It’s not your stove or your knife set that’s the star of the kitchen. If you want to highlight the elegance of your home, then it is a must that you invest in the right countertop that fits all of your needs. There isn’t one kitchen countertop to pick as there are so many options available and they are all made from various materials. However, you’d find most people picking quartz countertops over anything else.
You may have heard of quartz before. It’s a fancy crystal that’s used in jewelry above all things. However, it can also be used to make countertops for kitchens. To make quartz kitchen countertops, manufacturers mix crushed quartz crystals with polymer resin which helps create the form. Aside from this, quartz countertops are also mixed with various colors so that they appear beautiful.
Of all the types of countertops out there, quartz is on the steep side when it comes to pricing. However, if you want something that complements your kitchen well and can last you for years, then you are definitely investing in the right countertop. Before we move forward and understand what makes quartz kitchen countertops great, let’s first talk about its pricing first.
How Much Does A Quartz Countertop Cost?
On average, a kitchen has around 60 sq.ft. of counters so this should be a standard if you are considering changing your countertops. Smaller kitchens have around 25 sq.ft. of counters. Manufacturers of countertops often charge per sq.ft. that of the countertops you need plus the services fee.
High-end quartz countertops can cost around $120-200 per sq.ft. Going by this calculator, you are looking at around $7,200-12,000 for a large kitchen at around 60 sq.ft. For a smaller kitchen at 25 sq.ft., you can spend somewhere between $1,875-2,250. This type of quartz is more durable than others. They also feature a more elegant design as well.
If you are looking to get something cheaper, you can go for premium quality quartz which are around $100 per sq.ft. While they are less expensive, they are just as durable as the high-end quartz. The main difference is the appearance. While high-end quartz features a simpler and more elegant look, premium quartz come in bright and solid colors.
These two options are considered as the best type of quartz countertops. They are first choice simply put. They rival the likes of other expensive stones such as granite and marble. They also offer amazing patterns and colors. While man-made, first choice quartz feels like a natural stone through and through which makes it a great option.
Second choice quartz are at around $60-75 per sq.ft. It’s a great option if you are looking to retrofit your kitchen with something that’s within your budget. It comes in a wide range of design and color options as well. However, you can really feel the difference between second choice quartz and natural stone products.
Last but not the least are commercial-grade quartz. These cost around $35-50 per sq.ft. The main issue with quartz as this level is that they are plain looking. Other than limited color options, these also come in plain colors such as white, black, beige, and sand. It’s a great option for starter homes or if you want to add value to a rental home that you own.
You also have to consider the installation costs of having a countertop installed. On average, the labor for installations is usually $10-$30 per sq. ft. Some installers will give you a discount if you get the countertop from them. Labor costs are generally cheaper than what you would spend on the countertop itself so this shouldn’t be too big a problem.
The price of the labor depends on various factors. For starters, you have to consider the rates of the contractors you have hired. Experienced installers will charge you more but you can expect superb work from them. Another factor that affects the price is whether or not there are other things that need to be done in your kitchen before you have the countertop installed.
Compared to granite and other natural stones, quartz is actually cheaper. Despite being a man-made countertop, quartz looks and feels just like any other natural stone countertop. If you don’t have the budget for luxury countertop materials like marble and granite, then this is the next best thing.
As you can see, the best types of quartz countertops can cost you quite a lot. On the other hand, commercial-grade quartz can also do if you aren’t looking for something lavish. Even commercial-grade quartz is good enough for a simple home. That being said, are high-end quartz countertops really worth it investing on? Here are some pros that you need to consider.
Why Is Quartz Expensive?
There are different types of quartz countertops and not all are the same; quality is a big factor in determining the price. In an effort to satisfy the lower-priced market, some manufacturers have cut a few corners in the process. The difference in price points is due to the ratio and quality of quartz and resin used to make them, the manufacturing process, quality inspection, and warranty.
However, since manufacturers don’t use quartz as a whole, they are able to cut costs relatively high. The resin added into the mix are not only there to keep the expenses low, they are also there to ensure that the countertop remains as durable as possible. Of course, the additives also help the manufacturers add more colors into the mix.
If you want to be more specific, here are a few factors that affect the overall price of quartz:
- Quality – As is it mainly used for kitche prep, a quartz countertop needs to be resistant to scratches, stains, and cracks. When inspecting a slab, make sure to thoroughly check it for any of these and run your hands through it as much as possible as well. The best quartz countertops are also certified to emit limited levels of VOCs or volatile organic compounds which is dangerous to your health.
As for the appearance, the coloring and the veining of the countertop needs to be consistent and beautiful all the way through. This isn’t a natural stone but manufacturers try their best to emulate the real thing through the colors they add.
- Customization – The price of the countertop is also affected by whether or not its customized. Like other natural stone countertops, you can have a quartz countertop trimmed to your liking. This is done not just to add a personal touch to your kitchen, but it also ensures that the countertop fits your kitchen properly.
Aside from the shape, you can also give it custom cutouts for the sink and other fixtures in your home. Some homeowners also give it a matte finish for the extra personal touch. However, the most common part of the customization is usually when owners ask the edges to be shaped differently. For this, there are various edges to choose from.
There are two types of edges for countertops – straight cut and premium. Straight-cut edges are simple and cheaper. They are perfect for modern homes but they are very versatile in terms of design overall. Premium cuts add a touch of regality to the countertop. Aside from being more expensive than straight cuts, these are also aren’t as versatile.
- Installation – Most importantly, the price of your quartz countertop will also be affected by how it is installed in your house. More complex installations mean higher price points. As much as possible, you’d want to have a countertop installed at the same time that your house is being built.
Keep in mind that installers will also factor in the leveling they do to your cabinets and drawers. Basically, the more complex the job, the higher the installation costs.
Investing in quartz countertops for your kitchen might just be the last thing you need to spruce things up in your home. Aside from adding a lot of style points to your home, quartz countertops also provide you with a highly functional and durable countertop that suits most of your kitchen’s needs.
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