How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,500 - $8,000
Quartz countertops cost around $4,500, on average, but you might pay anywhere between $1,000 and $12,000 depending on the size, location, quality, and more.
Quartz countertops cost an average of $4,500 but can range from $1,000 on the low end to $12,000 on the high end. The cost of quartz countertops per square foot ranges from about $50 to $200 per square foot. Materials like vinyl, slate, and granite are all less expensive per square foot, so installing quartz countertops in your kitchen is definitely an investment. Whether you’re installing quartz on a new kitchen island or replacing old counters that cover your sinks and appliances, you’ll find that quartz is highly durable, non-porous, and easy to maintain material. Many also love it for its beauty, so it can take your kitchen’s aesthetic to the next level.
- Average
- $4,500
- Low end
- $1,000
- high end
- $12,000
Quartz Countertop Cost Factors
Installing new quartz countertops may be more complex than you think, and the price you may pay to get your kitchen ready for the installation could make up a large chunk of the cost.
Size or Number of Quartz Slabs
Quartz countertops cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per square foot, with most costs ranging from $70 to $100 per square foot. Quartz is often sold in slabs around 120-by-55 inches. The more slabs you need to finish your countertops, the higher the project cost will be.
Grade Quality
Quartz countertops are engineered from natural stone plus resin and additives. Quartz slabs with more resin and fillers tend to cost less, but they may have a less vibrant appearance compared to higher-quality slabs with vibrant colors that are more expensive.
First Choice
The premier quartz, called first choice, costs around $80 to over $100 per square foot. This material will have the most vibrant colors, the smallest amount of veining or variations, and rich, vibrant colors. First-choice quartz has the smallest amount of resin mixed in, usually around 7% to 8%.
Second Choice
Also called builder’s grade, second-choice quartz costs about $50 to $60 per square foot. This type is the least expensive and tends to be the most standard option, making it best suited for simple projects. Second-choice quartz contains the most resin, usually over 12%.
Commercial Grade
Commercial-grade quartz costs around $60 to $80 per square foot and tends to be higher quality than second-choice but not as esteemed as first-choice quartz. This type of quartz contains around 8% to 11% resin.
Colors
Popular quartz countertop colors like white with gray veining, warm beige, or deep auburn cost about $50 to $80 per square foot. Quartz prices don’t depend heavily on color, but customized or less common options may cost more.
Finish
Quartz countertops come in several types of finishes. Here are the main styles to choose from.
Honed
The surface of the countertop is skillfully smoothed down to achieve a matte appearance. This particular finish is excellent at concealing crumbs, smudges, and streaks, although it's worth noting that not all quartz countertops can be given a matte finish.
Sueded
With a sueded finish, the countertop boasts enhanced texture and depth compared to a honed finish. It pairs well with darker quartz countertops and can be easily maintained by simply wiping it down. However, it's important to note that this finish may not be available for all quartz colors.
Polished
A polished finish is a classic choice for countertops, characterized by its glossy and lustrous appearance. The countertops undergo buffing to achieve a brilliant surface with this finish. To maintain the shine, regular polishing is recommended.
Edging
Different grades of slope around the edges add a unique touch to your new countertops. A beveled edge, which is an edge less than 90 degrees, is standard for 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 could take longer, too.
Eased
This treatment features a slightly rounded top edge and costs between $5 and $30 per foot.
Straight
With a slight rounding at the top and bottom edges as a safety feature, this treatment typically ranges from $10 to $30 per foot.
Half Bullnose
The top half of the countertop edge is rounded, and the cost typically falls between $10 and $30 per square foot.
Full Bullnose
Both the top and bottom edges of the countertops are completely rounded, and the price ranges from $20 to $45 per square foot.
Bevel
The edge of the countertop is cut at a 45-degree angle, and it usually costs between $20 and $45 per square foot.
Double Bullnose
This treatment involves two bullnose rounded edges and is priced between $30 and $60 per square foot.
Ogee
With an S-cut on the top edge, the cost of this treatment falls between $30 and $60 per square foot.
Dupont
The top edge is cut at a 90-degree angle with a quarter-round below, typically ranging from $30 to $60 per square foot.
Delivery
Delivering quartz slabs costs around $150 to $200. Quartz is heavy (about 20 to 25 pounds per square foot), making transport more difficult. While you can save money by DIYing, you may want to save your back and leave it to the pros. Plus, if you don’t have a large enough vehicle to haul quartz, you would need to spend money renting a delivery truck anyway.
Quartz Countertops Installation Costs
Professional installation for quartz countertops starts around $10 to $30 per square foot, but you’ll pay extra to install thicker, heavier slabs or additional labor for sink, cooktop, or outlet cut-outs.
Cabinet Preparation
Once you remove the old countertops, you may need to level off and prepare your cabinets for new quartz installation. For example, you may need to add reinforcing beams if your cabinets won’t support the weight of your new stone counters—otherwise, you might end up needing a local countertop repair specialist. This step is key to ensuring your new heavy-duty countertops don’t damage the existing cabinets.
Leveling
Prior to the installation of quartz countertops, it is essential to ensure that the cabinets are properly leveled to provide adequate support. Failure to do so can result in countertop damage, such as cracking or warping. Professionals often employ shims placed between the floor and the cabinets to achieve a level surface. In cases where extensive leveling is required, the cost of labor and materials may be higher.
Removal of Old Countertops
Getting rid of old countertops costs between $5 and $15 per square foot. Heavier stone materials like granite, slate, or quartz will cost the most.
Removal of Plumbing
Many homeowners choose to restructure, upgrade, or add to their plumbing under new countertops when they complete this project. Removal of plumbing generally costs between $75 and $85 per square foot.
Removing appliances will vary in cost. For example, sink removal typically costs between $200 and $300. A larger appliance like a dishwasher may cost more.
Cut-Outs for Sink, Faucet, Cooktop, and Outlets
Cut-outs cost about $150 to $300 per sink or cooktop cut-out or $75 to $125 each for smaller cut-outs for things like outlets. You’ll likely need to accommodate a sink within the boundaries of your quartz countertops, but other extras, like a pot filler faucet, a built-in automated soap dispenser, or a cooktop, may also need cut-outs for installation.
Polishing and Sealing
Polishing your quartz countertops gives them a nice shiny look once installed. You’ll likely pay $4 to $6 per square foot for this.
Some homeowners also like to apply a sealant, but because quartz isn’t porous, sealant actually isn’t necessary for cost-conscious homeowners.
Backsplash Installation
Installing a quartz backsplash that matches the countertops will incur additional expenses during the installation process. This is due to the need for extra materials and increased labor. Note that the cost of quartz for the backsplash will be equivalent to the cost of quartz used for the countertops. This is one of the more expensive backsplash ideas compared to less pricey materials like tile or natural stone.
Quartz vs. Quartzite Countertops Cost
When comparing quartz and quartzite, you’ll find the former to be less expensive. Quartz countertops cost $50 to $100 per square foot compared to $90 to $175 for quartzite. This is because quartz is a manmade stone, while quartzite is a naturally occurring stone.
However, quartz countertops aren’t as durable or long-lasting as quartzite countertops, which could impact the cost in the long term. They require coasters and trivets to avoid heat damage and demand a marked increase in maintenance tasks. Quality matters too, as the most expensive type of quartz tends to cost more than inexpensive types of quartzite.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Quartz Countertop Yourself?
Installing a quartz countertop yourself is definitely possible, and you’ll save $10 to $30 per square foot on labor costs depending on the difficulty of installation. But it’s probably not a job best suited for the first-time do-it-yourselfer (or anyone that has difficulty lifting heavy objects).
You’ll absolutely need at least one other person (if not multiple people) to help you pick up your quartz countertops during installation. Raw slabs of quartz weigh 20 to 25 pounds per square foot. A standard raw slab can easily weigh 1,000 pounds or more, meaning you’ll need safety equipment and several people to help you lift and safely install it.
Cost to Install Quartz Countertops Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Hiring a local quartz countertop installer costs about $10 to $30 per square foot or $35 to $85 per hour. Specialized edging or additional cut-outs to accommodate sinks or outlets will increase the cost. Hiring a pro is a worthwhile investment because installing quartz can be a painstaking process with the sheer weight of each slab. Plus, incorrect installation will drive up the cost of materials to fix the mistakes.
A happy medium for cost-conscious installation might be to tackle some of the other aspects of preparing your home for new quartz countertops, such as cleaning up and prepping the area. This approach could save you money (as well as your lower back).
3 Ways to Save on Quartz Countertop Installation Costs
Quartz countertops can be a fairly pricey countertop option. While their durability and low-maintenance features make them a good investment for most homeowners, you can still find ways to save on the cost of your new quartz countertops.
Opt for Common Styles
There are many common quartz styles out there that will still add plenty of pizzazz to a kitchen without driving up the cost. Rarer or more complex styles will increase the cost of your project, so choose simpler styles and edges to save on quartz countertops.
Stick to Countertops
Unless you have budgeted for extra material for the kitchen backsplash, you’ll save money by installing quartz just on the countertops. Adding extra slabs as a backsplash will drive up the cost since quartz can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per square foot.
Consider Thickness for Quartz Slab Prices
Quartz countertop slabs will be more expensive the thicker they get. If you want to save money, choose a common slab thickness, such as 12 millimeters, 20 millimeters, or 30 millimeters.
Lawrence Bonk contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quartz countertops are relatively expensive, but they’re a very popular option because of their durability and attractive design. Some manufacturers also offer lifetime guarantees for their products. Even though they’re expensive, they could wind up being a one-time purchase.
While quartz countertops are stylish and durable, there are some drawbacks to consider before deciding to install this material in your kitchen. Quartz does not withstand heat, so you’ll need to put down a trivet before setting down a hot pan.
This material can experience discoloration from UV ray exposure, so keep this in mind if you’re looking for counters in an extra-sunny kitchen or outdoor space. Quartz slabs are also heavy and difficult to install.
Quartz and granite are both popular countertop options. If you’re looking for the most durable option that is easy to maintain, quartz may be the best choice. Quartz is more durable and non-porous, making it easier to clean. However, granite does tend to stand up better to heat than quartz.
There are a few different ways to estimate the quality of quartz if you’re unsure.
Weight: If the quartz feels heavy, it is usually higher quality.
Temperature: Quartz that feels cool to the touch is usually better, while slabs that feel room temperature or warm tend to be lower quality.
Color and variations: Check for variations with a magnifying glass. Higher-quality quartz tends to have a vibrant color, while lower-quality options may have more variations up close.
While quartz holds up well against stains of all kinds, it isn’t completely resistant. Make sure to wipe up water and other liquids as soon as possible to prevent stains. If you spot water stains on your quartz countertops, you can clean quartz counters in just a few steps using simple household cleaners, like dish soap or baking soda paste.