Quartz countertops are a stunning blend of beauty and practicality so it’s no surprise that their durability, scratch resistance, and aesthetic appeal make them a homeowner favorite. Understanding the quartz countertop cost is crucial for anyone planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel. At Granite Selection, we excel in fabricating and installing quartz countertops to help you get the best value for your budget.
Quartz Countertop Costs Across the USA
Quartz countertops are an investment, but one that can transform your kitchen. Nationwide, the average cost for a quartz countertop installation is around $4,500. This can range from a low of $1,000 to a high of $12,000, depending on factors like size, quality, and complexity. The price per square foot is a key factor in determining the overall cost. Quartz is typically sold in slabs, and the number of slabs you need will impact the overall cost. The price per square foot can range from $50 to $200, with most projects falling between $70 and $100 per square foot.
Price Range
Cost per Square Foot
Low End
$50
Average
$70 – $100
High End
$200
Average Quartz Countertop Costs in Chicago in 2024
As a Chicago-based company, our team at Granite Selection has a deep understanding of the local quartz countertop market. Based on our expertise, the average cost for quartz countertops in Chicago ranges from $60 to $150 per square foot, with most homeowners spending between $75 and $120 per square foot. For a standard 30-square-foot kitchen countertop, the total cost typically falls between $2,250 and $3,600.
Here’s a quick look at the average cost of quartz countertops in Chicago in 2024:
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
Understanding Quartz Countertop Costs in Chicago
Several factors will determine the cost of quartz countertops, including the quality of the quartz, the size of the project, and how complex the installation is. This guide provides detailed insights into what you can expect to pay in Chicago in 2024. Whether you’re planning a kitchen upgrade or installing quartz countertops in your bathroom, knowing the quartz countertop cost per square foot helps you budget accurately.
Cost Factor
Impact on Price
Quartz Material (per sq. ft.)
$40 – $100+
Surface Area
Larger area = higher cost
Installation & Labor
$2,000 – $4,500+
Edge Treatments
$15 – $30 per linear foot
Sink Cutouts
$100 – $500+ each
Quartz vs. Other Countertop Materials
Choosing countertops involves considering more than just the price.
Here’s how quartz countertops compare to other popular materials 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
While granite countertops and other materials have their own appeal, quartz countertop slabs offer a unique combination of durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic versatility.
Ready to Explore Your Quartz Countertop Options? Visit our showroom or browse our online selection today!
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 installed depending on other factors. For bathroom remodels, where countertops are typically smaller, you might see a slightly lower cost per square foot installed. Larger projects, like kitchen remodels, might see a slight decrease in the cost per square foot installed 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 countertop cost, as the cost of professional installation and labor costs start to go up as well. However, you may find that the cost per square foot installed decreases slightly for larger projects due to scale.
Slab thickness: Quartz countertop slabs come 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 countertop 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.
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 counters you choose has a significant impact on the overall cost. Mid-grade quartz counters are more affordable than premium quartz slabs with unique patterns and quartz countertop 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 counters 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.
Thinking about quartz? Can there be a better choice? Check our Calacatta Laza project. Beautiful looks and no hidden costs.
Installing Quartz Countertops in Chicago: A Cost 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-$80 per square foot on average, with cutout installation adding to the total cost.
This is the most common cost for quartz countertops, but due to the added difficulty of cutouts, you’ll pay more to install a sink and faucets.
Hidden Costs to Consider for Quartz Countertops
There are certain fees that are overlooked when making plans to install quartz countertops. It’s easy to forget these additional costs that should be kept in mind when planning to stay within a set budget.
1. BACKSPLASH INSTALLATION
A matching quartz backsplash can look beautiful next to a countertop, but it’ll raise your final price significantly. This will likely be priced the same as the countertops, and you’ll be charged for both material and higher labor and installation costs.
2. OLD COUNTERTOP REMOVAL
Before putting in a new countertop, you’ll have to remove the old countertops. Professional countertop installers will charge about 10$ 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.
Granite Selection: Your Quartz Countertop Experts
We guide you through every step, from choosing your perfect quartz to flawless installation.
Explore your options: Discover our stunning selection of quartz slabs – visit our showroom or browse online!
Perfect fit guaranteed: We’ll send experts to your home for precise measurements using the latest laser technology.
Precision craftsmanship: Our state-of-the-art facility transforms your chosen quartz into countertops that fit your space perfectly.
Expert installation: Our team will expertly install your new countertops, ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting result.
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.
Ready to Get Started?
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.
While it’s technically possible to DIY, quartz is heavy and tricky to work with. Hiring a professional ensures a perfect fit, prevents damage, and saves you time and hassle in the long run.
Quartz is generally more expensive than laminate and tile, but comparable to granite and similar natural stones. However, its durability, easy upkeep, and lasting beauty often make it a worthwhile investment.
While quartz is durable, it is not recommended for outdoor use as direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration over time. Unfortunately, it’s not recommended for outdoor use. While quartz is strong, extended exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration. It’s best for indoor kitchens and bathrooms.
Quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. For everyday cleaning, just use a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and placing extremely hot items directly on the surface.
Paul Batashev is the owner and CEO of Granite Selection. The company began in 2011 Pay Less for Granite and has been transforming homes since 2011 with its expertise as a kitchen countertop company and manufacturer of fine custom granite countertops.