Last reviewed July 28, 2026
How much should quartz countertops cost?
Installed quartz runs $50-$150/sf. A typical kitchen totals $2,500-$6,000. Brand, thickness, edge profile, and local labor drive the final price.
Quartz is the most popular kitchen countertop material in the U.S. for good reason: durability, low maintenance, and consistent patterning. But pricing is opaque. Here is what you should expect to pay in 2026, broken down by component.
Quick reference
$50-$150
per sf installed
$35-$100
material only / sf
$2,500-$6,000
typical kitchen total
15-20%
contingency recommended
Price tiers by brand level
| Tier | Brands | Material / sf | Installed / sf | Typical kitchen (35 sf) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget / builder grade | Store brands, generic importers | $35-$55 | $50-$75 | $1,750-$2,600 |
| Mid-range | MSI, Vicostone, HanStone, LG Viatera | $55-$85 | $75-$110 | $2,600-$3,850 |
| Premium | Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, Q Premium | $85-$120 | $110-$150 | $3,850-$5,250 |
| Designer / specialty | Dekton, Neolith, custom colors | $100-$150+ | $130-$180+ | $4,550-$6,300+ |
What drives the final price
Slab thickness
3 cm (1-1/4") is standard; 2 cm (3/4") saves ~10-15% on material but may need plywood sub-top and extra support (labor often offsets savings).
Edge profile
Standard eased edge included. Ogee, waterfall, mitered, or chiseled edges add $10-$30 per linear foot. A 10-ft island with waterfall ends can add $600-$1,200.
Cutouts and complexity
Each sink cutout: $100-$300. Cooktop cutout: $100-$200. Undermount sinks require more precision. Multiple cutouts or complex shapes (radius corners) increase fabrication time.
Backsplash
Full-height quartz backsplash (4-6" standard, or full wall) adds material and labor. 4" splash: ~$15-$25/lf. Full wall: priced as additional countertop sf.
Cabinet reinforcement
3 cm slabs weigh ~18-20 lbs/sf. Older cabinets may need plywood sub-top or frame reinforcement ($200-$800), often overlooked in quotes.
Template and installation
Digital templating: $200-$500 (sometimes bundled). Installation crew (2-3 people): $500-$1,500 depending on access, floor level, and complexity.
Quartz vs granite vs marble: installed price comparison
| Material | Installed / sf | Typical kitchen (35 sf) | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz | $50-$150 | $1,750-$5,250 | Non-porous, consistent color, low maintenance |
| Granite | $40-$100 (exotics $150+) | $1,400-$3,500 | Natural variation, needs sealing, heat resistant |
| Marble | $75-$200 | $2,600-$7,000 | Luxury look, etches/stains easily, high maintenance |
| Quartzite | $80-$180 | $2,800-$6,300 | Harder than granite, natural look, some etching risk |
How to compare quartz quotes apples-to-apples
- Confirm brand, color name, and slab thickness (2 cm vs 3 cm) are written on every bid.
- Verify edge profile included. Get the specific profile name (eased, bullnose, ogee, waterfall).
- Count cutouts (sink, cooktop, faucet holes) and confirm each is priced or included.
- Ask if template/measurement, disposal of old tops, and backsplash are included or extra.
- Check warranty terms (lifetime vs 10-15 year, transferability, and what voids it).
- Confirm seam placement. Good fabricators minimize seams and place them at sinks/cooktops.
Pro tip: Use CostReno to analyze your countertop quote
Upload your quartz quote to the analyzer. It checks for missing cutouts, edge profile clarity, seam count, and benchmarks the per-sf price against your local market.
Regional labor impact
Fabrication and installation labor varies by metro. High-cost areas (SF, NYC, LA, Seattle) run 20-35% above national average; lower-cost metros (TX, Midwest, Southeast) run 5-15% below. Use the CostReno kitchen estimator with your ZIP code to see a localized installed range before you collect bids.
Ready to check a quote? Analyze one bid or compare two side by side with composite scoring, missing-scope detection, and market-rate benchmarks.
Frequently asked questions
How much do quartz countertops cost per square foot?
Installed quartz typically runs $50-$150 per square foot. Material alone is $35-$100/sf; fabrication, edge profiles, and installation add $15-$50/sf. Premium brands (Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria) land at the top of the range.
What is the average total cost for quartz countertops in a kitchen?
A typical kitchen (30-40 sf of countertop) costs $2,500-$6,000 installed. Large kitchens with islands, waterfall edges, or complex cuts can reach $8,000-$12,000+.
Why do quartz prices vary so much between brands?
Resin quality, pigment consistency, slab thickness (2 cm vs 3 cm), warranty length, and brand marketing all affect price. Big-name brands charge a premium for color consistency and lifetime warranties.
Are there hidden costs with quartz countertops?
Yes. Template/measurement fees ($200-$500), sink cutouts ($100-$300 each), edge profiles beyond standard eased ($10-$30/lf), backsplash material, disposal of old tops, and potential cabinet reinforcement for 3 cm slabs.
How does quartz compare to granite on price?
Overlapping ranges. Granite: $40-$100/sf installed (exotic stones go higher). Quartz: $50-$150/sf installed. Quartz has tighter price clustering; granite varies more by slab rarity.
Related reading
Next step
Have a bid in hand? Analyze one quote, or compare two side by side.