How Much Do Quartzite Countertops Cost?

Estimating Quartzite Countertops Cost

Estimating the cost of quartzite countertops depends on a number of factors, including the overall size of the countertops, type of quartzite used, availability of materials, and labor. 

Size and Location 

Installing a quartzite countertop costs $80 to $210 per square foot, with most projects consisting of 30 to 40 square feet of materials along with associated labor. The location of the countertop also impacts the overall cost according to the size of the project and the complexity of the installation. 

• Bathrooms: Installing a quartzite countertop in a standard bathroom costs $450 to $2,500, with an average size of 6–12 square feet. 

• Kitchens: Quartzite is easy to maintain and durable, making this material a perfect choice for highly trafficked kitchens. Putting in a quartzite countertop in a standard kitchen costs $2,300 to $8,300, assuming a size of 30 to 40 square feet. Kitchens with additional peninsulas and islands require more materials, increasing the overall price. 

• Other areas: Quartzite countertops also go well in various locations throughout the home, such as mudrooms, laundry rooms, fireplace surrounds, staircases, desktops, and more. You’ll pay $80 to $210 per square foot to install a countertop in these areas. 

Type of Quartzite 

Quartzite arrives in a wide range of colors and aesthetic options, though the most commonly found hues are gray, white, and beige. More vivid colors exist, but they are rarer and, as such, cost more. If possible, visit the stone quarry to examine the quartzite in person before choosing a color or design, as the quarries assign each hue a proprietary name and there are slight variations from slab-to-slab. 

Material Availability

Stones are a finite resource, which is important when choosing cabinets and countertops. Proximity to the quartzite itself impacts your overall cost, as these slabs are heavy and expensive to ship. If you live in or near eastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, Utah, central Texas, or the mountains of Arizona, you’ll source materials with a 5% discount. You’ll also be close to quarries for personal inspection. 

Labor

You’ll pay $10 to $40 per square foot for labor, or $35 to $85 per hour. For an average-sized kitchen counter, you’ll pay $600 to $1,500 for labor alone. This cost fluctuates depending on the contractor’s expertise level, the complexity of the job, and how many technicians are on site. 

Countertop materials that cost more, such as quartzite, do not necessarily run higher for labor than other, more affordable materials. Discuss these price differentials while gathering estimates from qualified countertop technicians.

Additional Cost Factors 

Certain style choices and additional features impact the overall cost of installing quartzite countertops, such as the inclusion of undermount sinks and more. 

Installing Undermount Sinks 

For bathroom countertops, count on one sink cutout, with kitchen countertops necessitating two sink cutouts. Granite and stone fabricators make these cut-outs at their worksite, so in most cases, the sink and faucet cutouts don’t accrue additional costs. 

However, if you need specialized cutting for a uniquely-shaped sink or faucet, your pro either handles it outright or outsources the job to a dedicated stonecutter. You’ll pay an hourly rate of $35 to $85 for the service, with projects taking anywhere from two to five hours. 

Finish Type 

Like the majority of natural stone countertops, quartzite allows for different surface finishes to suit a variety of tastes. Most quartzite countertops arrive polished and you’ll pay extra for different finish types, as contractors complete the work on-demand. 

• Polished: In most cases, you’ll pay no additional fees for polished quartzite, as this finish comes standard from the fabricator. Polishing creates a glossy, reflective surface on the quartzite, disguising minor flaws and brightening the colors. 

• Honed: Honing your quartzite countertops costs an additional $10 to $20 per square foot of materials. This provides a pleasing matte finish that makes the stones lighter in color and smooth to the touch. 

• Leathered: Adding a leather finish to quartzite countertops accrues an extra $15 to $25 per square foot. Leathering adds a surface texture to your countertops, giving this surface a tactile feel and adding a bit of shadow and depth. 

Edge Type 

In most cases, quartzite countertops arrive with a square or eased edge at no additional cost. Quartzite does well with different edge types, however, though you'll pay extra. The more sculpted the edge, the higher the cost per linear foot.

• Half Bullnose and Full Bullnose: $10–$12 per linear foot

• Bevel: $10– $12 per linear foot

• Dupont: $20–$25 per linear foot

• Miter: $20–$25 per linear foot

• Ogee: $20–$25 per linear foot

• French Cove: $30–$35 per linear foot

• Cole Smith: $36–$40 per linear foot

Removing Old Countertops

Unless you are building a home from the ground up, replacing your current countertops with the new ones is part of the installation process. Most fabrication and installation companies, however, wrap up any charges to remove old countertops in the total project estimate. If you hire a local appliance removal company, you’ll pay $50 to $200 for the removal and disposal of old countertops. 

Install Quartzite Countertop Yourself vs. Hire a Pro

Labor constitutes 25% to 30% of your overall cost here, so going the DIY route is extremely tempting to save $600 to $1,500 per project. However, installing large stone countertops is time-consuming, cumbersome, and requires a fair level of expertise in stonecutting, framing, and many other specialized skills. “The stone material is extremely heavy and not suitable for one person to carry on their own,” says Ezra Laniado, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor. “In larger pieces, three or more individuals may be needed to safely carry the stone without risking anyone getting hurt or damaging the material.”

Sourcing the materials is also on the harder side, as qualified pros develop relationships with quarries and fabricators over years of work. Buying a prefab quartzite countertop cuts down, however, on some of this DIY labor, though that severely limits your style, finish, and color options.

Install Quartzite Countertop FAQs

How do you choose a quartzite countertop installation company?

Start by checking various online databases to create a list of local candidates. Check to ensure they boast the appropriate licenses and insurance to do the work and look for any potential red flags online via the Better Business Bureau’s company database and customer reviews. Give them a call to discuss the job, asking for specific details regarding their experience with quartzite countertops. Finally, ask for customer referrals and reach out to these previous customers for anecdotal information. 

What information should I have ready for the pro? 

Have the total square footage ready for the contractor and the linear footage for edging. You should also let them know if the old countertops need removal and if you’ll need an on-site stonecutter for sinkholes or faucet holes. If you have preferred color or design needs, particularly for rarer quartzite hues, give them plenty of time to contact various quarries and fabrication houses. Finally, give them your budget and your general availability. 

What other jobs should I do at the same time? 

There are many appropriate projects worth undertaking as you replace current countertops with quartzite countertops. Look into installing or renovating your backsplash, hiring an interior designer to match the counter to the rest of your kitchen or bathroom, sealing the countertops after installation, and replacing or repairing the cooktop. Take this opportunity, also, to replace the sink and related fixtures, in addition to laying down new cabinets.