How much does it cost to install quartz countertops?

Reviewed by Ryan Burden remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Countertops get daily use and abuse. They are also in a very prominent place in the kitchen, which means how they look influences your kitchen’s design. There are many countertop materials to choose from, and quartz is excellent for durability, stain resistance, and aesthetics.

Quartz countertops are durable, attractive, and available in a wide range of colors and styles. Their costs depend on the brand, size, and location. Different fabricators may charge different rates for the installation, depending on the area. The national average cost for a quartz countertop is $1,750 to $3,000. Most people pay $2,300 for 30 square feet of mid-range quartz countertops fully installed. This project’s low cost is $550 for 10 feet of vanity countertops installed, and the high cost is $5,500 for 30 feet of perimeter countertop with two sinks and 20 sq.ft. of island countertop in two premium colors.

Average Cost of Quartz Countertops

What Are Quartz Countertops Made Of?

Quartz countertops are roughly 93% natural quartz stone mixed with resins and pigments. It is one of the hardest natural materials used in construction and home decor. A granite countertop may be 45% to 65% quartz with silica, feldspar, mica, and other minerals.

These countertops have the durability of natural quartz. The resin makes them impervious to stains, and the pigments give you a controlled, even color. While natural stones may have color, veining, and movement variation, quartz is very uniform. While you need to choose your exact piece of natural stone to avoid surprises, quartz is consistent.

Quartz Countertops Cost per Square Foot

Most quartz countertops are sold by the installed square foot, meaning you pay one price for the material and installation. A few manufacturers price their material separately, but the fabricator sets your final costs because the manufacturer does not sell directly to consumers.

Quartz countertops fall between $40 and $100 a square foot, but most cost between $60 and $80 a square foot. The bulk of the cost is the fabrication, edge finishing, and final installation. The material cost is a very small part of your final bill.

Quartz Countertops Cost by Location

Quartz countertops can be used anywhere you would install a countertop. The three most common areas are the kitchen, mudroom, and bathroom. They make great additions to these areas because they are impervious to many of the things used in these spaces that could harm a natural stone, such as lemon juice, toothpaste, and wine.

Your costs by location vary mostly by countertop size. Kitchens have larger countertops than bathrooms, so the cost of a quartz countertop for a kitchen is higher than the cost of the same quartz in the bathroom or mudroom.

Quartz Bathroom Countertops

The cost of installing quartz countertops in your bathroom ranges from $375 to $1,000. Bathroom vanities and tops can range in size. You may have a 36” wide vanity in a powder room or a 72” double vanity in a master bathroom. This leads to a wide range in costs for installing it. Quartz countertops for bathrooms can be found pre-made with a sink bowl attached. You can also have them custom-made like custom kitchen countertops by choosing and fabricating the slab.

Quartz Mudroom Countertop

The cost of installing quartz countertops in a mudroom ranges from $420 to $1,000 on average. Mudroom countertops vary in size by quite a bit. Many people choose to install a countertop that is between 42” and 72” in length, but it is possible to install one that is smaller or longer. This material is a good choice for mudrooms because it can handle a lot of abuse. Mud, saltwater, snow, and other things that enter through the mudroom will not harm the countertop. It is also easy to wash and maintain, so you do not need to worry about special cleanup in this busy area.

Quartz Kitchen Countertops

The cost of installing quartz countertops in a kitchen is between $1,800 and $3,000. Quartz countertops in the kitchen also have a range of sizes, but kitchens typically average around 30 sq.ft. Most edges and finishes cost the same regardless of the color or type. Your “extra” costs come mostly from your sink, cooktop, and other installations. Costs can be higher or lower if you have a larger or smaller kitchen or choose a “premium” or builder-grade quartz. Most people find mid-grade quartz has a wide range of colors to choose from, with costs that fall in this range.

Quartz Countertop Price by Type

The vast majority of quartz countertops are made with slabs. These slabs range in thickness, have various edge styles, and can support an undermount sink. You can also find tiles and install these on a countertop, but your selection is lower than with slabs. Ensure your installer has the correct equipment to put a bullnose or finished edge on the tiles for a completed appearance.

Quartz Tile Countertops

Quartz tile countertops range from $21 to $30 a square foot installed. Tile is relatively rare. It can often be found sold as an alternative to Terrazzo because it can have a similar look. It is a blend of quartz stone, pigments, and resins. These tiles are usually large, roughly 24-inches square. They must be finished on the edges because these tiles do not normally have finished edge pieces. This requires cutting them with a diamond blade on a wet saw and using a diamond bullnose tool on the wet saw to shape them. You may pay above-average installation costs versus another tile.

Quartz Slab

Quartz countertops made from slabs cost between $60 and $80 a square foot installed. Slabs are generally sold installed rather than as material. Some manufacturers price them like that from the start, and others have a material price listed, but this is not likely what you pay because you cannot purchase directly from the manufacturer. Fabrication and installation influence your final price the most because they make up the bulk of the cost. Fabrication costs vary by region. They can also range depending on the quartz and whether it is builder-grade, mid-grade, or high-end.

Average Cost of Quartz Countertops by Category

Some manufacturers do not differentiate slabs. They have one price for the material, regardless of color, thickness, finish, or edge profile. Others divide their slabs into three categories: builder-grade, premium-grade, and designer-grade. Bold or unusual colors are typically considered designer-grade, while thinner slabs are considered builder-grade. Most homeowners find premium-grade slabs are used most frequently.

Builder-Grade Quartz Countertops

Builder-grade quartz countertops cost between $40 and $50 a square foot installed. These countertops fall into a few categories. They may be thinner than average - around 2 cm instead of the more common 3 cm. They could also be plain or solid colors in shades that are not popular or trendy. For example, they may be solid gray or cream rather than having colors and patterns that mimic marble or granite. Sometimes, you may also find closeout slabs of discontinued colors that are sold for less.

Premium Quartz Countertops

Premium or mid-grade countertops average $50 to $80 a square foot installed. This is where most quartz countertops fall. Companies that do not differentiate in price have costs in this range, depending on the fabrication method. Quartz in this range has a wide range of colors and patterns. You may see some slabs that mimic granite. Others may resemble marble or concrete. Color is proprietary, so if you find one you like, it needs to come from that manufacturer.

Designer Quartz

Designer or high-end quartz countertops range from $80 to $100 a square foot installed. These countertops are generally a very bright, bold hue or may have specialty veining. For example, a bold red or rare marble look-alike countertop likely lands in this price range. Sometimes, you find extremely thick countertops - 4 cm or greater in this category. There are generally fewer countertops that fall in this category than others.

Average Cost of Quartz Countertops by Finish

Like granite or marble, quartz countertops come standard with a polished finish. They are also available with a matte finish. Some particular quartz countertops always have a matte finish, such as those that mimic limestone. There is usually no cost difference between the two finishes. You may find the matte finish may be slightly more expensive, especially if the finish is designed to look like concrete, limestone, or another matte surface.

Polished Quartz Countertops

Polished quartz countertops cost between $60 and $80 a square foot. Most countertops are available with a standard polished finish. Only a few may not be available in this finish. Polished surfaces reflect light, which means that smudges and marks are less visible. This, combined with a stone-look pattern, can be a great way to disguise everyday wear. Unlike stone countertops, the finish does not wear down nor need reapplying.

Matte Quartz Countertop

The average cost of a matte quartz countertop range from $60 to $80 a square foot. Some countertops come with a matte finish, such as those that mimic soft stones and concrete. Others may be available with an optional matte finish. Unlike natural stone, not all quartz slabs can be given a matte finish after being polished. You may need to choose a color that comes in matte or polished finishes. Matte finishes tend to have a softer look than polished countertops. This can make them very attractive in certain cottage and farmhouse designs.

Quartz Countertop Edge Options

Quartz countertops can have all the same edge options as marble and granite. Some manufacturers and fabricators do not differentiate in cost from one edge to the other. Others may have a few edges to choose from at no cost but charge extra per linear foot for more decorative edges. Eased edges and squared edges are the most common, but there are many others if you want a different look.

Quartz Countertop Costs by Brand

Several brands make quartz countertops. Each company may have proprietary colors, so you might need to remain with a brand if you find a color you like. Others may have their own take on a granite or marble color, and there are subtle differences between brands. Some brands keep their costs the same for the material, and the fabricator sets the final cost. Others have different cost groups and give final costs with installation by group. Most brands fall into the same general cost bracket, with the fabricator having the final word on the cost you pay. You may be able to shop around for a single brand between fabricators and get different prices for the same quartz color and brand.

Caesarstone Quartz Countertops

Caesarstone quartz countertops cost between $40 and $100 a square foot installed. Caesarstone tends to break its products down into three categories - low-grade, mid-grade, and high-end. Most of their materials fall between $60 and $80 a square foot installed. Caesarstone has unique colors and patterns, including those that mimic limestone. They also have a range of bright and bold colors, so this is a good brand if you want a bold color for an office countertop or a child’s bathroom. This brand is widely available and can be found at Ikea.

Okite Quartz Countertops

Okite quartz countertops range from $40 to $150 a square foot. Okite makes a wide range of countertops. Their material costs start very low, around $11 a square foot, and go up to $75 a square foot. They have basic countertops, attractive colors that mimic marble, and a few extremely translucent designer colors. Most of their material costs are around $25 a square foot. Their remaining costs come from the fabricators. You may need to shop around to get the best installed cost.

Cambria Quartz Countertops

Cambria quartz countertops average $60 to $80 a square foot installed. This company tends to price all their countertops the same for material regardless of color, thickness, finish, or edge. Their material costs are roughly $30 a square foot. The remaining costs are up to the fabricator. Fabricator costs vary by region, overhead, and other factors not controlled by Cambria. You may need to shop around to get the best cost.

Silestone Quartz Countertops

The cost of Silestone countertops is between $60 and $100 a square foot installed. Silestone is a very common brand. It is found at many big-box stores, including Home Depot and Lowes. They make a wide range of popular colors and finishes. Many of their countertops are designed to mimic marble or granite. Most fall into the category of mid-grade countertops, but they have a few designer options.

Average Cost of Quartz Countertops by Color

Color does not play a big role in your countertop’s cost. Some translucent quartz varieties and some brightly or exotically colored varieties may cost more, but many manufacturers keep costs fairly steady between colors. Fabrication and installation make up the bulk of the cost.

Like granite and marble, there are many popular colors. Most colors are proprietary, meaning if you find a specific color you like, it is likely made by one manufacturer. There may be similar slabs made by other companies, but each color name and exact shade is given by its manufacturer. This allows you to shop around for the best fabrication price because the color does not change, provided you can find a fabricator who carries the brand.

The following colors rank as some of the most popular. Their costs are for material and installation and range depending on the region and installer.

Vanilla Noir Quartz

Vanilla Noir from Caesarstone costs between $50 and $80 a square foot installed. This is a rich black quartz countertop. It has a bright white vein that ranges in size and placement. Most of the veining is thinner but varies in thickness. This color most closely resembles Nero Marquina marble. It looks best polished so that the quartz’s truest color can be reflected and shown.

Topus Concrete Quartz

Topus Concrete from Caesarstone ranges from $50 to $80 a square foot installed. This slab is from the Caesarstone Metropolitan collection. It is meant to look like a concrete slab that has developed a natural patina from wear and time. This slab has a warmer color to it, verging on beige. It is also not a flare color. There are subtle variations across its surface for the look of a long-used concrete slab.

Tuscan Dawn Quartz

Tuscan Dawn from Caesarstone averages $50 to $80 a square foot installed. Tuscan Dawn is rich milk chocolate-brown in color. It is similar in tone to Travertine Noce but features thin white veins across its surface. The veins vary slightly in length and thickness across the surface. It looks good polished and honed. Honing it gives it a look closer to limestone or travertine.

Excava Quartz

Excava from Caesarstone costs between $50 and $80 a square foot installed. Excava is from the Metropolitan collection. It has a matte finish that has been created with various patinas. The colors range from chestnut and copper to a deep auburn. It is meant to give you the look of freshly excavated material. The colors move and vary in long undulating waves across the surface for a varied look.

Empira White

Empira White from Caesarstone averages $50 to $80 a square foot installed. Empira is a bright white countertop. It features gray and black markings in a range of patterns across its surface. These are not veins but tiny black speckles that range in groupings, from thick to thin. These specks move in clusters over the countertop’s surface for depth and interest. It comes polished in the finish.

Cambria Torquay Quartz

Torquay from Cambria costs between $60 and $80 a square foot installed. Torquay is a soft, creamy off-white color countertop. Its surface features a range of marks and veins. These marks range from a light pewter gray to light tan color. They also vary in size and thickness, but most have fairly short veins. Torquay comes in a high-gloss and matte finish with multiple edge profiles.

Cambria Britannica Quartz

Britannica from Cambria ranges from $60 to $80 a square foot installed. Britannica is an off-white quartz with dramatic veining. This quartz’s veins are very thick - 3 to 4 inches. They run in undulating waves, from one end to the other. The veins vary in thickness, shade, and color. They can be dark charcoal or a much lighter taupe. The slabs can be polished or matte.

Cambria Summerhill Quartz

Summerhill from Cambria costs between $60 and $80 a square foot installed. Summerhill is a neutral countertop with a light cream-colored background. It features thick, swirling veins in multiple shades of gray and taupe. These veins can form lines or oblong circles on the surface. There are thinner, darker lines in deep gray and brown that speckle the remaining surface areas. This countertop has a lot of movement and looks best on an island.

Cambria Montgomery Quartz

Montgomery from Cambria averages $60 to $80 a square foot installed. Montgomery is considered white quartz. It has a light creamy background with veins of blue/gray and brown and spots of tan. It has a lot of movement but very few long or thick veins. Most of the color is in small spaces scattered evenly over the slab. It can be found in polished and matte finishes.

Cost to Install Quartz Countertops

The cost to install quartz countertops is usually bundled into the total price. This is because installation is one small part. To start, you first select the quartz, finish, and edge.

Then, a fabricator visits your home. They make a template out of thin strips of wood glued together in your countertop’s shape. You need to have your new faucet and sink on hand because their size and shape are important for the next step.

Your countertop is now fabricated. This means that the slab of material you chose is cut to fit the template’s dimensions. The sink is cut out, and holes are drilled for the faucets. All the edges are finished. In many cases, this means cutting several pieces that will be installed together in one countertop.

Approximately 2-3 weeks after templating, your new countertop can be installed. It is given a bead of silicone adhesive around the cabinets’ perimeter and lifted into place. The seams between the pieces are given a color-matched epoxy to make them less noticeable. Your sink is installed at this time but not connected until the next day.

Of the total costs - $60 to $80 a square foot - approximately ½ to ⅔ of the cost is the material fabrication, transport, and installation, and the remaining costs are for the slab. This varies from fabricator to fabricator, making the cost of fabrication and installation between $30 and $60 a square foot.

You also pay roughly $200 per sink cutout, and if edging is an additional cost for that fabricator, you have additional costs per linear foot.

Cost to Replace Countertops With Quartz

The cost to replace countertops with quartz varies based on your current countertops. If you have laminate or another lightweight countertop, the removal costs are usually included in the total $60 to $80 a square foot. However, if you are replacing something heavier like granite, you have additional costs for removal and disposal, between $200 and $500. This makes the total cost range between $1,950 and $3,500.

Cost to Replace Quartz Countertops

The cost to replace existing quartz countertops with new quartz has the same costs for installation - $60 to $80 a square foot - and additional costs for removal and disposal. This ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the area and how hard the old countertop is to remove. This makes the average cost range for replacement between $1,950 and $3,500.

Quartz Countertops Care and Maintenance

Quartz countertops are virtually maintenance-free. They are non-porous, so they do not require sealing. They are also stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant. Honed quartz countertops are more likely to get stubborn surface stains that may need more effort to remove than polished. These surface stains can be removed with cleaners and scrubbing pads and do not require special equipment or stain removers. While these countertops are scratch-resistant, they should not be used as a cutting surface. The material dulls your knives’ blades, so use an appropriate cutting board each time.

Quartz countertops are durable, but permanent damage or discoloring can occur from some types of household cleaners, chemicals, and abrasives. Quartz is non-porous and does not stain in the same way as granite or marble. Surface stains from food are easily removed in most cases. However, hard water cleaners, degreasers, oven-cleaners, drain-cleaners, bleach, solvents, and highly-acidic products can permanently discolor the resins and pigments in quartz countertops. Also, abrasive cleaners and pads can dull the surface in some cases. Thoroughly review the manufacturer’s care and maintenance guidelines to avoid unrepairable damage. Using products made for cleaning granite and marble is the safest choice.

Ryan Burden, countertop specialist.

Quartz Countertops Pros and Cons

Like any material, quartz countertops have positive and negative attributes. Quartz is attractive, low-maintenance, and exceptionally durable. The colors remain fairly consistent, so once you view a sample, you can be reasonably sure this is installed.

However, this last detail can be negative for some, while being positive for others. Those who like to know what to expect and do not like surprises should like quartz and likely prefer it over granite or marble.

However, it can feel very homogenous for those who like natural variation and the uniqueness of natural stone. Each slab is nearly identical to the next, while no two natural stone slabs are ever the same.

The high cost of fabrication can also be a drawback. You need to shop around for the best price and speak to multiple fabricators who carry the same quartz brand.

Quartz Countertop Trends

These countertops are easy to care for. They are naturally antimicrobial and easy to clean, so quartz is topping many lists as people look for lower-maintenance materials.

From a color standpoint, quartz is following other trends at the moment. For the bathroom, black quartz countertops are very popular. You can also use black quartz as a bathroom or shower threshold.

Earthy warm-colored quartzes are getting the most attention in the kitchen. For example, Tuscan Dawn from Caesarstone, with its rich brown color, is very popular right now. White and gray countertops are still fairly popular but are giving way to softer, warmer colors.

Quartz vs Granite Countertops

The material quartz gets compared to the most is granite. Quartz countertops were originally made to mimic granite, while being more durable, less porous, and easier to maintain. Eventually, quartz began to branch out and became available in a much wider range of styles, including some that mimic concrete or marble.

Granite is a blend of quartz, feldspar, silica, and mica. It comes in an incredible range of colors and patterns, depending on the minerals that each slab contains. Because granite is a natural stone, it varies in durability, color, and maintenance. This is true not only between colors, but even within some specific stones. A stone containing higher amounts of one mineral may have a different hue than a piece of the same type of granite without that mineral. Some granites are very dense and do not stain or etch. Others are more fragile and may need a lot of care.

Quartz countertops now come in a wide range of colors and styles that mimic granite, marble, and concrete. They require no maintenance beyond regular cleaning, and their colors remain the same from slab to slab. While granite will never look the same twice, quartz can have a lot more consistency. This makes it easier to match from samples when you are planning your project.

Granite varies in color and pattern from piece to piece and within one piece, so you must choose the exact slab you want. Granite also ranges in cost. While quartz falls between $60 and $80 a square foot installed for many colors, granite ranges from $40 to $400 a square foot, depending on how common the material is. In general, you will find that most quartz countertops are less expensive than granite. Below are the average costs for 30 sq.ft. of each material fully installed.

Quartz vs Quartzite Countertops

Although quartz and quartzite sound very similar, they are two very different countertops. Quartz is a man-made material made from roughly 93% natural quartz and mixed with pigments and resins. Quartzite is a metamorphic stone made mostly of quartz that has undergone enormous heat and pressure to be transformed into a harder and more durable stone.

Quartz is non-porous and very low-maintenance. It comes in a wide range of colors and has little variation from slab to slab. Quartz can mimic the look of different materials including concrete, marble, and granite. Quartzite, however, looks very different with a sparkling texture and a range of different colors. These colors can vary from piece to piece, while quartz is always consistent.

Quartzite is slightly porous but much less than granite and marble. It should be sealed to impede potential staining, but even unsealed, very little affects it. It is scratch and heat-resistant. It comes in an incredible range of wild and bold colors and patterns. Because it is a natural stone, no two pieces are ever the same. This means that you need to select the exact piece you want for your home, while quartz can be chosen from samples.

Of the two, quartzite is generally much more expensive than quartz. Below are the average costs for installing 30 sq.ft. of each material.

Quartz vs Marble Countertops

Another material that frequently gets compared to quartz countertops is marble. Marble is a soft metamorphic stone made mostly of calcite. It comes in a range of colors, often with soft, varied veining. Many quartz types are made to look like marble, with several different types being made to mimic different types of white marble in particular. Marble can stain and scratch easily because it is so soft, while quartz that is made to look like marble will be much more durable. This makes marble very high-maintenance in a busy home, while quartz is much less maintenance in general.

Marble varies naturally from piece to piece, depending on things like mineral presence and where it was quarried from. This means you need to choose the exact piece of marble you want for your home. Some pieces of marble can vary a lot, making them hard to coordinate if you need several slabs to cover a big kitchen. Quartz is more uniform. You do not need to choose the exact slab as they are made to be very similar to one another, without any of marble’s extreme variability. This means it is much easier to purchase several slabs that match. For some, this can be a plus, but marble can be preferred by those who like the natural variation and surprising colors.

In general, marble is also more expensive than quartz, although there can be some crossover between the two. Below is the average cost of installing 30 sq.ft. of both materials.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Quartz Backsplash

You can have your quartz countertop extended to the backsplash. This is frequently done behind the cooktop to make the entire area cohesive and easy to clean. The cost is slightly less per square foot than the countertop because there is no edging. Costs are roughly $40 to $60 a square foot for a quartz slab backsplash.

Quartz Island

These countertops are also popular additions to kitchen islands. Costs are the same for installing quartz on an island because they are for perimeter countertops - $60 to $80 a square foot. However, you may choose to create a waterfall edge for your island, extending the countertop over the side to the ground. This increases costs slightly because of how the countertop must be mitered. If this is the case, you have additional fees of roughly $10 to $20 per linear foot.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Delivery fees. Depending on the fabricator, you may have a delivery fee. This varies depending on the distance the material travels and ranges from $100 to $200 per countertop.
• Warranty. All quartz manufacturers warranty their countertops. Each brand has a different warranty and coverage. These can last from 10 years to lifetime warranties. Always check with your fabricator to find out what the warranty covers on the countertop.
• Popularity. Quartz countertops have been growing in popularity for the last several years. They have begun to surpass granite as the most popular material for kitchen countertops and are expected to continue to rise in popularity. This makes them a good decision for many homes from a resale standpoint.
• Interior design. If you need assistance in coordinating your quartz countertop with your kitchen, hire an interior designer.
• Lower costs. Choosing basic finishes and edges for your countertop can keep costs down.