Quartz is becoming a more and more popular countertop material among homeowners who want to switch to a stone that is long-lasting and requires little upkeep. There are many advantages to choosing quartz, such as rich color and pattern variations, ease of cleaning, and resistance to scratches and stains. Unlike natural stone, because quartz is designed, it is not permeable. Quartz frequently manages to replicate the appearance of genuine stones, even though granite countertops and other stones of a similar nature are renowned for their beauty.
However, when shopping for quartz, you will quickly notice a large price disparity between seemingly similar products. Quartz countertop costs are affected by a variety of factors, so we’ll break down the basics below.
Factors that affect the cost of quartz countertops include the grade of material, the complexity of the design (brand, type, and color) work, who worked on it, and where you got the countertops from, so let’s explore each one.
Quartz countertops range in price from $50 to $200 per square foot, with most costs between $70 and $100 per square foot. Quartz is typically sold in slabs around 120 by 55 inches. The more boards needed to complete the countertop, the more expensive the project will be.
Prices may vary by manufacturer and brand. Quartz slab size will affect the overall cost of counter installation, as the amount of counter space in the home will determine how much quartz the homeowner will need to purchase. Some companies have minimum purchasing requirements.
Quartz countertops are made from natural stone plus resins and additives. Quartz slabs that contain more resin and fillers tend to cost less, but they may have a less vibrant appearance than higher-priced, brightly colored, high-quality slabs.
Once you decide to install quartz countertops in your home, you will have to narrow down the quality of slabs you want to purchase. These three types of quartz countertops have different visual attributes, colors, and finishes.
Grade |
Price |
Resin Content |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
First Choice |
$75 – $200 |
7% – 8% |
This type of quartz is rich in color, with the most vivid colors and little visible veining or variation. Due to its smooth surface, quartz countertops of this quality are sometimes mistaken for marble. |
|
Commercial Grade |
$60 – $80 |
8% – 11% |
This type of quartz is the most common type of countertop. The quality is often higher than the second choice quartz stone, but not as respected as the first choice quartz stone. |
|
Second Choice (Builder's Grade) |
$50 – $65 |
12%+ |
This type of quartz will have discoloration and texture, but it may not be noticeable. While still durable, quartz countertops of this quality don't have the same vibrancy or shine as preferred quartz. |
Quartz countertop colors are specific to each countertop manufacturer, with different brand names and visual texture variations. Popular quartz countertop colors, such as white with gray veining, warm beige, or dark terracotta, cost about $50 to $80 per square foot.
The price of quartz depends largely on the color, but custom or less common options may cost more.
Colors |
Price per Square Foot |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Concrete |
$50 – $80 |
Gray quartz countertops with a concrete rustic look. |
|
White |
$50 – $80 |
White quartz countertops that look like Calacatta marble. |
|
Brown |
$60 – $80 |
Brown quartz countertops with granite-like flecks. |
From traditional products like Caesarstone to newer products like Corian Quartz, the brand of the quartz material is a cost factor. The quality of the quartz stone will affect the cost of the countertop. Brand also affects the overall price of the project. Here are some of the most common quartz countertop brands and their cost per square foot.
Brand |
Price per Square Foot |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Caesar Stone |
$56 – $171 |
Founded in 1987, Caesarstone was the first manufacturer to develop quartz surface materials. |
|
Cambria |
$60 – $150 |
The Eden Prior, Minn.-based company has been producing quartz countertops since 2000, and Cambria countertops are made in the United States. |
|
Corian |
$60 – $117 |
Corian is well known to many as a producer of solid surface kitchen and bathroom materials. Corian also offers quartz countertop products Corian Quartz. |
|
HanStone Quartz |
$40 – $125 |
A well-known manufacturer of engineered quartz surfacing materials, offering a wide range of high-quality quartz countertops and surfacing solutions. |
|
Silestone |
$50 – $120 |
A brand of artificial quartz surface materials produced by the Spanish company Cosentino Group and widely recognized for its high-quality quartz products. |
|
Viatera |
$35 – $100 |
Viatera is a brand owned by LG Hausys, which focuses on the production of artificial quartz surface materials. |
A quartz countertop’s finish gives it a distinctive appearance and can change the mood of a space.Quartz countertop finishes come in three different varieties.
1. Honed Surface
The surface of the countertop is artfully polished to create a matte finish. This type of finish does a good job of hiding chips, stains, and streaks, but not all quartz countertops can have a matte finish.
2. Matte Finish
This finish has more texture and depth than a matte finish. The suede finish complements the dark quartz countertops and is easy to maintain with a simple wipe down. This finish is not available in all quartz colors.
3. Polished Finish
This traditional countertop finish is smooth, glossy, and bright. The countertops are polished to a shiny surface to achieve this effect. Maintaining a shiny finish requires additional polishing.
Square or gentle (slightly rounded) edges may be included in the cost of the countertop. Special countertop edges, such as rounded, beveled, mitered, concave or waterfall, are available for an additional fee.
Countertop edges are priced per linear foot. While some edging styles may cost more or less than others, the price for edging treatments can total around $14.50 per linear foot, up to $65 per linear foot. The average cost of quartz countertop edge treatment is $39.75 per foot.
Before the countertops are installed, make sure to find out what kind of edge treatment is included, if you have a preference. Here are some common ways to treat the edges of quartz stone countertops.
Edging |
Cost per Foot |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Eased |
$5 – $30 |
Top edge slightly rounded. |
|
Straight |
$10 – $30 |
Top and bottom edges slightly rounded for safety. |
|
Round/Half Bullnose |
$10 – $30 |
The upper part of the edge is rounded. |
|
Full Bullnose |
$20 – $45 |
Top and bottom edges completely rounded. |
|
Bevel |
$20 – $45 |
Edges cut at 45 degree angle. |
|
Double Bullnose |
$30 – $60 |
This treatment involves two rounded edges. |
|
Ogee |
$30 – $60 |
Top edge is S-shaped cut. |
|
Dupont |
$30 – $60 |
Cut the top edge at a 90 degree angle and the bottom edge with a quarter circle. |
Quartz countertop corners can be a continuation of two adjacent edge treatments or they can be made separately. Individual quartz countertop corners cost from $27.50 to $150 per corner. On average, each professional countertop corner costs $89.
Different grades of slope around the edges add a unique touch to your new countertop. Beveled edges (edges less than 90 degrees) are standard on most quartz countertops. If you want to customize the edges of your counters with a specific pattern or unique design, you should expect to pay $5 to $60 per square foot. Special ordering these customizations may also take longer.
When budgeting quartz countertop costs, it’s beneficial to be aware of any other price factors and considerations that may add to the price of the project. This includes the cost of removing old countertops, backsplash installation, cutouts, duct work and additions.
It is recommended to hire a professional when installing quartz countertops. Quartz slabs are heavy to move without the proper tools, weighing 20 to 25 pounds per square foot.
The price range for labor to install a quartz countertop is $35 to $85 per hour, or $10 to $30 per square foot. Should an on-site power outage be necessary, labor expenses will increase. The cost of labor and materials will also increase with a matching quartz backsplash.
While quartz typically costs more than granite countertops, prices are starting to level out. Granite countertops in rare colors range in price from $40 per square foot to over $100 per square foot (for material only). If you are interested in the cost of granite countertops, feel free to read our previous article: How to Estimate Granite Countertops Cost?
Before installing new quartz countertops during a kitchen or bathroom remodel. The old countertops had to be removed to make way for the new quartz countertops. Countertop removal includes safe removal without damage to cabinets, sink and cooktop removal and disposal of countertops.
Expect to pay $5 to $15 per square foot to remove old countertops, with the average being a little over $10 per square foot. Heavier stones such as granite, slate or quartz will cost the most. It is recommended to have a professional remove the old countertop to ensure that the cabinets are not damaged in the process. Make sure to inquire about removal costs in the quote you receive from specialists, as some of them do.
Before installing quartz countertops, you must ensure that the cabinets are properly leveled to provide adequate support. Failure to do so may cause damage to the countertop, such as cracking or deformation. Professionals often use spacers placed between the floor and cabinets to achieve a level surface. If the job involves more intensive grading, labor and material costs may be higher.
Installing a quartz backsplash that matches your countertops will incur additional costs during the installation process. This is due to the need for additional materials and increased labor. Note that the cost of quartz for the backsplash will equal the cost of quartz for the countertops. This is one of the more expensive backsplash ideas compared to cheaper materials like tile or natural stone.
The cost to ship quartz slabs is approximately $150 to $200. Quartz is heavy (about 20 to 25 pounds per square foot), making transportation more difficult. Also, if you don’t have a vehicle large enough to transport the quartz, you’ll need to spend money to rent a delivery truck anyway.
Polishing quartz countertops after installation can make them look sparkling. You can expect to pay $4 to $6 per square foot for this.
Some homeowners also prefer to use sealant, but since quartz is not porous, sealant is not really necessary for cost-conscious homeowners.
Other add-ons such as corner treatments, seams, sink removal and installation, and adding extra support for the weight of the countertop will all increase the price of quartz countertop installation.
Installing an undermount kitchen sink on quartz countertops costs approximately $500, including the sink and labor.
Quartz countertop panels are large slabs that are 120 inches long by 63 inches wide, so the manufacturer’s job is to cut the quartz to size and make the cuts where needed. Sink cutouts on quartz countertops cost $200 to $500 per cut, with an average of $350 per cut.
Sink faucets fit through the sink apron, so no holes in the countertop are required. If you choose an undermount sink, the faucet must pass through the countertop. Faucet holes cost about $20 each. The average kitchen sink faucet has three holes.
Many homeowners choose to reorganize, upgrade, or add plumbing under their new countertops after completing this project. Duct removal typically costs $75 to $85 per square foot.
The cost of removing equipment will vary. For example, gutter removal typically costs between $200 and $300. Larger appliances such as dishwashers may cost more.
The average additional cost for disconnecting and reconnecting plumbing lines and pipes is between $150 and $400.
We recommend that when you make your final choice of quartz, be sure to view the complete slab before purchasing. Most showrooms have smaller quartz samples, which makes it harder to see the color and full pattern effects. You might like the idea of a dramatic sample-based texture, but it makes a much bigger impact when the entire board covers your kitchen island.
Choosing the stone that best suits your decor is as important as its durability and cost. Shop around to find a manufacturer with the right capabilities to handle your specific project and the ability to create the level of detail you desire. If possible, make sure to finalize the layout with a designer ahead of time even before shopping for the best deal, as it may determine the amount of raw materials required, and remember to include all other potential expenses to accurately calculate quartz countertop costs.
If you would like to get a quote for quartz countertops, please feel free to contact us!
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