How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?

Average Quartz Countertop Cost

Quartz Countertop Cost per Square Foot

The cost of quartz countertops per square foot ranges between $60 and $230, with the average homeowner spending $95 per square foot. This calculation includes the average quartz countertops and typical labor costs.

As far as quartz countertops materials go, you can select from low-, mid-, and high-quality. Most homeowners choose standard/mid-quality quartz countertops to balance quality and cost.

Surplus/Low-Quality Quartz

Lower-quality quartz typically goes for around $50 to $65 per square foot. This will have veins and some discoloration, though it’s not readily apparent in most cases.

Standard/Mid-Quality Quartz

Standard quartz generally goes for about $65 to $75 per square foot. Also known as builder’s or commercial grade, this is the most commonly sold type of quartz.

Premium/High-Quality Quartz

Premium and designer quartz countertops cost around $75 to $200 per square foot. This has almost no visible veining and is rich in color. It’s also often custom-made to order, leading to further price increases.

Labor Cost to Install a Quartz Countertop

The labor cost to install quartz countertops ranges between $10 and $30 per square foot. On-site cutouts to accommodate faucets and other accessories will tack on extra labor costs.

Some local countertop installers may charge by the hour instead of by the square foot. Hourly rates for countertop installation typically range between $30 and $85.

Quartz Countertop Cost Factors

How much are quartz countertops? That depends on a large number of factors. Quartz countertops come in various shapes, sizes, and colors that can impact the price. Options such as custom cuts drive up labor costs, while manufacturing additions like edge treatments increase material prices. These factors will have the most significant impact on your final bill.

Edge Treatment

The cost of different edge treatments can vary widely across manufacturers, falling anywhere from $5 to $140 per linear foot. Cost trends show what you can expect at lower, mid-range, and high price points. Here are some approximate ranges for quartz countertop edge treatments:

Corner Treatment

A straight countertop from a single slab of quartz yields a straightforward—and more affordable—installation. But adding special corner treatments for wraparound counters can increase the price. Expect to pay an additional $50 to $150 per corner.

Leveling

You’ll need to level existing cabinetry before installing new quartz countertops. Level cabinets make it easier to support the weight of the stone. Otherwise, the quartz can crack or warp over time. For an extra cost, a pro can install shims between the cabinets and the floor to level them out if needed.

Old Countertop Removal

Having a pro remove your old countertops costs between $5 and $15 per square foot, but some companies may build it into their overall countertop installation cost. Cutting this cost in favor of the DIY route can be difficult and risky, as slab countertops are large and often quite heavy. Removing existing countertops yourself could lead to personal injury to dinged cabinets and floor tiles.

Backsplash Installation

Accenting your new quartz countertop with a fresh tile backsplash costs an average of $1,000, with some projects falling as low as $600 and some going as high as $1,330. Labor costs account for roughly $10 per square foot or $40 to $60 per hour.

Slab vs. Prefab

You’ll pay between $50 and $100 per square foot for an uncut slab of quartz. A slab doesn’t have finishing details, such as edge work, cuts, or cutouts. Typically, only pros and experienced DIY-ers opt to purchase an unfinished slab.

On the other hand, most prefabricated slabs of quartz cost about $30 to $40 per square foot. These typically have completed edging and come in standard sizes that fit the width of most countertops, such as: 

• 98 inches by 26 inches 

• 108 inches by 26 inches

• 112 inches by 26 inches 

If it fits your existing cabinetry, choosing a prefab slab may be less expensive than having a slab cut to fit your kitchen or bathroom. However, this may not be an option if you have cabinetry customized to fit your space.

Finish

Polished quartz countertops are the traditional countertops many homeowners opt for, but you may have the option to choose a different finish—matte or suede—at a different price point:

• Polished quartz countertops: Polished quartz has a clean, shiny look. You’ll need to regularly polish the countertops to keep them looking fresh.

• Matte countertops: Matte countertops, which have a honed finish, have a softer look than polished quartz. Though not every quartz countertop will be available with a matte finish, this is a good choice for hiding crumbs and smears.

• Suede countertops: Suede countertops offer even more texture than a traditional matte quartz countertop. These countertops are highly stain-resistant but more challenging to clean. This finish isn’t available for every type of quartz countertop.

Cutouts

Prefabricated quartz countertops can be more budget-friendly, but you’ve got to find options that accommodate your kitchen layout. If you need special cutouts for sinks, a cooktop, or another feature, you’ll pay more to have an installer cut the slab on site.

Sink Installation and Plumbing

If the quartz countertop installation is part of larger kitchen remodeling costs, you may need to budget for a plumber to install a sink and appropriate drain pipes. Plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour.

Color and Design

Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors and designs. Choosing from the more standard colors and patterns will save you money, but if you want a specific look, you can likely pay more to get a unique design that matches the aesthetic of your kitchen.

Quartz Countertops Cost by Brand

In addition to the quality of the quartz itself, the brand impacts the overall price. Consider these common brands of quartz countertops and their price:

• Caesarstone countertop cost: $70–$100 per sq. ft.

• Cambria quartz: $60–$150 per sq. ft.

• Corian quartz countertop cost: $55–$95 per sq. ft.

• HanStone quartz: $40–$130 per sq. ft.

• Silestone countertop cost: $60–$130 per sq. ft.

• Viatera quartz: $35–$100 per sq. ft.

Quartz Countertop vs. Other Materials

Quartz countertops cost on the higher end of the countertop pricing spectrum, but quartz is one of the most durable and low-maintenance options available. Here’s how quartz countertops compare to other materials:

Quartzite vs. Quartz

At about $80 to $120 per square foot, quartzite countertops cost around the same as quartz, though premium quartz countertops can cost more. Despite similar price points, quartz and quartzite are very different materials.

Counterintuitively, quartzite is a natural stone, while quartz countertops are human-made. Quartzite comes in a variety of unique patterns and is similar to other naturally occurring stone counters, like granite, soapstone, and slate.

Granite vs. Quartz

Granite countertops cost approximately $40 to $100 per square foot for materials alone or $50 to $130 per square foot installed. Compared to quartz, granite countertops are more affordable, but they aren’t as durable and require occasional sealing to maintain their appearance. 

The material in granite countertops is 100% natural, meaning no two slabs are alike. Likewise, they don’t have the same extensive variety of color options as quartz. They’re also less environmentally friendly, as granite gets mined in quarries rather than engineered from recycled materials. Read our quartz vs. granite countertop comparison guide for more information if you’re debating between the two types.

Sintered Stone vs. Quartz

Sintered stone countertops cost about $60 to $100 per square foot (materials and labor) and are another engineered stone made with natural minerals. But unlike quartz, sintered stone is resistant to burns, stains, and chemicals. Due to its hardiness, sintered stone is particularly useful in outdoor applications, like an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens cost between $5,730 and $23,350.

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops offer a cost-effective way to transform your kitchen into a modern space, but they also have their downsides. Before moving forward with quartz countertops, weigh the pros and cons to determine if it’s the right surface for you.

Pros

• Cost: Quartz countertops can cost up to $230 per sq. ft., making them more affordable than the cost of marble countertops.

• Durability: Quartz countertops are highly durable. They’re resistant to chipping and cracking, and there’s no sealing required, though you may need to polish them every now and then.

• Cleaning: Quartz countertops are easy to clean and naturally resistant to bacteria growth.

• Variety: Because quartz countertops are human-made, there’s more variety in color choice. This allows you to pick the right countertops to fit your overall kitchen redesign.

Cons

• Heat: While quartz countertops can withstand some heat, they’re not as heat-resistant as stone countertops.

• Seams: Quartz countertops can have visible seams, which may distract from the desired aesthetic.

• Appearance: While premium quartz countertops can be one-of-a-kind, the low-end, budget-friendly options are less unique.

DIY vs. Hiring a Quartz Countertop Installer

Quartz slabs are available for both professional and DIY purposes. However, one incorrect cut means starting over with a new slab to avoid visible mistakes. For this reason, it’s often less expensive to hire a pro than it is to DIY your countertop installation. 

On top of that, a DIY job calls for specialized stone-cutting equipment, which you’ll need to either buy or rent at an additional cost. A quartz countertop installer can help get your project done right the first time, often for less than a DIY project.