How Much Does a Quartz Countertop Cost?

06 May.,2024

 

How Much Does a Quartz Countertop Cost?

When it comes to countertops, quartz is by far the most popular choice with our clients. It’s durable, aesthetic, and can be less expensive than materials like marble or granite. But when figuring out cost, square footage isn’t the only factor. Here’s how to accurately budget for your quartz countertop cost.

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Quartz is an engineered stone made by grinding natural quartz into dust and combining it with other synthetic materials and adhesives. The result is a hard and durable surface that’s both heat resistant and non-porous, so it doesn’t need regular sealing.

Plus, quartz countertops come in a large array of colors and a variety of brands and finishes. Those factors make it a popular choice for many homeowners.

So how do you know how much to budget for if you’re thinking of getting quartz countertops? Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind.

Cost Factors

Square footage

While square footage isn’t the only factor when it comes quartz countertop cost, it is a the primary one. The amount of quartz you actually need helps provide a baseline cost. Quartz comes in a variety of quality of levels. At Lamont Bros., we use a a “good, better, best” scale to grade the quartz we use. So, for just the materials alone, quartz countertop cost can run from roughly $70 a square foot to upwards of $200.

Slabs

The number and types of slabs you’ll need also play a role in cost. Fewer slabs usually translates into less cost, but some sellers may have slab minimums, which will affect your price. In terms of size, a standard slab is typically around 120″x55″, so if you have a larger counter or island area, you may require multiple slabs, which will create seams.

If you have a very large island and want to avoid seams, you can opt for a “jumbo slab,” which is about a foot longer and wider, but also more costly.

Edge finishing

The style of edge you want on your countertops will factor into the cost as well. Edges come in a wide range of styles, from simple to ornate. The more custom you go, the more you’ll likely pay. Basically, anything apart from a straight edge will be an additional per square foot charge.

Cut outs

Countertop cut outs are pieces of the quartz slab that are removed for things like sinks or even electrical outlets. Each cut out required for your countertops will be an additional cost, so if you have multiple sinks, for example the main sink and then another one on your island, those will be two cut out charges.

Sample pricing model

Now that we know some of the elements that can affect our overall quartz countertop cost, let’s look at some pricing examples for a kitchen needing 60 square feet of countertop area.

If you decide to go with a basic “good” quality quartz countertop, including basic edging and a standard slab, the price for your countertops would be around $6,140, or around $100 dollars per square foot.

To go up to the “better” category to a quartz that’s a bit higher quality and looks closer to marble, the cost increases to around $8,670, or $145 per square foot.

A level up from that in the “best” group, with more color and style options would run you about $10,140 hundred dollars, or about $170 per square foot.

And if you’re the type of person who wants better than best, there’s actually one more category when it comes to quartz countertops. We call it the “luxury” level and it includes brands like a high end Caesarstone or Silestone. For a kitchen this size, that would cost about $12,000 or $200 per square foot. If you need a jumbo luxury slab, your cost jumps to around $14,675.

What’s right for you?

The examples above covered a wide range of prices — from $6,140 to $14,675. So it’s easy to see how going for the top end of quartz countertops can take a bite of your budget. With so many choices, how do you know which is the best option for your home?

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, we recommend working with an experienced builder who can advise not only on the construction of your project, but also collaborate with you on the overall design. They should take into account your design style, the style of your home, and your budget in order to present a few different countertop options that will work well in your new space.

Are you thinking about doing a kitchen remodel with quartz countertops? We’re happy to discuss your project and start working with you on building your dream space. Simply schedule a conversation with us!

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How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost in Chicago?

Quartz countertops are a stunning blend of beauty and practicality – their durability, scratch resistance, and gorgeous looks make them a homeowner favorite. The cost of quartz countertops is often the first concern for any customer who decides to take on a bathroom or kitchen remodel.

The first question every customer always asks us is how much does a quartz countertop material cost?

Obviously, you have a budget and want to know whether you can complete the installation of your quartz countertop at or below that budget.

At Granite Selection, we are experts in fabricating and installing quartz countertops. We understand what goes into the making of these kitchen and bathroom staples, and we’re prepared to guide you to the best choice of quartz countertops for you. Understanding this information can help you choose the quartz countertop that fits your needs.

Average Cost of Quartz Countertops in Chicago in 2024

How much are quartz countertops actually? The cost of quartz countertops in Chicago can vary, but for 2024 expect to pay between $60-$150 per square foot. Most homeowners end up spending around $75-$120 per square foot. For a standard-size 30-square-foot kitchen counter, this translates to a total cost of roughly $2,250 – $3,600.

Quartz Countertop Average Cost Chicago Average Cost $3,000 Chicago Average Range $2,250 – $3,600 Low-End Cost $60 / sq ft High-End Cost $150 / sq ft

How Does Quartz Compare to Other Materials?

Choosing countertops is about more than just price. Here’s how quartz stacks up against other popular options in Chicago:

  • Granite countertops: $50 to $100 per square foot.
  • Marble countertops: $75 to $250 per square foot.
  • Solid surface countertops: $50 to $100 per square foot.
  • Laminate countertops: $20 to $50 per square foot.

7 Factors that Affect Quartz Countertop Costs

There are a range of factors that can impact how much you’ll end up spending to install quartz countertops. Let’s go over what you should consider before you come to a final cost per square foot of this natural stone.

1. Countertop Size and Square Footage

The size of your countertops is the biggest factor. Expect to pay around $70 per square foot on average, but the total cost can range from $40-$100 per square foot depending on other factors. Larger projects might see a slight decrease in the cost per square foot due to economies of scale.

  • Square Footage: When you start looking at higher square footage numbers for engineered quartz, you’ll also start to see some more range in potential quartz countertops cost, as the cost of professional installation and labor costs starts to go up as well. However, you may find that the cost per square foot decreases slightly for larger projects due to scale.
  • Slab Thickness: Quartz comes in different thicknesses, with 2cm and 3cm being the most common. Naturally, thicker slabs cost more due to the increased material.
  • Fabrication and Installation Costs: A significant chunk of your total cost comes from cutting the quartz to fit your kitchen, finishing the edges, and the installation process itself. These costs depend on the complexity of your project and the total square footage.

The fact is, very little of quartz countertops’ cost is for the actual material. Much more significant is the cost of fabrication, edge finishing, and installation, all of which will vary based on square footage. This is because, for the most part, the cost of quartz countertops is never just for the quartz itself. You’ll hardly ever find manufacturers pricing their costs of material and quartz countertop installation separately.

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Though there are some manufacturers who price materials separately, it’s the fabricator who sets the prices of the final materials, and the cost per square foot is based on that.

Sq. Ft. Avg. Cost 10 $700 20 $1,400 30 $2,100 40 $2,800 50 $3,500

2. Quartz Quality

The quality of the quartz countertop you choose has a significant impact on the overall cost. Mid-grade quartz options are more affordable than premium quartz slabs with unique patterns and colors.

  • Surplus/Low-Quality Quartz: This type of quartz countertop is going to be cheaper, but it won’t be as vibrant. It’s likely to have veins, and it may fade over time. It will still be durable, but you won’t get the same luster. Expect to pay around $40-65 per square foot.
  • Standard/Mid-Quality Quartz: This is considered to be commercial grade and is the most commonly sold and purchased form of quartz. It is likely to be between $65 and $75 per square foot.
  • Premium/High-Quality Quartz: The color of first-choice quartz will be vivid, and there should be almost no visible veining. Because this quartz is often made for custom orders, the cost can fall anywhere in the $75-200 per square foot range.

3. Fabrication

An uncut slab of quartz is going to be more expensive than a slab that is prefabricated. Prefabricated quartz slabs come in standard sizing with finished edging, and they are therefore less customizable. Only professionals opt to spend more on uncut quartz slabs, which can be modified to more accurately fit the dimensions of your kitchen or bathroom. Prefabricated quartz slabs are lower cost, but you’ll need to be exact with your measurements.

4. Edge Treatment

When it comes to quartz countertops, the finishing touches like edge treatments and corner designs can really add up.

Basic options like straight or gently rounded edges won’t break the bank, but if you’re looking for something more intricate like a beveled edge, ogee, or double bullnose, be prepared to pay a little extra. And don’t forget, cutouts for the sink and other custom shapes will also drive up the price per square foot.

Take a look at the pricing for popular quartz edges offered by Granite Selection! Below are just a few of the quartz countertop edge treatments we offer and how they will affect the cost of your quartz.

  • Standard Eased: This is the most common countertop edge, offering a simple, elegant look. Sharp corners are slightly rounded for safety, but the edge is otherwise straight. These will be up to $30 per linear foot.
  • Half Bullnose: This can be up to $30 per linear foot as well. The top of the edge is rounded while the bottom resembles the standard eased edge. This is a cheaper option than a full bullnose edge choice.
  • Full Bullnose: This edge resembles the half bullnose but is fully rounded on both the top and bottom. It falls between $20 and $45 per linear foot price-wise.
  • Bevel: This cut features a 45-degree angle at the top edge of your quartz. It is most common for contemporary or modern styles, as it looks crisp and sharp.
  • Ogee Edge: This is an S-shaped edge that looks elegant and ornate. It is therefore also more expensive, likely to be between $30 and $60 per foot.

5. Quartz Brand

Different brands will naturally price differently, so choose your brand wisely. Brands will often have their own proprietary colors, so you’ll have to stick with them if there’s a color you really fall in love with. There will always be subtle differences between the same color at different brands, so we recommend that you avoid mixing and matching.

Many quartz countertop brands will maintain the same cost for the engineered stone material, but their chosen fabricator will set a final cost that incorporates the cost of installment and edge treatment. Brands will base their costs on the same bracket, so they shouldn’t stray too far from one another, but prices will still vary.

Here are a few major brands to look out for:

  • MSI Quartz: These can be anywhere from $15 to $90 per square foot. This brand offers a number of patterns and designs, and they have a large selection of whites, grays, and beiges to choose from.
  • Caesarstone: This brand is known for its bright colors and is often available for purchase in stores. Prices range from $55 to $400 per square foot.
  • Cambria Quartz: Most of this brand’s countertops fall in about the same range of $60 to $150 per square foot. Variations in cost are likely to be set by the fabricator.
  • Silestone: This brand offers a variety of mid-quality quartz options, ranging from $50 to $120 per square foot. Silestone is available in many home improvement stores.

6. Quartz Finish

The quartz finish will influence more than just the final look of your countertops. The three choices for a quartz finish are honed, sueded, and polished, which we’ll get into below. Learning your options will help you determine which finish to choose.

  • Honed: A honed, matte finish is perfect for anyone looking for that contemporary look. While it isn’t available for all engineered quartz countertops, it does a great job of hiding any crumbs or imperfections.
  • Sueded: A sueded finish is more textured than a honed finish, and it does best with dark quartz. It is low maintenance and easy to clean with a soft cloth.
  • Polished: For anyone looking for a more classic finish, the question of honed vs polished quartz will certainly best be answered with the latter. This finish is shiny, lustrous, and beautiful.

7. The Challenges of Installation

The installation of quartz countertops doesn’t have a fixed price. Different factors can affect the labor costs involved. For example, if you have a complex design with lots of seams, angles, and cutouts for sinks or appliances, the installation will likely cost more.

The size and complexity of the area being covered also matter. Installing quartz countertops on a large kitchen island or in a bathroom with several angles will be more expensive than a straightforward, simple countertop.

Prior to installation, new quartz countertops must be leveled to ensure that they can safely support certain weights. This is a significant part of the quartz countertop installation process, and, if done incorrectly, will result in cracks forming in the quartz. Professionals will know how to use the right materials to create a level surface. For certain quartz countertops, the leveling process may be more labor intensive, thereby increasing the cost.

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See the project

The Cost of Installing Quartz Countertops in Chicago: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Installation is often included as part of the new quartz countertop cost, and it’s only a small part when adding in the price of the quartz countertop edge treatments, finishing, and polish. The fabricator will determine the final cost based on both the cost of materials and the cost of the actual installation process. The final installation cost is based on several factors:

  • Precision Matters: Accurate measurements are crucial for a perfect fit. Expect the fabricator to visit your home to get the exact dimensions of your kitchen or bathroom.
  • Creating the Template: A custom template guides the cutting of the quartz and ensures accurate placement of sinks, faucets, and other features.
  • Cutouts & Complexity: The more sinks, faucets, or unique design elements, the more complex the fabrication and installation process, leading to increased costs.
  • Timeline: From templating to fabrication to installation, the process can take 2-4 weeks. Factor this into your kitchen remodel planning.

There are some more factors that can impact the cost of installing quartz countertops:

  • Size Matters: Larger countertops mean more material, labor, and time, leading to higher costs.
  • Edge Details: Fancier edge treatments, like ornate or multi-layered styles, require more intricate work and therefore cost more than simple edges.
  • Cutouts & Features: Each sink, faucet hole, or custom design element adds complexity and labor time, increasing the cost.
  • Accessibility: Difficult-to-reach areas, like high-rise buildings or narrow spaces, may lead to higher installation fees.

The bottom line: While installation costs are often included in the overall price per square foot, they can vary. Expect to pay $60-$80 per square foot on average, with cutout installation adding to the total cost.

This is the most common cost for quartz countertops, but due to the added difficulty of cutouts, you’ll pay more to install a sink and faucets.

4 Additional Cost Considerations

There are certain fees that are overlooked when making plans to install quartz countertops. It’s easy to forget these additional costs that should be kept in mind when planning to stay within a set budget.

1. Backsplash Installation

A matching quartz backsplash can look beautiful next to a countertop, but it’ll raise your final price significantly. This will likely be priced the same as the countertops, and you’ll be charged for both material and higher labor and installation costs.

2. Old Countertop Removal

Before putting in a new countertop, you’ll have to remove the old countertops. Professional countertop installers will charge about 10$ to $15 per square foot when it comes to countertop removal. We highly recommend sticking with the professionals on this one, as it’s possible to seriously damage your existing cabinets if the old countertops are removed incorrectly.

3. Sink Cutout

Some companies will charge you for any cutouts you choose to incorporate into your countertop design. While others will include the cost of cutouts in their final price, you should always check to be sure.

4. Plumbing Work

Any changes to the current plumbing will induce additional fees. Sink removal or disconnecting and reconnecting pipes is likely to add anywhere from $150 to $400 in fees.

Get the Perfect Quartz Countertops with Granite Selection

We guide you through every step, from choosing your perfect quartz to flawless installation.

  1. Explore Your Options: Discover our stunning selection of quartz slabs – visit our showroom or browse online!
  2. Perfect Fit Guaranteed: We’ll send experts to your home for precise measurements using the latest laser technology.
  3. Precision Craftsmanship: Our state-of-the-art facility transforms your chosen quartz into countertops that fit your space perfectly.
  4. Expert Installation: Our team will expertly install your new countertops, ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting result.
  5. Affordable Excellence: We offer competitive pricing, promotions, and financing options to make your dream kitchen a reality.

We work with you to find the perfect financing solution to help make your quartz countertop dreams a reality.

Get Started Today

At Granite Selection, we offer a wide range of specials on Chicago quartz countertops, and we’re happy to guide you through installing quartz countertops! We’re always here to help.

So, did we answer all your questions on how much quartz countertops cost?

If not, feel free to call us at (888) 906 3317 with your quartz countertop questions. An experienced Granite Selection employee is here to help you.

The company is the world’s best Wholesale Quartz Slab supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.