How Much Does It Cost To Install A Quartz Countertop?

Quartz countertops cost calculator

Good quality quartz countertops are a practical addition to your kitchen and add to your home's overall value. When you’re attempting to determine a suitable budget for your kitchen countertops project, use the cost calculator to help you come up with a reasonable number.

To start, you’ll need to determine how many square feet you’ll need. For example, a 10 X 10-foot area equals 100 square feet. Measure your existing countertops and jot down the square footage, then add an extra 10% onto your material needs to account for sink cut-outs or waste. Once you’ve figured out your total square footage, multiply the total by the per-square-foot cost of the quartz material you’ve chosen.

The price doesn’t include installation or the cost of removing your existing countertops. The price of quartz countertops varies according to your location, the installation company you hire, and the type of quartz you choose. Additional factors like edging, sealing joints, and the addition of a tile backsplash may also alter the cost.

Quartz countertops cost per square foot

Quartz countertops price per square foot can vary. The average price is around $75, not including the cost of installation and the factors affecting the price of the material. Large suppliers or big box home improvement stores may have sales throughout the year, so check regularly to get the best price. If you can, look for ways to obtain your quartz countertops directly from a supplier rather than a third-party reseller. Companies that own a quarry and fabricate and install countertops will tend to offer the best deals. 

The quality of the material will affect the overall cost of your potential countertops. Below is a quick run-down of the average price of quartz countertops according to their quality:

• Lower quality: $50 to $65 per square foot.
• Middle quality: $65 to $75 per square foot.
• High quality: $75 to $90 per square foot.

The following table shows the average cost of quartz countertops per square foot:

Average cost to install quartz countertops

With materials and installation included, the average quartz countertop installation costs $3,750. If you have a small kitchen or if you’re installing quartz countertops in a bathroom, you may pay as little as $1,000 in total. On the higher end, you’ll pay as much as $5,000 for a larger installation project. When you’re shopping around for installation estimates from local contractors, make sure the estimate includes all the installation project details from start to finish, so you don’t end up being blindsided by any surprises.

Labor cost to install quartz countertops

Expect labor to cost approximately $70 an hour. Depending on where you live, some contractors may include a delivery fee of between $150 and $200. If you need your old countertops removed and disposed of, make sure your contractor knows in advance. Many contractors will charge a removal and disposal fee of between $300 and $450. When you’re figuring out your budget, you’ll need to factor in the cost of removing and disposing of your existing countertops. Additionally, if you need a sink or outlets cut out or you want the corners rounded, the cost of your project will rise.

Cost breakdown

When determining the cost of quartz countertops installed, it’s important to understand how your total cost breaks down. Each of the factors below can extend your total cost well beyond the cost of the materials and basic installation.

Materials

Choosing the right materials for your project is the first step in determining a budget. Lower-end quartz will be the least expensive option at approximately $50 per square foot, while the higher-end option will cost quite a bit more at approximately $150 per square foot.

Delivery

Ask your contractor if there will be a separate charge for delivering your countertops. Many contractors include this fee in their estimates, but some do not. Generally, you can expect to pay $150 to $200 for delivery.

Labor cost

When you’re discussing the project with your contractor, ask them how much they charge per hour for labor and how long they expect the project to take. Often, you’ll find this cost to be around $70 per hour, depending on the number of workers involved in the project. This information will give you a ballpark figure for your quartz countertops installation.

Removal of old countertop

Some contractors include the cost of removing and disposing of your existing countertops in their total estimate, but some don’t. For those that do, you can expect the cost to be between $300 to $450. Make sure to tell the contractor that your old countertops need to be removed and ask if the fee is included in their estimate.

Additional Costs

Requiring cutouts for sinks, outlets, and countertop ranges or adding special trim along the edges will all result in extra costs, as they are considered to be additional tasks. On average, the cost for additional cuts will be around $500.

Quartz vs granite cost

Granite is a 100% natural stone mined from the earth in large sheets. Because it’s natural and highly durable, granite is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. The average cost of granite countertops is between $40 and $60 per square foot, without the cost of installation.

Quartz is made from natural crystals, binding agents, and pigments to create a material that resembles stone. Quartz typically costs between $50 and $100 per square foot. Rather than being cut directly from a larger slab, quartz countertops are formed into slabs and then cut to various sizes afterward.

Quartzite vs engineered quartz

Two main types of quartz are used to make countertops: quartzite and engineered quartz. There are a few differences between these two types:

Quartzite

• A natural stone formed when sandstone is under intense heat and pressure.
• Resembles marble.
• Porous and requires a sealant to protect it from staining.

Engineered quartz

• Approximately 90% natural quartzite, 10% resins and pigments.
• Resembles quartzite but is less expensive. 
• Does not require sealing.

Quartz countertop finishes

Some brands offer a limited choice when it comes to the available finishes for their quartz countertops. Other brands have a broader selection, offering you more customization for your countertop project. Here are some of the more popular finish choices for quartz countertop installations:

Polished

Polished quartz has a smooth, high-gloss finish. This smooth finish tends to bring out the quartz’s color, making it perfect for gourmet kitchens.

Honed

A honed finish still has a shine, but not as much as polished quartz. This finish offers a more natural look that still feels satiny to the touch.

Concrete

Quartz countertops with a concrete finish have a semi-matte and lightly textured finish that makes them resemble concrete. This type of finish is ideal for industrial kitchens or home kitchens with a modern aesthetic.

Rough

Quartz countertops with a rough finish have a texture that still manages to feel smooth to the touch. This finish gives the quartz a more natural feel.

DIY vs hire a pro

Quartz cabinet installation is a job best done by a trained professional, simply because they’re heavy and may break if they aren’t handled properly. Other countertops may have a greater margin for error and are okay for DIY countertop projects, but installing a quartz countertop requires care and a lot of hard work. You need to ensure that the cabinets are level, the measurements are exact, all the cut-outs are created perfectly, and the counters are properly secured to the cabinets.