Quartz Countertops Cost Calculator

In 2026, quartz countertops typically cost $50-$120 per square foot installed, including material, fabrication, and installation. A typical kitchen with 40-50 sq ft of counter runs about $2,500-$5,500 for standard quartz, while premium and designer patterns or large islands can push a kitchen to $6,000-$10,000+. The main cost drivers are the quartz grade (color and brand), the edge profile, the square footage, cutouts for sinks and cooktops, and whether old countertops need to be removed. Most homeowners land in the $3,000-$6,000 range for a standard kitchen.

Quartz is usually priced similarly to granite and is almost always cheaper than natural marble. Entry-level quartz and granite both start around $50-$60 per square foot installed, with premium versions of each reaching $100-$120+. Marble typically costs more and requires far more maintenance. Quartz's big advantage is consistency and low maintenance: because it's engineered (ground quartz bound with resin), colors and patterns are uniform and predictable, and it's non-porous so it never needs sealing. Granite is natural stone with unique variation but needs periodic sealing. For most kitchens, quartz offers comparable cost to granite with less upkeep than either granite or marble.

Several factors raise the price. The grade/brand is the biggest: designer lines with realistic marble-look veining cost far more than basic builder colors. The edge profile matters — a simple eased edge is included, while decorative ogee or a mitered waterfall edge (where the quartz runs down the side of an island) adds significantly because the waterfall uses extra slab and skilled fabrication. More square footage, more cutouts (sinks, cooktops, faucet holes), thicker slabs, complex layouts with more seams, and removing/disposing of old countertops all add cost. Backsplashes and full-height quartz backsplashes also increase the total.

No — and that's one of quartz's biggest advantages. Unlike natural stone such as granite and marble, quartz is engineered and non-porous, so it never needs sealing. It resists stains, bacteria, and moisture without any sealant. Maintenance is simply wiping with mild soap and water; you avoid the annual resealing that granite typically requires. The main care tips are to avoid placing very hot pans directly on it (use trivets, as extreme heat can damage the resin) and to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads. This low-maintenance, no-sealing nature is a major reason quartz has become so popular.

Countertop area is calculated by measuring the length and depth of each counter section and multiplying, then adding all sections together. Standard base-cabinet counters are about 25-26 inches deep, so each linear foot of counter is roughly 2.1 square feet. For example, a 10-foot run is about 21 sq ft. Islands and peninsulas are measured separately (length × width). Fabricators also account for overhangs and seams. When estimating, measure all your runs, convert to square feet, and add an island if you have one. This calculator works directly from total square footage, so you just need the combined area.

Edge profiles are both aesthetic and budget choices. The eased (slightly rounded square) edge is the standard, modern, and most affordable option, included in the base price. Beveled and bullnose edges are classic, mid-cost upgrades. Ogee is a decorative S-curve for a more traditional or luxury look at a higher price. The mitered waterfall edge — where the countertop appears to fold down and run to the floor on the side of an island — is the most dramatic and expensive because it requires extra slab material and precise fabrication. For most kitchens, an eased or beveled edge gives a clean, contemporary look without much added cost.

The overall process usually takes 2-3 weeks from start to finish, but the on-site work is quick. First, the fabricator templates your cabinets (often after they're installed), which takes an hour or two. Then the slab is fabricated and cut to your template over the following 1-2 weeks. Installation day itself typically takes just 2-5 hours for an average kitchen — the crew sets the pieces, joins seams, secures the counters, and installs the sink. Plumbing reconnection follows. If you're removing old countertops, that adds a bit of time. The biggest part of the timeline is the fabrication lead time between templating and installation.

Yes, as long as your existing cabinets are sturdy, level, and in good condition, new quartz can be installed on them after the old countertops are removed. The cabinets must be able to support quartz's weight (it's heavy, similar to granite) and be level so the counters sit properly without stress cracks. The installer removes the old countertops, checks and shims the cabinets if needed, templates, and then installs. If your cabinets are damaged, sagging, or you're also doing a cabinet refacing or replacement, it's best to coordinate that first. This calculator's 'remove old countertops' option covers tearing out and disposing of the existing tops before the new quartz goes on.