Quartz countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. Though quartz is not the least expensive countertop option, there are ways to get quartz countertops at an affordable price. Here is an overview of the cheapest quartz countertop options on the market.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a material that is non-porous, stain resistant, and durable.
Some key advantages of quartz countertops:
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant
- Requires very little maintenance
- Resists stains, acid, and heat
- Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
- Non-porous so does not require sealing
While natural stone like granite must be sealed regularly, quartz does not require this maintenance. The material is engineered to be stain proof and waterproof. This makes quartz an excellent choice for kitchens and baths.
Cheapest Quartz Countertop Options
Though not as inexpensive as options like laminate, there are quartz brands and styles that can fit smaller budgets. Here are some of the most economical quartz countertops on the market today.
Value Brands
Opting for a value-priced quartz brand is one of the best ways to reduce costs. Brands like MSI and Caesarstone offer more budget-friendly product lines.
The lowest priced MSI quartz line starts around $50 per square foot installed. Caesarstone has an entry-level quartz line that starts at $57 per square foot installed.
Though not the cheapest on the market, these value product lines offer an affordable way to get the durability and aesthetic of quartz. They come in popular color choices like white and gray.
Thin Quartz
Another way to save on quartz countertops is to opt for a thinner material thickness.
The standard thickness for quartz slabs is 1.25 inches. However, some manufacturers offer thinner options around 0.75 inches thick. As less material is used, it lowers costs.
Thin quartz starts around $70 per square foot installed. Brands like Cambria and Silestone offer thin options.
One downside is that thinner quartz is more prone to cracking if not installed properly on a smooth substrate. The 10-year warranties may also exclude cracking damage.
DIY Installation
A significant portion of the cost for new countertops comes from professional installation. One way to lower the overall price is to install the quartz yourself.
Quartz slabs can be ordered directly from manufacturers or suppliers. Prices range from $40-$75 per square foot for the materials only.
With careful planning, the right tools, and help from experienced friends, a DIY install can save hundreds in labor costs. However, improper installation can also lead to damage.
Quarts Tile
Instead of a full slab, using quartz tile is cheaper. Smaller quartz tiles come mounted on meshes or sheets to make installation easier.
Prices for quartz tile start around $10 per square foot. With DIY installation, the total cost can be less than $20 per square foot.
The main disadvantage is dealing with grout lines. More grout means more maintenance required to keep it clean. Quartz tiles also have a more distinct grid-like look.
Recycled Quartz
Using recycled or reclaimed quartz is an eco-friendly way to reduce costs. Recycled slabs or smaller pieces can be re-finished and re-fabricated into countertops.
Recycled quartz prices are around 20-30% less than new material. However, there is more limited supply, color options, and sizes available.
Cost Factors
Several factors impact the overall installed price of quartz countertops:
- Brand – Higher-end luxury brands cost more than value-priced options
- Thickness – Thicker slabs are more expensive
- Color/Finish – Unique colors and finishes add cost
- Fabrication – Intricate edgework, cutouts, etc. increase fabrication fees
- Installation – Complex projects take more time and skill to install properly
What is the Cheapest Quartz Countertops – Conclusion
While not the absolute cheapest option, there are ways to get quartz countertops on a budget. Opting for a value-brand quartz in a thinner size and installing yourself offers the maximum cost savings.
However, quartz remains a significant investment. Being informed on the different factors that impact pricing helps make the best selection to suit your budget and needs. With some smart choices, you can gain the benefits of stylish and durable quartz countertops at an affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness of quartz is cheapest?
The thinnest option, around 0.75 inches, offers the lowest cost for quartz material. However, very thin quartz under 1 inch is more prone to cracking and damage over time.
Is DIY quartz installation hard?
Quartz is relatively straightforward for DIY installs compared to natural stone. But proper preparation and handling of large slabs requires caution. Poor DIY installs can lead to cracking or damage.
Can you use quartz remnants for a cheap option?
Possibly. Fabricators often have remnant pieces left over from jobs. Small quartz remnants can potentially be used for projects like backsplashes. However, availability of specific colors and sizes will be limited.
Is there an IKEA option for cheap quartz?
IKEA does offer some affordable quartz-like countertop options. However, these are not actually quartz but rather laminates designed to imitate the quartz look. Durability and quality is not as high.
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
In general, quartz runs $10-20 per square foot more than granite. But quartz doesn’t require regular sealing. Long-term maintenance costs for quartz are lower. Cost differences also depend on the specific brands chosen.