How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost? A Complete 2026 Pricing Guide
September 01, 2025Updated By 10/07/2026
Homeowners looking to redo their kitchen or bathroom are some of the most frequent searchers on the cost of quartz countertops. Quartz price per square foot depends on the slab grade, design, thickness, and installation needs. This guide will break down quartz countertop pricing in 2026, including material pricing, installation costs, and the factors that go into your final budget.
WHAT DO QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS COST IN 2026?
The cost of quartz countertops is $50–$150 per square foot installed in 2026. Materials alone are $15 to $50 per square foot, and installation is $40 to $150 per square foot depending on the complexity of the job. Most homeowners pay between $5,000 and $20,000 to fully install. The cost varies according to the grade, slab design, thickness, edge profiles, and cutouts.
FULL BREAKDOWN OF QUARTZ COUNTERTOP COST PER SQUARE FOOT
When pricing quartz countertop cost, it can be helpful to look at material and installation costs separately. Together, they decide what the project will really cost you.
MATERIAL COST
Quartz countertops range from $15-$50 per square foot, not including installation labor, sink cutouts, or edge profile work. That range is wide because grade, design complexity, and thickness all play a role in where a particular slab falls on that scale.
MSI is North America’s largest importer and distributor of premium surfaces, and our volume keeps costs extremely competitive across the board in our complete line of Q™ Engineered Stone collections. MSI does not set retail pricing; that is set by our authorized dealers, fabricators and contractors. The number you see quoted locally will be reflective of those partners’ pricing structures.
INSTALLED COST ($50–$150 PER SQ. FT.)
The average cost of quartz countertops per square foot is $50-$150 with professional installation, and the total cost of the project for the typical homeowner is in the $5,000-$20,000 range. That spectrum reflects the range of project scopes out there, from simple kitchen quartz countertops replacement to a full wraparound kitchen with two or three sinks, a butler's pantry, and a bathroom vanity.
The average installation cost of a quartz countertop varies depending on several factors, including the number of sink and faucet cutouts, fixture placement, corner treatments, and edging details, all of which impact how long it takes to complete the project and the level of skill required by the installers. One thing many homeowners forget is that removal and disposal of existing countertops is normally not included in a standard installation quote. Don't forget to ask your installer about hauling fees before signing anything. And, if you have the same contractor doing your backsplash, make sure that scope is included in your overall estimate and not a separate surprise item.
MSI'S FOUR PRICING CATEGORIES
Our Q™ collection is broken down into four grade levels, each with its own distinct mix of design, character, and price point:
| Tier | Grade | What to Expect |
| $ | Standard | Neutral tones, straight forward patterns, cost-effective quality. |
| $$ | Mid-Range | Greater color variety, popular styles, a balanced combination of value and aesthetics. |
| $$$ | Premium | Distinctive veining, natural stone-inspired patterns, on trend finishes. |
| $$$$ | Luxuary | Bold, one-of-a-kind designs, rare visual depth and movement, often custom-crafted. |
WHAT AFFECTS QUARTZ COUNTERTOP COST?
If you're comparing estimates, you'll quickly see that quartz pricing can be quite different from one project to the next. The tile itself is often the biggest factor, but installation details, thickness, edge profiles, and specialty technologies can all impact the final price.
SLAB GRADE & DESIGN COMPLEXITY
One of the main factors that affect the cost of quartz countertop is the design you choose. Generally, the simpler colors and patterns are in the lower price tiers, while quartz with bold veining, high-contrast movement, or marble-inspired designs tend to be more costly.
MSI’s Q™ collection is offered in four price points to provide homeowners with options from economical styles to premium statement designs. In most projects, the visual design of the slab impacts material pricing more than almost anything else.
PREMIUM TECHNOLOGIES
Some quartz designs use proprietary manufacturing technologies, which impact both the appearance and the price.
LumaLuxe® changes the way light interacts with the surface, adding more depth and making veining patterns more pronounced. LumaLuxe Ultra® takes that technology and adds brighter white backgrounds and highly detailed marble-inspired visuals. Q+ uses High-Definition print technology for natural stone looks with extra realism and consistency.
Because these technologies require additional manufacturing processes, you will generally see them in the higher-priced quartz collections.
Q STUDIO™ COLLECTION
Made in the USA with advanced manufacturing techniques, MSI’s Q Studio Collection presents veining patterns with extreme realism. Every color in the collection features LumaLuxe Ultra® technology, making it a premium product in the quartz market.
The Q Studio™ Collection features some of the most advanced quartz designs for homeowners wanting a luxury marble look surface with consistent patterning.
THICKNESS (2CM VS. 3CM)
Quartz is commonly found in 2cm and 3cm thicknesses. 3cm material is most commonly used for kitchen applications due to its added strength and less support required during installation.
Generally, the thicker the slab, the more it will cost, due to the extra material and the extra labor to move and lay it.
LABOR & INSTALLATION CHALLENGES
Material selection is only half the story. If a project has a lot of seams, waterfall edges, large islands, farmhouse sinks, or complex layouts, the cost to install quartz can increase substantially.
A basic kitchen in a simple rectangular configuration may require little in the way of fabrication. A large U-shaped kitchen with several cutouts and special edge treatments may require considerably more labor.
EDGE PROFILES & CUSTOMIZATION
Pricing can also be affected by edge details. The cost of the base fabrication normally includes standard eased edges, but it may carry an additional charge for decorative profiles.
Waterfall edges are often one of the most expensive upgrades due to the extra material and fabrication involved. However, they continue to be one of the most requested design features in modern kitchen remodels.
LOCATION & AVAILABILITY
The final project cost can be affected by regional labor rates, transportation costs, and product availability. Even when selecting the same quartz surface, the cost of installation for homeowners in metro markets can be different than for homeowners in smaller areas.
MSI’s broad distribution network across North America offers many products with shorter lead times and more consistent pricing than specialty-order materials.
QUARTZ VS. GRANITE COST: WHICH IS MORE AFFORDABLE?
When you compare quartz vs granite cost, it depends on whether you're looking at the initial cost or the long-term ownership costs.
At installation, both can be within the same price range. Granite typically runs $40 – $200+ per square foot installed. Quartz countertops are $50 – $150 per square foot installed. The final price will depend on the material chosen, the complexity of the design, and local labor costs.
Where quartz often differs is in maintenance. Granite needs to be sealed every so often, and Quartz doesn't, which makes it easy to maintain in the long run.
| Factor | Quartz | Granite |
| Average Installed Price Maintenance | $50-$150 per sq.ft | $40-$200+ per sq.ft |
| Durability | Resistant to stains and everday wear | Durable but naturally porous |
| Long-Term Upkeep Costs | Minimal | Ongoing maintenance expenses |
| Appearance | Consistent colors and patterns | Natural variation in every slab |
THE LONG-TERM COST ADVANTAGE
When you consider the average cost of quartz countertops, you have to look beyond the installation quote.
Quartz requires minimal maintenance. The surface will normally look fine with regular cleaning using mild soap and water. Granite is very durable, but it does need sealing to help protect it from moisture and staining.
And the cost of upkeep can be significant over the life of the countertop. Quartz can provide excellent long-term value for homeowners who want a surface that offers durability and low maintenance.
KNOWING THE COST OF QUARTZ INSTALLATION
While many homeowners are focused on the cost of the slab itself, quartz installation cost can be a significant part of the overall budget. The final installed price is a result of fabrication, transportation, cutouts, edge details, and labor.
LABOR COST BREAKDOWN
Labor can be charged by the square foot or as a package for a whole project.
Installation labor for many projects is in the range of about $20–$100 per square foot, depending on the market, project size, and complexity. Some fabricators give one quote for templating, fabrication, delivery, and installation, and some break out each service separately.
Several factors can increase the costs of labor:
- Multiple seams
- Large kitchen islands
- Waterfall edges
- Farmhouse sink installations
- Complex layouts and corner treatments
- Multi-room projects
Labor rates vary widely by region, so getting estimates is often the best way to compare price and scope.
TEMPLATE, FABRICATION, & INSTALLATION PROCESS
Most quartz projects start with a digital mockup. Before fabrication begins, technicians take precise measurements using advanced measuring equipment.
When measurements are taken, slabs are cut and finished on CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. This equipment provides accurate sink cutouts, uniform edge profiles, and precise seams throughout the fabrication process.
The slabs are manufactured at a factory and installed at the project site by trained professionals. Final adjustments, leveling, and seam finishing are done before the project is complete.
ADDITIONAL COSTS: CUTOUTS, EDGES, & BACKSPLASHES
Base installation pricing sometimes doesn’t include all customizations.
Average additional costs include:
- Sink cutouts: $150–$500+
- Faucet and accessory holes: $25–$100 per opening
- Decorative edge profiles: $10–$50+ per linear foot
- Waterfall edges: Several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on size
- Full-height backsplashes: Vary based on material and square footage
Projects with multiple cutouts, custom edges, and a full height backsplash will generally be more expensive than a basic installation with standard fabrication requirements.
Getting these costs out in the open early can assist homeowners in developing a more accurate renovation budget.
HIDDEN COSTS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUYING QUARTZ
Potential hidden costs of quartz countertops that may not be included in an initial quote:
REMOVAL OF OLD COUNTERTOPS
The installed cost range of $5,000-$20,000 generally does not include removal or disposal of your existing countertops. Some contractors build this into the price, while others separate it out. Inquire about hauling fees particularly so there are no surprise charges when the job is complete. Make sure to clarify this before work begins.
SINK & FIXTURE MODIFICATIONS
Undermount sinks need more precise cutout work than drop-ins, and that extra labor is factored into the price. Each opening in the countertop, faucet holes, soap dispensers, and outlet cutouts is a factor of time and skill that your fabricator will consider. You can expect to pay more for a full kitchen with an undermount farmhouse sink, a secondary prep sink, and built-in soap dispensers than for a simple single-bowl setup.
DELIVERY, ACCESS, & ADDITIONAL FEES
Some installers will charge a delivery fee in addition to the labor estimate, so read your contract carefully. Difficult access properties including tight stair wells, narrow hallways or high-rise elevations may be subject to additional handling charges. If your installer is also doing the backsplash, make sure you include that scope in your total budget from the beginning, not as an add-on after the fact.
ARE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS WORTH IT?
For more information about the value of long-term value of quartz, read the MSI blog, Is Quartz Worth the Cost?
DURABILITY & LOW MAINTENANCE
Quartz surfaces require no sealing, no reconditioning, and overall quartz countertop maintenance is very low. For everyday care, warm water and a mild detergent will keep the surface looking its best. It is resistant to staining from the common substances that can stain kitchen surfaces including coffee, tea, wine, grape juice, food coloring, and nail polish.
LONG-TERM VALUE & WARRANTY
Protecting your quartz countertops is important, but so is having a solid warranty for a countertop that will last. MSI’s Limited Lifetime Residential Warranty and 10-Year Commercial Warranty cover all Q™ products. Both cover defects in material and workman ship. Register your warranty at msisurfaces.com so your documentation is on file and readily available should you ever need support.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
Smart Cost-Saving Strategies
Choosing a standard slab color or pattern instead of a premium one can help reduce material costs while still delivering the durability and style that quartz is known for. Complex edge treatments are more time consuming and labor intensive to fabricate. You can help keep the cost of installation down by choosing simple profiles like eased or straight edges.
Quartz remnants can be a cost-effective option for smaller projects such as bathroom vanities, laundry rooms, wet bars, or kitchen islands. Often, these are leftovers from bigger projects and can save you a lot of money compared to buying full slabs.
Buy Through a Trusted Distributor
A trusted distributor can assist you in finding quality quartz options for a variety of budgets. MSI offers a wide range of quartz surfaces, so it’s easier to strike the right balance between style, performance, and budget.
WHERE TO BUY QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS NEAR YOU
MSI offers a wide selection of quartz countertop colors and styles for you to choose from. MSI offers quartz surfaces in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes for kitchens, bathrooms, and other residential projects.
Do you need help envisioning how each quartz option will look in your existing space? Try MSI’s countertop visualizer to easily show, in real-time, how the quartz countertops will look in your kitchen.
You can also connect with our team to find quartz countertops near you. You can reach us using our website's chat feature, visit an MSI showroom, or find an authorized MSI dealer in your area.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much do quartz countertops cost per square foot installed?
Quartz Countertops Cost Installed $50-$150 Per Square Foot. The material itself can be $15-50 per square foot. The rest is labor, cutouts, and edge work.
What is the average total cost of quartz countertop installation?
For most homeowners, a full installation will run an average of between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the scope of the project, grade selected, and the difficulty of the job.
Are quartz countertops cheaper than granite?
The costs of the materials are about the same. The big difference as time goes on is that quartz removes the ongoing cost of sealing and maintenance that granite requires, making it a more economical choice over the life of the countertop.
Why are quartz countertops expensive?
Factors that affect the final cost include grade, design complexity, use of proprietary technologies like LumaLuxe® and Q+, choice of edge profile, and labor for professional installation. Premium quartz products often feature more complex designs, more advanced manufacturing methods, or proprietary technologies, which can add to the cost.
What is the most affordable quartz countertop option?
Our Standard ($) tier is quality quartz at the lowest price point. Neutral tones and clean patterns that pair well with a wide variety of kitchen and bathroom styles.
Does quartz require maintenance?
No. Sealing or reconditioning or special treatments needed. Routine cleaning can be done with warm water and a mild detergent.
How long do quartz countertops last?
Q™ is backed by a Limited Lifetime Residential Warranty, which reflects our confidence in its long-term durability.
Can quartz countertops increase home value?
That’s a question best answered by a local real estate professional who knows your specific market. Industry sources consistently rank refreshed countertops among the top renovation investments, and quartz is a popular choice for a high-end surface material.
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