What is the price of Quartz Countertops?
Unlike the Natural Stone, that are formed in nature, Quartz countertops are manmade, with stone slabs formed through a manufacturing process. There is a misconception that since quartz countertops are manmade, they must be less expensive than the natural stone such as granite countertops. On the contrary, all quartz countertops are more expensive than the granite countertops that are relatively abundant in the nature.
Natural quartz
To better understand why the cost of quartz countertops is higher than granite, we should learn how they are manufactured. Quartz Countertops are made of natural quartz found in nature in different parts of the world, coloring pigments used for color, design, and pattern, plus resin that bonds them all together. First natural quartz are grinded to various sizes, sorted by color and clarity. Then they are mixed with resin and coloring pigments and poured into the special patented machinery made by Breton.
Quartz Manufacturing Plant
Through the heat and pressure, they are formed into slabs of manmade stone, called quartz. The result of the finished product is very durable, scratch and heat resistant, and low maintenance. Quartz countertops have become extremely popular due to their characteristics.
So, what contributes to the cost of cost of Quartz Countertops is the cost of raw material, quality and clarity of the natural quartz, major investment in machinery and equipment, energy used to make the slabs, research and development in creating new colors and patterns, marketing, transportation charges, and distribution.
Quartz stone slabs are made in different thickness of approximately 1/2 inch (1.2cm), 3/4 (2cm) inch, and 1 1/4″ (3cm). 1.2cm is mainly used for vertical surfaces such as backsplashes and shower walls, while the 2cm and 3cm is used for the countertops. In the Washington DC metro area use of 3cm quartz is more common for the countertops in the residential projects.
Almost all quartz manufactures have different price groups for different colors and thickness of quartz, Price of each color varies depending on the cost of and quality of natural quartz, and the R&D cost of producing the design and color. Generally an installed price of quartz countertops in Washington DC area in 3cm material ranges from $60 to $150 per square foot.
