.
- Concrete countertops start around $100 per sq. ft. installed. They offer great customization but are prone to cracking and need ongoing sealing.
For most homeowners, quartz offers the best balance of durability, low maintenance, and style within the average $100-$150 per square foot budget range. Keep reading for more details on cost savings tips and most frequently asked questions about installing quartz countertops.
Tips for Saving on Quartz Countertop Costs
Here are some smart ways to get the high-end quartz look while minimizing the impact on your budget:
- Consider lower-priced quartz options – Brands like Silestone offer lines starting around $50 per square foot that mimic pricier materials.
- Use quartz only where needed – Use more affordable laminate or tile in less visible areas to save costs.
- Search for quartz remnants – Shops frequently sell discounted remnants from previous jobs that work well for smaller surfaces.
- Shop for quartz slab sales – Look for warehouse sales, specials, and discontinued patterns that are marked down.
- Install yourself – Quartz requires professional fabrication, but you can DIY an uncomplicated layout for the cost of adhesives.
- Provide accurate measurements – Take detailed measurements to minimize cuts and waste material fees from the fabricator.
- Consider smaller edge profiles – Simple eased or small bevel edges cost less to fabricate than ornate edges.
- Use backsplashes selectively – Full height backsplashes drive up installation time and costs. Opt for a 4-6 inch backsplash with occasional full sections.
With some savvy planning and shopping, you can cut quartz countertop costs without sacrificing quality or aesthetics for your space.
FAQs About Quartz Countertop Costs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions homeowners have about the cost to install quartz countertops:
How Much Does Quartz Countertop Cost For a 10×10 Kitchen?
For a relatively straightforward 10×10 kitchen layout, you can expect to pay $1,500-$2,500 for quartz countertop installation. This assumes approximately 40 square feet of countertop at $80-$100 per square foot for mid-range quartz. Complex designs or premium materials may exceed $3,000.
Is Quartz Cheaper Than Granite?
Quartz often has a similar overall installed cost compared to granite for mid-range options of both materials. However, granite requires yearly sealing whereas quartz does not, so long term quartz may be cheaper than granite. But high-end exotic granite can also far exceed the most premium quartz options.
Is Quartz Worth The Extra Cost Over Laminate?
With laminate costing $20-$50 per square foot installed compared to $80-$150 for quartz, is it worth the upgrade? For most homeowners, quartz provides much higher durability, stain resistance, and aesthetics over laminate. If you plan to stay in your home long term or want high resale value, investing in quartz over laminate is often worth the extra cost.
Can You Install Quartz Countertops Yourself?
You can potentially install quartz yourself, but it’s not advisable for most DIYers. Quartz requires professional fabrication to cut, edge, and seam the slabs properly. However, you can install pre-fab quartz countertops or place fabricated pieces using adhesive and brackets. This is best left to experienced renovators.
Is It Cheaper To Buy Quartz Remnants?
Purchasing a quartz remnant can offer significant savings off buying a full slab, with discounts of 50% or more. The main drawback is having limited color and size options to match your space. But for small surfaces like bathroom vanities, islands, or eating bars, a remnant can deliver big savings.
Can You Repair Damage To Quartz Countertops?
While quartz is damage-resistant, chips, cracks, and stains can still occur. Seam repairs require a pro, but chips under 1/8 inch can be sanded down then re-polished by a specialist. Stains usually require replacing the section. Overall, minor damage repair is limited with quartz compared to materials like granite.
Conclusion
While quartz countertops come at a higher price than options like laminate, their durability, low-maintenance, and resistance to scratching, staining, and bacteria make them a smart long-term investment for busy kitchens and baths. With smart shopping and planning, most homeowners can install high-quality, stylish quartz surfaces for $80-$150 per square foot.
Be sure to get an itemized quote upfront that accounts for all necessary fabrication and installation details. And consider cost-saving steps like using quartz only where needed, buying remnants, or installing yourself. With an average lifespan of 15-25 years with proper care, quartz countertops can provide lasting beauty and value for your home.