How much are quartz countertops?
Installing quartz countertops costs $74 to $99¹ per square foot. That includes labor costs and materials. However, some pros may charge closer to $100 to $200 square foot.
While quartz countertops cost more than some other materials, like a low-quality granite, it remains a popular bathroom and kitchen countertop choice because it's durable, low-maintenance and non-porous.
Before you hire a professional installer to upgrade your countertops to quartz, get an idea of how much your material and installation costs will be for your remodeling project.
What's in this cost guide?
Quartz countertops cost around $74 to $99¹ per square foot. For material alone, quartz countertops prices range from $54 to $72 per square foot. However, this cost can increase (or decrease) depending on the grade, slab size and edges.
Installation costs vary depending on the size of the countertop, the type and number of cutouts you need and whether you need your countertop contractor to also haul away an old countertop.
The cost of quartz countertops will depend on the type of quartz you choose, edges, size, cutouts and whether not you need your countertop contractor to also haul away an old one. The labor costs for installation will vary from contractor to contractor, and can also impact your total costs.
Grade of quartz
The average cost for quartz countertops varies by brand and grade. Here are some cost examples of quartz per square foot based on grade:
Quartz quality | Estimated price per square foot |
Good quality | $50 to $65 |
Better quality | $65 to $75 |
Best quality | $75 to $150+ |
Edge treatments
The edge treatment you pick is a matter of the look you want for the room. Anything other than a straight edge will likely cost more.
Here's the estimated cost of different quartz countertop edges per linear foot:
Type of edge | Description | Estimated cost per linear foot |
Half-bullnose | This half-round edge is rounded along the top and flattened at the bottom to create a straight edge. | $30+ |
Eased | Appears square with a slightly rounded top edge. | $30+ |
Bullnose | A completely rounded edge that maintains the slab's thickness. | $45+ |
Bevel | Appears square with a 45-degree cut that creates a slanted top edge. | $45+ |
Waterfall | Rather than ending at edge of countertop, quartz makes a 90-degree angle and goes to the floor. | $60+ |
Ogee | A traditional-style edge with a concave arch that transitions into a convex arch. | $60+ |
Cutouts for outlets and sinks
You'll pay extra for your installer to cut holes in the countertop for sinks and electrical outlets. The estimated cost for quartz countertop cutouts are:
- Electrical outlet cutout: $35
- Sink cutout: $300
Backsplash
If you're getting a backsplash, you'll need to buy more linear feet of quartz and pay for more hours of work from the countertop installer.
Waterfall edge
Some high-end projects put a wall of quartz down the side of a kitchen cabinet, particularly on a kitchen island. It's called a waterfall edge. Because this requires more quartz, expect your material total costs to be higher.
Removing the old countertop
If you're replacing an existing counter, you'll need to pay a contractor to demo the old counter and remove it from your property.
Quartz countertops are man-made, artificial stone countertops, made by mixing quartz with other fillers and resin, then molding the mixture into various shapes and colors.
Quartz countertops are sold, produced and manufactured by a number of companies, including:
- Cambria
- Corian
- Cosentino
- LG Viatera
- Hanstone
- Caesarstone
- Zodiaq
- Silestone
Also, don't confuse quartz with quartzite countertops. Quartzite is a natural stone, and it's up there with soapstone as one of the most expensive materials out there for counters.
Related article: How much does it cost to install countertops?
If you're installing a stone countertop, you might be debating between quartz and granite countertops. Overall, they share a lot of similarities — but there are a few differences.
Quartz counters look similar to granite countertops, they're not more affordable. Granite countertops cost less than quartz because quartz has some advantages over granite and other natural stones. For example, quartz is non-porous and more stain-resistant, so it's unlikely to soak up spills and never needs to be sealed. Its resins are its sealant. It also rarely cracks. Quartz doesn't have the natural flaws that can make granite crack.
But there are some downsides to quartz countertops. They're not as heat-resistant as granite and other materials (so, don't put a hot pot directly on one unless you want to pay for countertop repairs). Also, its color may fade in the sun, so they're not a good choice for an outdoor kitchen.
Before you hire an installer to help you with your new quartz countertops, be sure to:
- Check their experience with quartz countertop installation. Make sure the pro has experience installing quartz countertops and read reviews to check the quality of their work.
- Ask about what's included in their costs. Will they charge you extra to remove the existing countertop? Does the quote include the cutouts you need for the sink and electrical outlets? Is the installation of the sink and other appliances included in the quote?
- See if they can help you get a good deal on quartz countertops. Many installers will have a relationship with wholesalers and may be able to purchase your quartz countertops at a better price per square foot than you would be able to find on your own.
Find a countertop installation specialist near you
If you're ready to swap your old laminate counters for high-quality quartz, this isn't a project you want to DIY yourself. Quartz is incredibly heavy, and you could damage your cabinets if you do it wrong. Instead, hire an experienced quartz countertop installer to help.
Additional sources:
- ¹2020 National Repair & Remodeling Estimator