How Much Do Quartzite Countertops Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,000 - $5,200
For a 30-square-foot kitchen or bathroom counter, expect to spend between $950 and $6,000, with the average countertop installation costing around $3,950.
People often refer to speckled or white quartz countertops as natural, but this is a misnomer. Quartz countertops are actually a blend of mineral dust (which is a natural material) and resins (which are synthetic). Quartzite is a natural stone slab—and, as a work of nature, there’s a lot of variation in quality and type. This variation, along with other factors, impacts the price of quartzite countertops.
This guide will help you break down the total cost of your specific project, whether you’re installing a small bathroom vanity or want to remodel your entire kitchen.
- Average
- $3,950
- Low end
- $950
- high end
- $6,000
Quartzite Countertop Cost by Square Foot
One of the largest cost factors is size. Quartzite prices range from $80 to $220 per square foot, which includes installation. You’ll pay more if you need a larger slab or multiple slabs to cover a larger area.
| Room | Countertop Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Large Kitchen | 40–60 | $3,200–$13,200 |
| Average Kitchen | 30–40 | $2,400–$8,800 |
| Small Kitchen | 20–30 | $1,600–$6,600 |
| Average Bathroom | 6–12 | $480–$2,640 |
| Large Bathroom | 7.5–24 | $600–$5,280 |
Quartzite Countertops Cost Factors
People often refer to speckled or white quartz countertops as natural, but this is a misnomer. Quartz countertops are actually a blend of mineral dust (which is a natural material) and resins (which are synthetic). Quartzite is a natural stone slab—and, as a work of nature, there’s a lot of variation in quality and type. This variation, along with other factors, impacts the price of quartzite countertops.
Labor
Labor to install quartzite countertops costs about $10 to $40 per square foot or $45 to $85 per hour. Even though the material itself is high-end compared to the cost of Corian countertops or other similar countertop styles, quartzite doesn’t necessarily cost more for a professional to install. Labor costs really depend on the contractor’s expertise and the cost of living in your area.
Some projects are a little more involved than others. If your countertop installation is part of a larger renovation, you may have to hire additional contractors:
Plumbers cost: $45–$200 per hour
Electricians cost: $50–$100 per hour
Type of Quartzite
The type of countertop has one of the largest impacts on price. The rarity and quality of the quartzite significantly impact the cost. Super white quartzite (sometimes sold as marble) is one of the most popular and widely available varieties, known for its light gray veining. It costs as little as $50 per square foot.
On the high end, you’re looking at varieties like Taj Mahal quartzite, which costs about $90 to $150 per square foot. Though there are subtler stones, this type can have dramatic veining with lots of color. The more desirable the color and pattern, the more a quartzite slab costs. It is, after all, a natural work of art.
There are many different types of quartzite, with colors ranging from white and gray to earth tones and bright blues. Check out the chart below for common pricing for some of the most popular types.
| Type of Quartzite | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Taj Mahal | $90–$150 |
| Cristallo | $60–$130 |
| White Macaubas | $115–$120 |
| Calacatta Lux | $65–$120 |
| Blue Roma | $100–$110 |
| Florida Wave | $100–$110 |
| White Pearl | $65–$110 |
| White Princess | $85–$95 |
| Macaubas Fantasy | $85–$95 |
| Classic White | $60–$85 |
| Perla Venata | $70–$80 |
| Super White | $50–$80 |
| Shadow Storm | $65–$75 |
| Fantasy Brown | $50–$75 |
Edge Type
The edge type is a small detail that can really elevate your renovation. Quartzite has a ton of different edging options, which are cut into the slab during the fabrication process. The more intricate the edge, the more it costs per linear foot.
Square or eased edges are standard and come with no additional cost. Other edges are custom. Expect to pay an additional $10 to $12 per linear foot for a bevel or bullnose edge, while detailed edges like Cole Smith could cost up to $40 per linear foot.
| Edge Type | Additional Cost (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Square | No Additional Cost |
| Eased | No Additional Cost |
| Half Bullnose | $10–$12 |
| Full Bullnose | $10–$12 |
| Bevel | $10–$12 |
| Ogee | $20–$25 |
| Dupont | $20–$25 |
| Mitre | $20–$25 |
| Quirk | $20–$25 |
| French Cove | $30–$35 |
| Double Bevel | $36–$40 |
| Cole Smith | $36–$40 |
Finish
Like most natural stone countertops, you can choose from a variety of finishes. The standard is a polished finish. Other finishes will incur an additional cost since it’s generally custom work.
Polished: Polished finishes come standard from the fabricator. This is the shiny countertop surface most people picture when they think of a natural stone. It doesn’t cost extra.
Honed: Honed quartzite countertops cost an additional $10 to $20 per square foot. This is a matte finish, which makes the stones lighter in color. It’s still smooth—it just isn’t shiny.
Leathered: Leathered quartzite countertops cost an additional $15 to $25 per square foot. This finish creates a textured surface that gives a rustic look to the natural stone. It’s also great at disguising imperfections on lower-quality stones.
Cutouts
In most cases, the average sink or faucet cutout won’t increase your costs. They’re cut into the countertop during the fabrication process. That said, you may have to pay extra for unique-shaped faucets or cutouts. This costs about $45 to $85 per hour (for either your contractor or an outsourced stonecutter) and takes between two and five hours.
Cabinet Reinforcement
Since quartzite is a natural stone, slabs are heavier than lighter synthetic materials like vinyl or laminate. You may need to reinforce your cabinets to handle the load. This costs an hourly rate of around $45 to $85 per hour.
Countertop Removal
Part of the cost of replacing countertops is the removal of your old countertop. Expect to spend around $50 to $300 to account for the extra labor of removing and disposing of old materials.
Permits
Permits typically cost $50 to $500. Your local municipality will require different permits for different jobs. You may not need a permit if you’re replacing your existing countertop, but you probably will need one if you’re building a new countertop or doing any work that involves electrical or plumbing.
Delivery
Since quartzite slabs are so heavy, your contractor may charge for delivery. If it’s not already in the installation cost, expect to spend $150 to $200 or more.
Ongoing Quartzite Countertop Costs
When it comes to maintenance, quartzite is similar to granite and other porous natural stones. In addition to regular cleaning, you’ll have to reseal your countertop annually to prevent staining. This is especially important if your countertop is in an area prone to spills, like a kitchen or bathroom.
Repairs
Countertop repairs typically cost $100 to $1,000, with the average homeowner spending $365 per repair. Luckily, if you maintain your quartzite, repairs are generally minimal. This is an extremely durable countertop with high heat resistance, though it can crack or chip with the impact of a heavy object.
Sealing
If you hire a pro, sealing your quartzite costs anywhere from $100 to $350. If you choose to seal your countertops yourself, you’ll spend around $20 for the sealant. This process is a relatively simple DIY, so many homeowners do it themselves.
DIY Quartzite Countertops vs. Hiring a Pro
Labor accounts for 25% to 35% of a quartzite countertop installation. In other words, you could save an average of $600 to $1,500 just by tackling this project DIY—but don’t let the price tag tempt you.
Quartzite countertops are extremely heavy. Just lifting a slab requires the help of multiple people. On top of that, contractors have special knowledge (think: stone cutting or framing expertise) that prevents potential hazards and damage. Though you can purchase prefab quartzite countertops that are simpler to install, there are limited options. Quartzite isn’t the easiest stone to source, and contractors have special relationships with fabricators and quarries.
If you want quartzite, it’s best to hire a quartz countertop contractor near you. Get at least three quotes from different pros so you can compare their costs and services. If your heart is set on a DIY, try a material like laminate or butcher block, which is easier to install.
Cost of Common Countertop Add-Ons
There are some projects you may want to tackle at the same time as your quartzite countertop installation. Typically, you can save some money by lumping similar renovations together.
Sink Replacement
If you plan to upgrade your sink, expect to spend somewhere between $250 to $600. Keep in mind that the cost of a sink replacement can surpass $1,000 if you choose a high-end option with a luxury faucet.
Appliance Installation
If you want to install an appliance, like a cooktop or stove, budget $100 to $300 for labor. This is on top of the cost of the appliance.
Cabinet Refacing, Resurfacing, or Replacement
New cabinetry can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,200 per linear foot, so many homeowners simply upgrade their existing cabinets. In this case, you may want to restain or repaint them (known as resurfacing) or reface them (swap out the doors for different doors). Cabinet-related costs could include:
Replacing hardware: $2–$50 per piece
Resurfacing cabinets: $30–$60 per linear foot
Refacing cabinets: $150–$450 per linear foot
Replacing cabinets: $100–$1,200 per linear foot
Backsplash Installation
A new backsplash will generally cost $15 to $40 per square foot, depending on the material. Most homeowners spend $600 to $1,300. If you choose a matching quartzite, expect to spend the same per square foot as your countertop.
Island Installation
Kitchen islands are a popular renovation. If you’re adding a permanent island, expect to spend an average of $4,000, with prefab options ranging from $2,500 to $3,500.
Ways to Save on Quartzite Countertop Costs
The best way to save money is to avoid quartz or quartzite altogether and choose a budget-friendly laminate countertop that mimics these materials. Though Silestone countertops cost slightly less than 100% natural stone slabs, these are both high-end materials. That said, if you have your heart set on quartzite, here are some ways you can tighten your budget.
1. Keep It Small
Quartzite is priced by the square foot. If you’re looking for kitchen countertop ideas on a budget, think small. Mix and match materials at more affordable price points, and keep your quartzite limited to a small kitchen island or tiny backsplash.
2. Avoid High-End Stones
Choosing an extremely rare or desirable stone is the quickest way to rack up costs in a quartzite countertop installation. Instead, go for a more common but high-quality stone.
3. Skip the Upgrades
Instead of splurging on fancy finishes and ornate edging, choose the standard option.
4. Tackle Similar Projects
Sometimes contractors will offer a discount on installation costs if you do multiple related projects at the same time. For example, if you’re renovating your kitchen, now is a good time to install a new sink and reface your cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quartzite is more expensive than granite, largely because of its rarity. Granite is naturally more common. A granite slab generally costs $40 to $60 per square foot (excluding super-rare types), while quartzite slabs cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per square foot.
With both materials, it’s usually more affordable to purchase stones that are readily available in your location. You may need to import other stones, which come at a higher cost.
For most homeowners, quartz and quartzite countertops are similar in price. The average quartz countertop installation costs $80 to $220 per square foot, while quartz countertops cost $70 to $200 per square foot. Of course, there are outliers, like if you choose a highly customized, rare natural stone with high-end finishes.
There are three main downsides to quartzite: the cost, the porosity, and the weight. As a natural stone, there’s a level of scarcity that can drive up the price of certain types of quartzite. Even more common varieties are less affordable than synthetic materials like laminate and other natural stones like granite.
You’ll also have to reseal your quartzite countertop annually to combat the natural porosity and reinforce your cabinets to account for the added weight.