Upgrading your kitchen can be exciting, and a custom quartz countertop upgrade is the perfect way to begin. Quartz countertops offer a beautiful, durable surface that combines style and practicality, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. These countertops have a lot to offer in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.
This article will guide you through budgeting for a custom quartz countertop upgrade. We’ll explore the cost of quartz countertops, offer installation tips, and provide a budgeting strategy that keeps your finances intact.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
What are quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops are popular for kitchens and bathrooms because of their beauty and durability. Unlike natural stone like granite, quartz countertops are made from engineered quartz. This means we create them using a mix of natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments.
| Feature | Description |
| Material | Engineered quartz |
| Process | Mixing quartz with resins and pigments |
| Finishes | Available in matte or polished finishes |
| Durability | Resistant to scratches, stains, and heat |
| Variety | Comes in many colors and patterns |
Quartz countertops are favored in residential and commercial spaces due to their wide range of designs. They do not need sealing like natural stone and offer a consistent appearance. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for busy homes.
How much do quartz countertops cost?
Quartz countertops typically cost between $50 and $120 per square foot installed. This range includes the material and professional installation, though pricing will vary based on your location, the job’s complexity, and the brand of quartz you choose.
Here’s a breakdown of what affects the cost:
1. Quality and brand of quartz
Low-end quartz (often $50–$70 per sq. ft.) offers basic colors and patterns, while mid-range and premium brands may cost $80–$120 or more per sq. ft. for advanced designs and more realistic stone appearances.
2. Color and pattern complexity
Solid colors and simpler patterns tend to be less expensive. More intricate veining that mimics natural stone like marble generally comes with a higher price tag.
3. Thickness and edge profile
Standard quartz thickness is 3cm, but thicker slabs or custom edge profiles (like ogee or mitered edges) will increase the overall cost.
4. Fabrication and installation
Fabrication costs depend on the size of your kitchen, the number of cutouts (for sinks, cooktops, etc.), and any special design features. Complex layouts may raise installation costs.
5. Additional costs to consider
- Old countertop removal: $10–$20 per sq. ft.
- Sink/faucet cutouts: $100–$300 each
- Backsplash add-ons: Varies widely, depending on height and material
For a standard kitchen with 40 to 50 square feet of countertop space, total quartz countertop costs generally fall between $2,500 and $5,500. Budgeting carefully and working with a knowledgeable custom quartz countertop supplier can help you stay within range while getting the best value for your investment.
How do I create a budgeting strategy?
A well-planned budget is one of the smartest steps you can take when upgrading to quartz countertops. It helps you make informed decisions and keeps your project on track from start to finish. Here’s how to build a budgeting strategy covering everything from material selection to installation.
Start with your total budget
Determine how much you’re willing (and able) to spend on your countertop project. Be realistic, and consider how the upgrade fits into your broader kitchen or bathroom renovation plan, if applicable. Whether you’re spending $3,000 or $10,000, knowing your upper limit helps guide all other decisions.
Break down the cost categories
Divide your total budget into key categories. Here’s a rough breakdown of how the costs may be distributed:
- Material (quartz slabs): 40–50%
- Fabrication and installation: 30–35%
- Demolition and removal of old countertops: 5–10%
- Plumbing/electrical disconnect and reconnect: 5–10%
- Finishing touches (backsplash, trim, sealing, etc.): 5–10%
This gives you a framework to prioritize your spending and adjust as needed.
Get multiple quotes
Don’t settle for the first price you get. Get estimates from multiple suppliers and fabricators to compare pricing, services, and timelines. Ask each contractor to provide a detailed quote that separates materials, labor, and extras — this gives you clarity and bargaining power.
Plan for extras and upgrades
Will you choose a premium edge profile or a full-height backsplash? Are you upgrading to custom cutouts or waterfall edges? These design enhancements can quickly increase your cost. Decide in advance which upgrades are worth the splurge, and which ones you can skip to stay within budget.
Set aside a contingency fund
Like any renovation project, surprises can happen, especially during demolition or plumbing reconnections. It’s wise to reserve 10–15% of your budget as a contingency. That way, if you run into unforeseen issues or make a last-minute change, you’ll have the flexibility to cover it without derailing the whole project.
Track your spending
Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to monitor your expenses in real time. List your budgeted amounts next to actual costs so you can catch overruns early. If you’re going over in one category, look for ways to trim expenses in another.
Don’t forget the long-term value
While budgeting wisely is important, remember that quartz countertops are an investment. Their durability, low maintenance, and timeless appearance often translate into long-term value, both for your enjoyment and your home’s resale potential.
Approaching your project with a clear budgeting strategy will help you confidently choose the right quartz countertop without financial surprises. Thoughtful planning means fewer regrets and more room to enjoy the final result.
What should I consider before my countertop upgrade?
Installing quartz countertops is a major countertop upgrade that can transform the look and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. But before the installation begins, it’s important to consider the following factors:
You need accurate measurements
Before fabrication, your installer will need precise measurements of your countertop space. This includes accounting for sinks, cooktops, backsplashes, and any overhangs. A professional templating appointment will ensure your quartz slabs fit perfectly.
You need cabinet support and leveling
Quartz is heavy — often 20 to 25 pounds per square foot — so your cabinets must be structurally sound and level before installation. Any uneven surfaces could lead to gaps, cracking, or long-term stress on the stone. You may need reinforcements for older or weaker cabinetry.
You’ll need to finalize decisions for your sink and fixtures
If you’re installing an undermount sink, it must be on-site before your quartz gets fabricated. The same goes for faucets and other fixtures that require holes drilled in the countertop. Finalizing these details beforehand helps avoid delays and errors.
You’ll need seam placement
Large countertop runs may require seams, depending on the size of the quartz slabs and your kitchen layout. Talk to your fabricator about where seams will be and how visible they will be. Skilled installers can make seams nearly invisible, but planning ahead is still important.
Prepare for a disruption
Quartz installation is quick compared to other remodeling projects, but you’ll still need to clear the workspace and temporarily adjust your routine. Remove items from cabinets, clear pathways, and protect nearby flooring if needed.
Confirm details with your installer
Double-check all design choices — edge profiles, overhang dimensions, backsplash height, and any cutouts — with your installer before fabrication. Once the quartz is cut, making changes can be costly or even impossible.
Budget for final touches
After installation, you may need to reconnect plumbing, patch walls, or install backsplashes. Be sure to budget time and money for these finishing tasks.
Upgrade your countertops with Intermountain Stone & Marble
Ready to bring the beauty and strength of quartz countertops into your home? Let Intermountain Stone & Marble be your trusted guide. Our expert team is here to help you explore your options, understand pricing, and find the perfect quartz surface to match your vision and your budget. Visit our showroom or contact us today to get personalized advice and a detailed quote. With Intermountain Stone & Marble, your dream kitchen or bathroom is closer — and more affordable — than you think.
