How Much Do Quartz Countertops Really Cost? Pros Weigh In

Quartz countertops aren’t just having a moment — they are the moment. They’ve increased in popularity over the years thanks to their reputation as a true triple threat: long-lasting, design-versatile, and requiring minimal maintenance. These factors pique the interest of people researching kitchen remodeling ideas, along with another key factor: their cost. 

The cost of new countertops depends on several factors, and there are certain things to consider about the material you select as well. So, how much are quartz countertops, specifically? I asked three home renovation and interior design experts to weigh in on that question, and they had a lot to say about what influences the overall price of these stunning stone counters. 

• Jerome Bertuglia, owner of Prime Homes., a company specializing in building custom luxury homes
• Nitya Seth, a renovation specialist and designer at Nityanamya with more than 15 years of experience in home design
• Michelle Poitras, principal interior designer at Lucien Marie Design 

Quartz countertops can range from $20 to $200 per square foot, including the cost of the material and installation, according to the experts. If your countertops are 30 square feet, the total cost could range between $600 and $6,000. The final price tag of this project could fluctuate by $10,000 or more due to several factors, including: 

If you’re getting quartz countertops for a smaller kitchen, you’ll likely have a smaller bill since it’ll require less material. The more square footage of counter space you have, the more you can expect your bill to be. 

The quality and grade of quartz influence how much you’ll pay for it — and how it’ll look. “Standard-grade quartz is more affordable, but may show more seams and have a less uniform appearance,” Bertuglia says. “Premium-grade quartz offers better aesthetics, more consistency, and greater durability, though at a higher cost.” 

The difference between these grades? Their composition. Poitras says higher grades of quartz tend to have purer and more brilliant colors with a higher quartz content and lower percentage of resin. On the flip side, lower grades have a higher percentage of resin and a lower percentage of quartz. 

Several brands pop up when you look into where to buy quartz countertops. Pay close attention to the brand you’re browsing those beautiful countertops on, as it will affect how much you pay. “Premium brands like Caesarstone or Silestone often come at a higher price tag,” Seth says. 

The finish of quartz countertops can also influence the overall price. These finishes include: 

• Polished finish: Provides a glossy and elegant look. 
• Honed finish: Provides a sophisticated matte look. 
• Leathered finish: Provides a textured look, similar to natural stone. 
• Brushed finish: Provides a slightly textured and modern look. 
• Flamed finish: Provides a rough and textured look. 

Finishes affect the processing, appearance, cost of labor, and value of the quartz countertops, which can increase the final bill. 

Quartz is typically sold in slabs with varying thicknesses. You can get slabs that are 1 centimeter thick, while others can be several centimeters thick. If you get a thicker slab for your counters, expect the price to increase. 

Create extra room in the budget if your quartz countertops require customization. “Exclusive edges, cooking area cutouts or even complex designs can raise prices,” Seth says. Custom edge profiles and finishes can also bump up the price. 

Seth says more intricate installations, such as unusual countertop shapes and multiple seams, will be more expensive. And while it is possible to install quartz countertops on your own, all the pros I spoke to say it’s best to hire professionals to get the job done right. “Quartz slabs are large and heavy, requiring special measuring and cutting tools for proper installation,” Poitras explains. 

Yes, it’s important to consider the cost of quartz countertops, but you should also consider the longevity, functionality, and aesthetics of quartz countertops when doing your research and making comparisons. Knowing the pros and cons can help you make a more informed decision about the countertops. 

• Durable 
• Nonporous, which makes it easier to clean
• Minimal maintenance needed
• Variety of colors and designs available 

• Tends to have a higher cost 
• Can become damaged if exposed to excessive heat 
• Strong, supportive cabinetry is needed to support its weight, which could limit your choice of cabinet styles
• Color can fade due to prolonged exposure to sunlight 

I totally understand if my answer to “How much are quartz countertops?” made you gulp and clutch your wallet tight. Quartz countertops are an investment, but there are several ways to save money on the project, like:  

The pros say adjusting the thickness of quartz countertops can save you some cash. “Typically, slabs come in 2 centimeter (3/4 inch) and 3 centimeter (1 1/4 inch) thicknesses,” Poitras explains. “While designers often build up countertops to 2 to 6 inches for aesthetic purposes, this adds a high price tag due to the labor involved in precisely fabricating this feature.” If you go for a thinner slab, don’t worry about sacrificing sturdiness — thinner quartz slabs are still durable. 

An edge profile is what the edge of your quartz countertops look like. Some people like a classic straight edge, while others enjoy a more intricate rounded edge to add flair. That extra touch can cost extra money, though, which is why Bertuglia says to consider simpler edge profiles if you want to save. 

Custom designs for quartz countertops add up quickly, especially if you want something highly detailed. Going for a more standard color or design can help reduce the overall cost while still creating a gorgeous countertop. 

You may adore a quartz countertop from a specific brand and want to buy it ASAP, but pause for a moment and shop around at a few different brands and stores. You may find a similar design for less, or find a less expensive design you love just as much. 

Don’t forget to shop around for contractors, too! Installation adds to the overall cost of quartz countertops, so getting multiple quotes from contractors helps you find the best service for your budget.