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- Typical Range: $1,500 to $12,000
- National Average: $4,500
Quartz countertops are trending and attractive—and they can boost your home’s resale value. According to HomeAdvisor, quartz countertops cost between $1,500 and $12,000, with the national average at $4,500. The cost of quartz countertops is between $50 and $200 per square foot and averages around $125 per square foot, including labor and materials.
Don’t confuse quartz countertops with natural quartzite. Engineered quartz can repel microbes and moisture and is less expensive than quartzite. While quartz countertops are typically comparable in price to quartzite, they have a more consistent color and pattern. If you’re seeking a modern look for your home, quartz countertops can provide the overall long-lasting aesthetic you want.
Factors in Calculating Quartz Countertops Cost
Several factors impact quartz countertops cost. Prices can differ from the national average due to the amount of material needed, material and labor costs, brand, countertop finish, edge treatments, and cabinet leveling.
Amount of Material Needed
Quartz countertops prices range between $50 and $200 per square foot. The price can change due to the manufacturer and brand. The quartz slab size will impact the overall cost for counter installation because the amount of counter space in a home will determine how much quartz a homeowner needs to purchase. Some companies have a minimum purchase requirement.
Materials and Labor
The labor cost for quartz countertop installation ranges from $35 to $85 per hour or $10 to $30 per square foot. If on-site cutouts need to be made for electrical outlets, the cost of labor will be more. A matching quartz backsplash will also add to the cost of labor and materials. While quartz is typically more expensive than the cost of granite countertops, the prices have started to equalize. Granite countertops cost from $40 per square foot to upward of $100 per square foot (for materials alone) for rare colors.
Brand
Quartz’s quality will affect the cost of countertops. The brand also impacts the overall price of the project. Here are some of the most common brands of quartz countertops and their cost per square foot.
- Caesarstone: $55 to $400 per square foot
- Cambria Quartz: $60 to $150 per square foot
- Corian Quartz: $60 to $100 per square foot
- HanStone Quartz: $40 to $125 per square foot
- Silestone: $50 to $120 per square foot
- Viatera: $35 to $100 per square foot
Finish
The finish of a quartz countertop gives it a unique look and can influence the atmosphere of the room. There are three types of quartz countertop finishes.
- Honed finish: The countertop’s surface is smoothed down to create a matte finish. This type of finish is good at hiding crumbs, smudges, and streaks, but not all quartz countertops can have a matte finish.
- Sueded finish: There is more texture and depth with this finish than with a honed finish. A sueded finish complements darker quartz countertops and is easy to maintain with a simple wipe down. This finish can’t be used on all quartz colors.
- Polished finish: This traditional countertop finish is lustrous and shiny. The countertops are buffed to create a brilliant surface to achieve this finish. Maintaining the shiny surface requires additional polishing.
Edge Treatments
Edge treatments can increase quartz countertop costs. The range of treatments can cost from $5 to $60 per linear foot. Some manufacturers offer more intricate and detailed edge treatments, which are more expensive than the standard bevel, eased, and half-bullnose cuts. Some of the traditional cuts are included in the price of the quartz countertop, so if you have a preference, be sure to ask what type of edge treatment is included before the countertops are installed. Here are some common quartz countertop edge treatments.
- Eased: A slightly rounded top edge costs between $5 and $30 per foot.
- Straight: There is a slight rounding at the top and bottom edge for safety, and it costs between $10 and $30 per foot.
- Rounded/Half-bullnose: The top half of the edge is rounded, and it runs between $10 and $30 per square foot.
- Full bullnose: The top and bottom edges are completely rounded. This costs between $20 and $45 per square foot.
- Bevel: The edge is cut at a 45-degree angle and averages between $20 and $45 per square foot.
- Double bullnose: Two bullnose rounded edges cost between $30 and $60 per square foot.
- Ogee: The top edge features an S-cut and runs between $30 and $60 per square foot.
- Dupont: The top edge is cut at a 90-degree angle and a quarter-round below. This averages between $30 and $60 per square foot.
Leveling
Before quartz countertops can be installed, the cabinets need to be leveled to support the weight, or else the countertops may crack or warp. A professional can use shims between the floor and the cabinets to ensure a level surface. If the job involves more intensive leveling, it will cost more in labor and materials.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for quartz countertop costs, it’s beneficial to know any additional price factors and considerations that can increase the project’s price. These include the cost of removing old countertops, backsplash installation, cutouts, plumbing work, and add-ons.
Old Countertop Removal
Old countertops need to be removed before new quartz countertops can be installed. The average price for removing the old countertops is about $5 to $15 per square foot. It’s recommended to have a professional remove the old countertops to ensure the cabinetry isn’t damaged in the process. Some professionals include the removal price in their quote, so be sure to ask if the quote you receive includes this service.
Backsplash Installation
Installing a matching quartz backsplash will add to the price of the installation project. Extra material and labor costs will raise the overall cost. The cost of quartz for a backsplash will be the same as the cost of quartz for countertops.
Sink, Faucet, Cooktop, and Outlet Cutouts
Some stock countertops and those found at home improvement stores will include a sink cutout as part of the price of the quartz countertop. Expect to pay extra for faucet, cooktop, and outlet cutouts. Some installation companies may include the price of cutouts in their quote, but be sure to double-check.
Plumbing Work
On average, disconnecting and reconnecting pipes and plumbing lines will add an extra $150 to $400 to the overall cost.
Other Add-Ons
Other add-ons such as edge and corner treatments, seaming, sink removal and installation, and adding extra support for the weight of the countertops will increase the price of quartz countertop installation.
Types of Quartz Countertops
Once you’ve decided on installing quartz countertops in your home, you’ll have to narrow down the quality of the slab to purchase. These three types of quartz countertops have differing visual attributes, colors, and finishes available.
First Choice
This top-notch quality quartz averages between $75 and $200 per square foot. This type of quartz boasts rich colors and has almost no visible veining. Due to its smooth finish, this quality of quartz countertop is sometimes mistaken for marble.
Commercial
Mid-tier quartz can run between $65 and $75 per square foot. This type of quartz is also known as builder’s grade quartz, and it’s the most common type used for countertops.
Second Choice
Expect to pay between $50 and $65 per square foot for second-choice material. This type of quartz will have discoloration and veins, but they may not be pronounced. While still durable, this quality of quartz countertop isn’t as vibrant or lustrous as first-choice quartz.
Why Choose Quartz for Countertops?
Durable and sleek with various design options, quartz countertops are a quality alternative to granite countertop installation. Here are some popular reasons more and more homeowners opt for quartz countertop installation in their homes.
Style and Design
Whatever style aesthetic you choose for your home, quartz countertops can match it. From modern to rustic to traditional, quartz countertops can match any style. Quartz countertops have a consistent pattern, color, and appearance throughout the length of each slab due to the controlled manufacturing process for the engineered stone. The expected pattern can easily be matched between two slabs to hide seams successfully. Quartz countertops have plenty of options for patterns, colors, finishes, and edge designs. Additionally, quartz has a wide range of color options and patterns that mimic natural stone like marble or granite.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Quartz countertops are durable and easy to clean. Quartz is resistant to bacteria growth, heat, stains, and scratches, and quartz doesn’t need to be sealed.
Return on Investment
Durable quartz countertops are an excellent long-term investment. Homeowners can expect the return on investment for installing quartz countertops to be 80 percent or more when replacing old laminate countertops. Quartz countertops are an attractive selling point to potential buyers when the time comes to sell your home.
No Sealing Required and Stain Resistant
Quartz is nontoxic, nonporous, and antimicrobial. There is no sealing required, and quartz countertops are generally stain resistant (although some chemicals may stain a countertop). Be sure to use cleaners designed for natural stone to avoid any discoloration since these countertops are manufactured from 93 percent natural quartz and 7 percent resin.
Durability
Compared with granite countertops, quartz countertops are more durable. Quartz countertops are made from natural ground quartz and mixed with adhesives, synthetic materials, and binding agents. It’s made into slabs by using high temperatures to create a durable surface that’s perfect for high-traffic countertops.
Eco-Friendly Choice
Quartz countertops produce fewer carbon emissions during manufacturing and are considered a more eco-friendly countertop choice. Since the quartz used for making countertops is the byproduct of quartz that has already been mined, no additional energy is used for the mining of products specifically for countertops. Some of the top quartz countertop brands are made in the United States, significantly lowering transportation costs.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
It’s recommended to hire a professional when installing quartz countertops. Quartz slabs can weigh between 20 and 25 pounds per square foot and are difficult to move unless you have the correct equipment. Professionals have the proper tools to cut and install quartz countertops and do the job right. If you decide to rent cutting tools for sink cutouts or edge finishes and make a mistake, you will incur extra expenses to replace the quartz slab. Installing quartz countertops is not recommended as a DIY project. recommended to install quartz countertops in your home.
How to Save Money on Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertop costs can be high, and the additional fees associated with the project can quickly add up. One way to save money on quartz countertop costs is to install the cheapest quartz you can find, but there are other ways to save without compromising on quality and the options you want.
- Get multiple quotes. Get at least three quotes from reputable installation companies in your area.
- Double-check that quote. Once you get an estimate for quartz countertop installation, be sure to read the quote carefully. Does it include the installation price, or is it just for a quartz slab? Are transportation, measurements, cutouts, and more included with the price quote?
- Buy during the off-season. Buying quartz countertops after the holidays in January may ensure a lower price or in-store deals.
- Be flexible. If you can adapt your remodel to a time when the contractor has less work during a slow time, you may be able to enjoy significant discounts. If you insist on a rush job or plan an installation when the contractor is busy and in high demand, you will most likely pay more.
- Keep an open mind. If the price of your first choice is out of your budget, keep looking. You may find a less expensive quartz countertop that you love without breaking the bank.
- Limit the number of slabs. Keeping the number of quartz slabs to one instead of two can significantly lower material costs. Ask if you can purchase half a slab, or for a small project like a bathroom counter, inquire if quartz remnants are an option.
- Go for a thinner slab. A thicker slab of quartz will cost more than a thinner one. A professional can also modify the overall appearance by adding a thicker edge.
Questions to Ask When Buying
Asking the right questions about quartz countertop costs can minimize miscommunication and save money. Here are some questions to ask a quartz countertop professional.
- Do you have industry certification?
- Are you licensed and insured? (Some states might require a contractor to be licensed, while others do not.)
- Do you have references?
- Who will install the countertops?
- How much quartz is in the countertops?
- How long has the manufacturer been in business?
- What finishes are available in the countertop I chose?
- How long will the installation take?
- How should I maintain the countertops?
- What type of warranty do you offer?
FAQs
Deciding on quartz countertops while staying within your budget can be a daunting process. Here are some frequently asked questions about quartz countertop costs to help guide you in your decisions.
Q. Can I install a quartz countertop in my outdoor kitchen?
Quartz is a popular material for homeowners to choose when deciding on countertops for an outdoor kitchen. Quartz is durable and can withstand the elements. To ensure the longevity of quartz, do not install the countertops in direct sunlight to avoid warping and fading and potentially voiding a warranty.
Q. Is quartz better than granite?
One is not necessarily better than the other, and it comes down to personal preference. Granite is a natural stone and has a varied appearance, and granite countertop cost is usually lower than quartz. Granite is not considered environmentally friendly since it needs to be quarried and can incur hefty transportation costs. Certain acids and oils can damage some granite, and granite countertops need to be resealed yearly to avoid staining. Quartz is manufactured using a high percentage of natural quartz. It has the look of natural stone while being able to be customized. Quartz is more expensive than granite, and it is considered more environmentally friendly. Quartz also doesn’t require sealing and is more durable than granite.
Q. Can I put a hot pan on a quartz countertop?
Quartz countertops are heat resistant but not heatproof. Placing a hot pan directly out of the oven onto the countertop will permanently burn the countertop.
Q. Can I chop vegetables on a quartz countertop?
Yes, you can cut vegetables on a quartz countertop, but it’s not recommended. Cutting food on a hard surface like quartz can damage knives. A quartz countertop is scratch resistant, but it’s not scratchproof. Repeated cutting on the surface may cause scratches, and bacteria may grow in the abrasions.
Q. Is quartz scratch resistant?
Yes, quartz is scratch resistant but not scratchproof.
Q. Can I roll dough on a quartz countertop?
Dough can be rolled out on a quartz countertop, but be sure to follow these guidelines:
- Don’t roll out dough that uses liquid food coloring on a quartz countertop since it can stain.
- Only use soap and water to clean the countertop since the dough can absorb chemical cleaners.
- Don’t roll dough where there are countertop seams.
Q. Why is my quartz countertop chipping?
Dropping a heavy item on the countertop can cause it to chip. Sitting or standing on the surface can create a crack and cause it to chip. Using the countertop as a cutting board can also cause scratches that may lead to chipping.
Q. How do I maintain my quartz countertop properly?
Quartz countertops should be cleaned with soap and water with a soft cloth. Be sure to clean off any colored liquids immediately to avoid potential staining. For deep cleaning, a glass cleaner should be sprayed on, left for 10 minutes, and wiped. Only use a degreaser that’s formulated for quartz countertops, and always use cutting boards and trivets for hot pans.
Q. How do I fix a dent in a quartz countertop?
First, check the warranty to see if a repair is covered. If you need to repair it yourself, you can use a repair kit that typically uses an epoxy or chemical spray to harden the repair.
Q. How long will a quartz countertop last on average?
A quartz countertop will last as long as you’d like to have it in your kitchen.