Quartz countertop is my favorite countertop material. I like the fact it can come in a less “busy” design than granite and offers more color options.
The downside is quartz is just as, if not more expensive than granite.
How expensive is a quartz countertop? Check out our calculator below to get an approximate cost estimate.
Quartz Countertop Cost Calculator
Assumptions:
The above calculator is based on the following assumptions:
Quartz costs:
- Low: $55/sq. ft.
- Mid: $70/sq. ft.
- High: $90/sq. ft.
Labor costs:
- Basic: $45/sq. ft.
- Some additional work needed: $75/sq. ft.
- Lots of additional work needed: $90/sq. ft.
More: Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops | Granite Countertop Cost Calculator | Quartz Countertop Brands | Tile Kitchen Countertops | All home improvement calculators
Disclaimer: Our calculator is intended to be used as a guideline only calculating a rough approximate cost. There are many variables involved which makes it impossible to calculate with any certainty the precise cost of your quartz countertops. Moreover, our calculator is not a quote for fees. We do not sell quartz counters, nor do install countertops.
Adding natural stone to your kitchen is a great way to create a maintenance-free, beautiful, and traditional look. Quartz is gaining popularity for the low maintenance aspect and the multitude of styles and colors available of the many natural stone options.
Adding quartz to your kitchen or bathroom may be an enticing endeavor, but be aware that quartz, like many natural stones, can come with a high price tag. Below, let’s take a look at quartz and the many factors that can determine the overall cost for quartz countertops in your kitchen or bathroom.
Quartz Properties
Quartz by itself is a natural stone that is commonly found on the earth. Quartz comes in several colors and patterns, all featuring natural graining and veining. When it comes to quartz countertops, though, many quartz installations are technically engineered stone.
The process of making quartz countertops involves crushing quartz stone and reassembling the natural stone into a smooth, flat surface, which is often used for countertops.
Creating an engineered countertop for kitchens and baths makes it possible to get the best of all worlds. A durable, firm engineered surface with the beauty and uniqueness only natural stone can offer.
Price Indicators
Just like other elements included in your kitchen or bathroom, quartz has several design features that can cause the price to fluctuate pretty drastically. Your quartz countertops cost can depend on the type of quartz, the cut of quartz, and your counter’s location and size.
Type of Quartz Counter
Engineered Quartz
Technically speaking, the majority of quartz countertops that we see today in kitchens and baths are a type of engineered quartz. In most engineered quartz countertops, about 74% of the material is made of actual quartz.
This construction method means that to make engineered quartz countertops, the quartz mineral is broken down into dust. Then, the quartz particles are added with resin and various dyes and coloration.
The compound is then poured into a mold where it hardens into the smooth, natural surface we know as quartz countertops. Compared to other natural countertops available, this is one of the most inexpensive options.
Engineered quartz is extremely desirable because it is strong and durable. The process to fire and mold the engineered quartz requires exceptionally high temperatures, making this countertop strong and heat-resistant.
Further, the high temperatures create a tight bond between the natural minerals and the resin, making this countertop virtually stain proof.
Cambria Countertop
One of the common names that you will see appear in the quartz world is Cambria. Compared to other countertops, Cambria quartz is no different. Cambria is simply the brand name of a company that produces high-quality quartz counters.
Many people love the value, performance, and beauty that Cambria quartz can offer. Made in the USA by a family-owned business, Cambria is often synonymous with high performance and durable countertops. Cambria offers a range of colors and styles to choose from, so it is possible to get the exact look you want.
Compared to other quartz options available, this engineered quartz countertop will be a bit more expensive and often pricier than some lower grade granite countertop options. Cambria quartz countertops are beautiful and durable but costly.
Quartz Slab
Much of the quartz countertops you see today are, in fact, a type of engineered quartz. This style means that only about 3/4 of the countertop is made with real mineral. There is, of course, an option to have a 100% mineral quartz countertop.
A quartz slab is possible if you use a material called quartzite. This slab is the raw version of the quartz that is crushed down in the engineered version. Quartzite comes direct from the quarry, where it is further polished and finished for use in your kitchen or bathroom.
Quartzite is beautiful and stunning and has the same natural variation and tones that natural marble or granite has. Quartzite comes in several colors, with different patterns and textures.
Of course, the most significant benefit of having quartzite countertops in your home is that you truly have a natural quartz slab that was 100% naturally made with 100% quartz mineral.
Unfortunately, the time, skill, and labor involved with mining quartzite are extremely costly. This material is the highest quartz countertops cost and will certainly set you back further than marble, granite, or even soapstone will.
Quartz Countertop Cut
The quartz countertop cost will also be determined by the type of cut you choose for the edges. Having a well-defined edge can help set your kitchen or bath tone, conveying a more formal or casual look in your room.
While many quartz countertops will come with standard options for the edges, other, more detailed edges can cost more.
Standard Edges
Many standard edges in your quartz countertops will come with the cost of the quartz. There are several traditional options to choose from, so don’t worry if you think you will be limited on style choices. One of the most popular options for a countertop is the bullnose.
This edge is a simple, rounded over the edge that is seamless and classic. Variations of the bullnose edge exist, such as a half-bullnose or a quarter-bullnose. Other standard edges include a round-over or a bevel design.
Many countertop companies will feature some mid-range designs for the edges that can add a little extra to your price. These designs tend to be a little more detailed but can make a big impact on your kitchen or bath.
These designs can include a full bullnose, a Hanover edge, a double bullnose, or a planter edge. Choose to decorate your entire countertop edge with one of these designs, or choose just a section, like around the island, to make a part of your kitchen pop.
Lastly, there are high-profile and intricate designs for the edges of your countertop. These styles often carry a hefty price tag but are certainly beautiful additions to your kitchen or bath.
These styles take more time to create but also make a significant impact. Intricate designs include a waterfall edge, a sidestep cove edge, or an inverted ogee edge. These are stunning but will increase the cost of your countertops.
Location and Size
Of course, the overall size of your quartz countertop will significantly impact the overall cost of your installation. A general rule to follow is the more square footage you have included in your kitchen or bath, the higher the overall cost will be.
Outfitting an entire kitchen can be costly because, ultimately, quartz is a high-end, natural element. Adding additional features, like a quartz backsplash in the kitchen, can also increase the overall cost by adding material to the final product.
If you like the look of quartz but don’t want to spend a fortune, there are simple design techniques that you can use to help include quartz in your home. If you have an island in your kitchen, consider just using quartz on just part of the countertops. Either choose to have a quartz island or only a quartz exterior counter.
This design option will allow you to use less material but still get the look and feel of quartz in your home. Choose a complementary material like a wood countertop or a laminate countertop to help balance the quartz price.
Another great solution to include quartz in your home is to use it in a bathroom. Quartz bathroom countertops are beautiful and durable and are often much smaller than a kitchen countertop.
Using less stone material will allow you to cut back on the overall cost and installation price. Adding just a tiny quartz countertop in a half bathroom is a great way to introduce luxury and quality into a small space.
How to Measure for Quartz Countertops
You have decided on the type of stone quartz you like and the overall shape. Now it is time to measure for your kitchen remodel. Quartz countertops are measured in square feet, which is commonly referred to as the area. The area is calculated by multiplying the length of an object by the width.
First, measure the length of the counter and then the width. It can help to split the kitchen into smaller sections to be added together later. Once you have the length and width measurement, add another 1 inch to 1.5 inches to account for the counter’s thickness and edge.
Move through your kitchen, adding together the various pieces until you have the entire countertop measured. Take your total number, and divide it by 144. This resultant will give you a measurement in square feet.
Remember to include the back lip of the countertop in your measurements. Many counters will have a 3-4 inch section that goes onto the wall before reaching the backsplash area. This added space will add a significant amount to your total square foot number.
Further, if you want to include a quartz backsplash that continues on the wall, this number will have to be calculated and added. Any corners or angles in your kitchen can be approximated, but be sure to err on the side of too much square footage added to your total.
This assumption is better than having not enough. Before ordering your quartz countertops, a trained professional will come to your home in person to measure to ensure the measurements are perfect.
When calculating the quartz countertops’ overall cost, assume that the lower-quality quartz will run between $55 and $75 per square foot. Higher quality quartz or name-brand quartz will run between $95 and $110 per square foot.
Remember to account for tax, installation, and possible embellishments added with detailed edge work. Many big box companies, like Home Depot and Lowes, will include the cost of installation with their square footage pricing.
Smaller, locally owned companies may charge extra for installation. On average, the cost to install quartz countertops is an additional $25 to $50 per square foot.
Be sure also to consider the sink. Many natural stone countertops only work with an under-mount kitchen sink style. This consideration will add about $500 to your countertop price for the new sink and sink installation.
Quartz Alternatives
If you like the look of a stone countertop but aren’t ready to pull the trigger on quartz, there are many options for a natural stone countertop material that can be a good substitute.
Granite countertops are a commonly used material for the kitchen and bathroom because of their durability and beauty. Comparatively, marble is another natural stone material that can be used for countertops.
Both marble and granite can be purchased as a slab for counter installation. This material gives you one continuous piece of stone that can make a big impact in small spaces. Soapstone is a particular type of stone that runs in the black, gray, and white family.
This natural stone is different, unusual, and can add an element of drama to your kitchen. However, a granite countertop, marble countertop, and soapstone countertop must be routinely sealed and maintained compared to quartz, which does not require sealing.
Laminate countertop options give you the look of stone, with a much lower price point. Laminate counters come in any number of styles, colors, and textures to provide you with the look of natural stone.
Laminate is not heat or stain-resistant and does require ongoing cleaning and care. Wood countertops are also a great material for kitchen countertops. Wood gives you a natural look with a much lower price point compared to natural stone.
FAQs
Choosing to remodel your kitchen or bath is a big decision and an exciting one! Adding some natural stone into your home is a great way to add a bit of luxury and beauty. Quartz is a durable, beautiful, and long-lasting material that is perfect for any kitchen or bath.
But choosing the right quartz and estimating the cost can be difficult, with many hidden factors determining your countertops’ overall cost. Below, we have put together some commonly asked questions surrounding the cost of quartz countertops so that you can make a better-informed decision about your next bathroom or kitchen remodel.
What is the average cost of quartz countertops?
Quartz is a natural stone that is comparable to granite, marble, or soapstone. For lower-quality quartz, expect to pay between $55 and $75 per square foot. Top-end quartz options can run up to $125 or more per square foot.
Remember to account for any additional costs such as installation, edge detail, and optional backsplash additions. Remember too that not all prices are quoted with the installation cost included.
While many big-box home improvement stores will offer installation at the cost per square foot, many smaller, family-owned countertop stores do not have the cost to install the countertops.
Expect to pay between $25 and $50 per square foot extra for installation. Consider the cost of an under-mount sink, too, as this may have to be added to your countertop installation. An under-mount sink with installation can cost $500.
What impacts the cost of quartz countertops?
Three main factors can impact the overall cost of quartz countertops. The first is the type of quartz that you choose, and this will be the biggest impact on the overall cost. Quartz that is engineered will be the cheapest option. Brand-name quartz countertops will be a mid-range price option. A quartzite countertop slab will be the highest price point.
Secondly, your quartz countertop’s cost will largely be impacted by the total amount of material required. More extensive countertops with more square feet will cost more. Remember too that if you include any special features like an island or quartz backsplash, it will add to the total cost significantly, increasing the number of square feet used.
Lastly, the edge that you choose to add for your countertops will impact the quartz countertops’ overall price. Most basic edge profiles will come included with the price of the quartz countertop. If you add detailed edge work, while beautiful, it will significantly increase the overall cost to install quartz countertops.
What are the problems with quartz countertops?
Quartz is a popular countertop option, and for a good reason. It is durable, strong, long-lasting, and looks and feels like real stone. For this reason, it is regularly used in both kitchens and bathrooms. Quartz is heat-resistant, prevents staining, and can be durable and strong enough to resist cut marks and chips. Plus, quartz comes in a range of available colors, making it perfectly suited for just about any kitchen or design style.
The biggest drawback to quartz is the price. Compared to other countertop materials, quartz can be fairly expensive, running upwards of $100 per square foot. This counter option makes it much pricier than a wood or laminate option.
Further, at this price point, quartz is on par with the price for granite or marble. Many granites and marble countertops come as one complete slab and are truly made of natural materials. Quartz is engineered and human-made by gluing the dust form of quartz together into a synthetic countertop made of raw materials. If you wanted a natural look for the same price, you could purchase a truly natural material with granite, marble, or soapstone.
What should I look for when buying quartz countertops?
When buying quartz countertops, ultimately, you want to look for a color and style that you like the best. This feature will help pull together your kitchen, so it makes sense to use colors that work well with your cabinets, walls, and flooring.
From a quality standpoint, you want to find quartz that contains the most amount of quartz possible. This combination will give you a more realistic and natural look. Aim to find a quartz countertop with over 70% quartz material, with only 30% added resin. This combination will also give you more sparkle and shine out of your countertops.
Lastly, make sure the quartz has a smooth and polished finished. The smoothness comes from the design process’s fire stage, which helps to seal the stone, guaranteeing it lasts for a lifetime. When the quartz is smooth and polished, it helps to prevent moisture and staining. The better sealed the quartz is, the longer it will last.
Can you install a quartz countertop yourself?
Quartz is a very hard and weighty material to work with for kitchens and baths. This material is cut by the manufacturer and specially shipped to your home for installation. It is always best to use a professional countertop contractor.
Not only will a countertop contractor be able to fit your quartz countertops perfectly, but he or she will be able to account for any irregularities and prevent breaking upon installation. Using a countertop contractor or a contractor for your kitchen will give you the best results possible.