How to Get the Best Price on Quartz Countertops

I've been a kitchen designer for 10 years and I've sold close to a thousand quartz countertops. Here are my tips on getting the best price-

Kitchen design by Onyx Pietersen. Construction by 360 Property Solutions.

Don't believe the signs at box stores that say "Quartz Countertops, starting at $40/sf". That price usually doesn't include sink cut outs and edge detailing. Get a real quote. As with all construction projects, the best practice is to get 3 quotes for every job you are doing.

How to get a quote:

1.

If you are getting new cabinets, wait until your kitchen design is complete. -or- If you are keeping your cabinets, make a rudimentary sketch of your existing kitchen in plan (from above). Indicate the width and depth of each part in inches. Put an "X" on any edge that is visible and will need to be finished. Indicate where your appliances are. Here's an example:

(don't worry if you have to hand draw something, it doesn't even need to be this spectacular!)

2.

Take your plan or sketch to a countertop showroom or granite yard to choose possible materials and get quotes. (If you don't know who to get quotes from, ask your friends or neighbors who they used or use sites with online reviews like Google, Yelp and Angie's List). Look for stores that carry the most well known respected brands in the industry like Silestone, Caesarstone and Cambria.

When you get a quote, they should ask you these things, so come prepared: - What edge detail you want. Below are a few types from the Caesarstone website. Take in a picture or sketch of what you want as not every fabricator uses the same names for the same details.

Edge Types by Caesarstone

- If you want an under-mount, over-mount or apron sink. I love how Kitchen King made a super clear example page of these. Some fabricators will even make an integral sink made of the same material as your countertop. - If you have a free-standing, slide-in or cooktop stove. - Do you want a backsplash in the same material or will you be using tile? If you are considering getting a quartz backsplash, request a price with and without it. It might end up being too expensive for your budget.

Quartz countertops usually range from $50 to $120 per square foot fully installed depending largely on where you live and how expensive the stone you choose is. See my tip at the bottom of the page to calculate your square footage.

They will usually not give you a quote on the spot. Stone pricing is complicated because it depends on how your project lays out on the slab, what size of slabs are available for that color, if you have to buy the whole slab, your edge detail, how many edges you have, how many seams you have, current color price and where your project is. Let them know that if your layout ends up requiring the purchase of a second slab of stone, that you are willing to reconsider your color choice for a color that you would only need to buy one slab for. Some brands have certain colors in "jumbo" sizes.

If you are on a tight budget, really emphasis this to the sales associate. They can help you find the best deals for your project. If you have a smaller kitchen or vanity, ask them if they have a remnant (scrap piece) that could work for your project or if they sell any products strictly by square foot. If they don't have these, ask them to show you the most affordable brands (that have warranties). If you are going budget, I still recommend choosing a brand that is 7% resin and 93% quartz. Slabs that have more resin are less expensive but are more likely to stain or discolor. If you have any other materials chosen (or existing) feel free to bring in samples of these so you can color coordinate. Most places will give out or loan stone samples so you can see everything in your light.

Make sure that the installer is licensed and insured, so that if material is damaged during installation or the countertops are improperly installed, you’re covered.

Kitchen design by Onyx Pietersen and Maurice Levitch (Levitch.com)

3.

(Go to two more stores and get quotes for the same color with the same details. Trust me, this can save you a lot of money). Once you have your 3 quotes, don't necessarily take the lowest quote as you might be getting inferior products and/or craft. Also, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. The best way to do this is to take your lowest quote back to the other two places. Ask if they are using the same details. If not, ask how they are different and how that affects price. Then ask them if they can match or beat the lower price (it doesn't hurt to ask). This industry is known to bend to get your business. Even if one of the more expensive places can't match the lower price, I still recommend to my clients to not go with the cheapest unless you have solid references for them and you've checked their rating on Google and Yelp. If you are a busy person, you can probably do this return talk though email since you've physically seen what they have to offer.

Kitchen design by Onyx Pietersen. Architectural design by Gustave Carlson (gustavecarlsondesign.com)

Tip: An easy way to find out how many square feet you have is to divide your countertop into rectangles. For each rectangle, multiply the (width) x (height) in inches, then divide by 144. That's how many square feet are in that rectangle. Add all the rectangles up. Notes: don't forget the corners and most countertops are 25.5" deep.

Have any other tips? Feel free to comment below.