6720 S. 27th Street, Oak Creek, WI 53154

There is much to consider when selecting new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom. Color, pattern, thickness, edge style to name a few. Aside from the obvious decisions, the cost of a countertop material can end up being the deciding factor for many people. Meaning the price of their countertops may dictate the rest of their remodel budget so they want to make sure they know what they are paying for, that it looks great, and that it’s worth it.

Quartz countertops have become a standard in new homes and renovations for many reasons beginning with cost.

So, have you ever wondered why some quartz and other stone countertops such as granite can vary tremendously in price? Keep reading to find out.

The Makeup of Quartz

Contrary to popular belief, quartz is not a natural stone. Instead, it is an engineered stone made of a natural gemstone known as quartz. The countertops consist of about 95 to 97 percent quartz and three to five percent polymer resin. Since quartz is a manufactured stone, this is one of the most significant factors affecting its price. Therefore, quartz tends to be cheaper than natural stones like granite or marble.

In comparison, quartz is slightly cheaper than granite and substantially cheaper than marble. But the fact that it’s a manufactured stone isn’t the only factor that makes quartz cheaper than other natural stones. Here are some other things that may affect the cost of quartz countertops.

Size of the Quartz Countertops

Another major factor affecting the quartz price should come as no surprise, and that is size. In most cases, the larger something is or, the more of it you need, the more it will cost. The same is valid with quartz countertops. On average, quartz countertops range between $50 to $90 per square foot. A typical kitchen countertop is about 30 square feet. As a result, the cost to cover this amount of space, no installation fees included, would range between $1,500 and $2,700. Of course, if the kitchen requires more quartz countertops material, then the range will be even higher.

Every countertop store or contractor has their own pricing and may even have special deals, so these numbers are simply a guide for you to compare. Make sure to shop around.

Color and Tone of Quartz

Since quartz is an engineered stone, there are more color options available than with most natural stones. However, some color options are more popular than others. Therefore, color and tone can affect the price. In addition, some colors are easier to achieve when mixing than others. So, the harder it is to create a specific pigment, the more expensive the quartz will be. Also, if there are gold flecks added to the coloring, this may drive up the price of the quartz.

Quality of the Stone

Although most quartz ranges from $50 to $90 per square foot, the quality of the quartz may drive up the price. Mid-grade quartz tends to run from $65 to $75 per square foot, and the very best of the best could cost between $75 to $125 per square foot. The quality of the stone may vary according to many factors. However, the most common are as follows:

    • Color consistency throughout the slab and across seams
    • Quality of the resin used to bind the quartz
    • A consistent shine throughout the countertop

There may be other factors that affect the quality of quartz, but these are the most critical. The better the consistency of color, the stronger the quality of resin, and the better the shine, the higher the quality of quartz. Thus, the higher the cost.

Labor Rates of the Installer

Perhaps one of the most critical factors in quartz costs is installation costs. In addition to the cost of the materials, the labor may add $25 to $35 to the price per square foot. For example, if you choose to go with a mid-grade quartz installation, typically $65 to $75 for the materials alone, the added installation fee will drive the cost up to $90 to $110 per square foot.

Installers will typically not charge the same rate, so it is a good idea to get quotes on installation from at least three installers. The cheapest rate may not necessarily be the best. Therefore, upon scrutinizing the rates, it’s also good to determine why they vary and even request proof of their work and get references.

Other Factors to Consider

There are a few other factors that may tack on additional small charges. These include the type of edges you may want for your countertops and the sink or oven cutouts in the quartz. Other cost factors may include replacing a sink, disconnecting, and reconnecting plumbing or electrical, and hauling old countertops. Although these aren’t directly related to the costs of the quartz itself, you may incur these costs during the installation process.

Quartz is a beautiful countertop that is durable and just as good as natural stone countertops, even though it is manufactured. However, just like granite, marble, and other natural stones, some factors can drive up the price of the stone. So, when buying quartz, a person shouldn’t budget just for the cost of the materials alone. Instead, they should also keep in mind the indirect costs associated with installing quartz countertops.

Countertop Fabrication and Installation in Wisconsin

For the best prices and selection of stone countertops for your new build or renovation, Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek is the place to visit. We are experts in fabricating, delivering, and installing the highest quality countertop solutions at the best prices and have been doing it for years.

Our showroom will inspire you as it is one stop shop carrying hundreds of granite, quartz and marble slabs on site. You can also visit us, speak with a designer and plan your kitchen or bath remodel at the same place. Call us to schedule a Free Design consultation and see why we are a #1 choice for stone countertops throughout Wisconsin!