Buyers typically pay a mix of material, fabrication, and installation costs when choosing granite or quartz. The main cost drivers are slab grade, thickness, edge profile, size of the countertop, and the labor required for templating and installation. This guide presents cost ranges in USD and explains how each option compares on price and value.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granite (material) | $15-$35 | $25-$45 | $60-$100 | Lower-cost slabs, mid-grade, or pebbled patterns. |
| Quartz (material) | $25-$45 | $35-$60 | $90-$120 | Engineered stone with resin binder; consistent patterns. |
| Fabrication & Installation | $20-$35 | $30-$50 | $60-$90 | Includes templating, cutting, edging, and install. |
| Edge profiles | $5-$15 | $8-$20 | $25-$40 | Bevel, eased, or MVP profiles impact cost. |
| Seams & fabricating complexity | $0-$15 | $5-$15 | $25-$40 | Pattern matching or large spans increases cost. |
| Installed cost per sq ft (typical) | $40-$60 | $55-$85 | $140-$200 | Granite generally toward the low to mid range; quartz higher in many markets. |
| Total project range (e.g., 60 sq ft) | $2,400 | $3,300 | $12,000 | Assumes standard edge and standard kitchen layout. |
Overview Of Costs
Granite typically costs less per square foot for the material, but installation and edge choices can close the gap with quartz in higher-end projects. For a standard 60-square-foot counter, granite installed costs commonly range from $2,400 to $6,000, while quartz installed usually ranges from $3,300 to $8,500. Assumptions: region, slab grade, edge profile, and labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Granite (Low) | Granite (Average) | Quartz (Low) | Quartz (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $15-$25 | $25-$40 | $25-$35 | $35-$60 |
| Labor | $15-$25 | $20-$40 | $15-$25 | $25-$40 |
| Edge & Fabrication | $5-$15 | $8-$20 | $8-$20 | $12-$30 |
| Seams | $0-$10 | $5-$15 | $0-$10 | $5-$15 |
| Delivery | ||||
| Delivery/Installation | $5-$15 | $10-$20 | $5-$15 | $15-$25 |
| Permits | $0 | $0-$50 | $0 | $0-$50 |
| Taxes & Overhead | $0-$5 | $0-$15 | $0-$5 | $0-$20 |
Notes: Larger kitchens, island work, and unusual cuts raise costs. Edge profiles like waterfall or full- height backsplashes add to the total.
What Drives Price
Material selection and patterning drive the biggest differences. Granite prices depend on quarry origin, slab color, and surface finish. Quartz costs hinge on pigment load, resin content, and pattern repetition. Additionally, installation complexity—such as island removal, backsplash integration, or heavy appliance gaps—bumps both options. The maintenance profile also differs: quartz is typically more stain-resistant and uniform, which can influence long-term value.
Ways To Save
Shop by region and price bands. Consider mid-grade granite or economical quartz lines, combine with standard edge profiles (straight or eased) and minimal seams to reduce costs. Choosing a local fabricator with multiple suppliers can unlock better slab pricing.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market; three regions show typical deltas. In the Northeast, prices often run 5–15% higher than the national average due to labor rates and higher overhead. The Midwest tends to align closely with national averages, with occasional discounts on regional inventory. The Southwest commonly exhibits lower material costs but similar installation fees due to shipping and fabricator demand. Expect +/- 10% regional variation overall.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor hours affect total cost as much as material choice. Granite installs may require templating, cutting, and sealing, typically adding 1–2 days to a project in a staffed shop. Quartz installations are usually quicker due to standardized slabs but can incur higher fabrication costs for complex patterns. For both, a high-quantity kitchen with custom edges increases labor by 20–40% relative to a straight-edge setup.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Sample quotes illustrate three tiers for a typical 60 sq ft countertop.
- Basic: Granite, flat polished edge, single material, standard seam in a mid-size kitchen. Specs: 60 sq ft, 3 cm thickness. Labor 6 hours; materials and fabrication modest. Totals: $2,400–$3,200; $40–$60 per sq ft installed.
- Mid-Range: Quartz, eased edge, pattern-matched slab, two seams, island integration. Specs: 60 sq ft, 3 cm; labor 8–10 hours. Totals: $3,800–$5,500; $65–$95 per sq ft installed.
- Premium: Granite or premium quartz, waterfall island, complex edge, full backsplash integration. Specs: 60 sq ft; labor 12–16 hours. Totals: $5,500–$9,000; $90–$150 per sq ft installed.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can occur if measurements are off or if rework is required. Some common add-ons include v-groove seams, air-cut edge matching for dramatic patterns, or removal and disposal of old countertops. Budget for cleanup, demolition of old fixtures, and possible plumbing adjustments when a sink or faucet is integrated into the new surface.