If you are planning a kitchen renovation, understanding the cost of quartz per square foot installed is essential for accurate budgeting. Quartz worktops have become one of the most popular choices for UK homeowners due to their durability, low maintenance, and wide range of colours and patterns. This guide breaks down every element of quartz worktop pricing—from material grades and labour charges to regional variations and common extra costs—so you can plan your project with confidence and avoid unexpected expenses.
The average cost of quartz countertops per square foot installed varies significantly based on the quality tier you choose. Below is a comprehensive table showing typical UK pricing across budget, mid-range, and premium categories, covering both square foot and square metre equivalents for clarity.
| Quality Tier | Cost per Sq Ft (Installed) | Cost per Sq M (Installed) | Typical Brand Examples | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Quartz | £25 – £30 | £270 – £320 | Unbranded, own-brand trade suppliers | Rental properties, budget renovations |
| Mid-Range Quartz | £30 – £42 | £320 – £450 | CRL Quartz, Compac, Zodiaq (entry) | Family kitchens, typical home upgrades |
| Premium Quartz | £42 – £60+ | £450 – £650+ | Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria | High-end kitchens, luxury homes |
These figures represent the cost of quartz countertops installed per square foot including templating, fabrication, delivery, and professional fitting. Most UK fabricators bundle these services into a single per-square-metre rate, so always confirm exactly what is included before comparing quotations.
To fully understand the cost of quartz countertops per square foot installed, it helps to see how the total price is divided between materials, labour, and additional elements. The table below shows a typical breakdown for a mid-range quartz worktop installation on a medium-sized UK kitchen (approximately 5.5 sq m / 59 sq ft).
| Cost Component | Approximate Cost | Percentage of Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz Slab (material only) | £900 – £1,400 | 50–55% | Based on mid-range 30mm slab, ~5.5 sq m |
| Templating & Survey | £50 – £150 | 3–5% | Often included in total quote |
| Fabrication & Cutting | £300 – £500 | 15–20% | CNC cutting, edge profiling, polishing |
| Installation Labour | £250 – £400 | 12–16% | 2-person fitting team, half-day |
| Joint Adhesive & Sealant | £30 – £60 | 1–2% | Colour-matched epoxy resin |
| Delivery | £40 – £80 | 2–3% | May be included within radius |
| Waste Allowance (~10%) | £90 – £140 | 4–5% | Offcuts and cutting waste |
| VAT (20%) | £330 – £550 | – | Check if quote includes or excludes VAT |
| Estimated Total (incl. VAT) | £1,990 – £3,280 | 100% | For ~5.5 sq m / 59 sq ft kitchen |
VAT Note: Some UK contractors quote prices excluding VAT, especially in trade-facing advertisements. Always ask whether the quoted cost of quartz per square foot installed includes VAT at 20% to avoid an unwelcome surprise on the final invoice.
Several key variables influence the average cost of quartz countertops per square foot installed. Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions and compare quotes fairly.
Quartz slabs typically come in 20mm and 30mm thicknesses. The 30mm option costs approximately 20–30% more but offers greater durability and a more substantial, premium look. Most UK homeowners opt for 30mm for kitchen worktops.
Premium brands like Caesarstone, Silestone, and Cambria command higher prices due to superior colour consistency, wider design ranges, and longer warranties (often 15–25 years). Budget and own-brand quartz can be 30–50% cheaper but may have limited colour options and shorter guarantees.
A simple straight or eased edge is usually included in the base price. More elaborate edge profiles—such as bevelled, bullnose, ogee, or waterfall edges—add £30–£80 per linear metre to the fabrication cost.
Every sink cutout, hob cutout, and joint between slabs increases labour time and complexity. An L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen with multiple joints will cost more than a single straight run of worktop.
Upper-floor flats without lift access, narrow staircases, or restricted parking can increase installation costs due to the extra time and manpower required to manoeuvre heavy quartz slabs safely.
Where you live in the UK has a noticeable impact on the cost of quartz per square foot installed. Labour rates, business overheads, and market demand all vary by region, as shown in the comparison table below.
| UK Region | Avg. Installed Cost per Sq Ft | Avg. Installed Cost per Sq M | Price Variation vs UK Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| London & South East | £35 – £60 | £375 – £650 | +15% to +25% |
| South West | £28 – £48 | £300 – £515 | -5% to +5% |
| Midlands | £27 – £45 | £290 – £485 | -8% to near average |
| North England | £25 – £42 | £270 – £450 | -10% to -5% |
| Scotland | £26 – £43 | £280 – £460 | -8% to near average |
| Wales | £25 – £40 | £270 – £430 | -10% to -5% |
| Northern Ireland | £24 – £40 | £260 – £430 | -12% to -5% |
London and the South East consistently command the highest prices due to elevated labour rates and commercial rents. If you live in a higher-cost region, obtaining multiple quotes is particularly important to ensure competitive pricing.
How does the cost of quartz countertops per square foot installed compare with alternative worktop materials? The table below provides a side-by-side comparison for UK homeowners.
| Worktop Material | Installed Cost per Sq Ft | Installed Cost per Sq M | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz (Mid-Range) | £30 – £42 | £320 – £450 | Excellent | Very low – no sealing needed |
| Granite (Mid-Range) | £28 – £40 | £300 – £430 | Excellent | Moderate – requires periodic sealing |
| Marble | £40 – £70 | £430 – £750 | Moderate – prone to staining | High – regular sealing required |
| Laminate | £8 – £18 | £85 – £195 | Low – scratches and burns easily | Low – wipe clean only |
| Solid Wood (Oak) | £22 – £38 | £235 – £410 | Moderate – needs oiling | High – regular oiling required |
| Dekton / Sintered Stone | £45 – £70 | £485 – £750 | Exceptional | Very low |
Quartz sits in a sweet spot between affordability and performance. It offers the premium look of natural stone without the maintenance demands of granite or marble, making it a practical choice for busy family kitchens.
When budgeting for the cost of quartz per square foot installed, remember that the base price often excludes several common extras. The table below outlines typical additional charges you may encounter.
| Extra Item | Typical Cost Range | Often Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Sink cutout (undermount) | £100 – £250 | Rarely – usually extra |
| Hob cutout | £75 – £150 | Sometimes included |
| Drainage grooves | £50 – £100 | Rarely – usually extra |
| Upstands (per linear metre) | £60 – £120 | Rarely – usually extra |
| Splashback (per sq m) | £150 – £350 | Rarely – usually extra |
| Old worktop removal & disposal | £50 – £150 | Sometimes included |
| Additional joints (per joint) | £40 – £80 | Usually included in design |
| Travel surcharge (remote areas) | £30 – £100 | Varies by supplier |
To give you a practical sense of the cost of quartz countertops installed per square foot, here are three realistic UK kitchen scenarios with estimated totals.
| Project Type | Worktop Area | Quartz Tier | Estimated Total (incl. VAT) | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Galley Kitchen | ~3.5 sq m / 38 sq ft | Budget (£28/sq ft) | £1,280 – £1,450 | 1 joint, 1 sink cutout, basic edge |
| Medium L-Shaped Kitchen | ~5.5 sq m / 59 sq ft | Mid-Range (£35/sq ft) | £2,300 – £2,800 | 2 joints, sink + hob cutout, upstands |
| Large Open-Plan Kitchen | ~9 sq m / 97 sq ft | Premium (£50/sq ft) | £5,200 – £6,500 | 3 joints, island, sink + hob, splashback, waterfall edge |
These examples are based on estimated market averages from UK contractor quotations. Actual prices will vary depending on your location, chosen supplier, and specific project requirements.
Avoiding these frequent pitfalls can save you hundreds of pounds on the final cost of quartz per square foot installed.
Use this checklist when comparing contractors and obtaining quotes for your quartz worktop project.
In the UK, quartz worktops typically cost between £25 and £60 per square foot fully installed, depending on the quality, thickness, brand, and complexity of the project. Most UK fabricators quote in square metres, with the equivalent being approximately £270 to £650 per square metre including templating, fabrication, and fitting.
Mid-range quartz and mid-range granite are similarly priced in the UK, typically between £300 and £450 per square metre installed. Premium quartz from brands like Caesarstone or Silestone can be more expensive than standard granite, whilst budget quartz is often cheaper than high-end granite slabs.
Most UK quartz fabricators include templating, fabrication, and installation within their quoted per-square-metre price. However, additional costs for sink cutouts, hob cutouts, drainage grooves, upstands, and splashbacks are usually charged separately. Always confirm exactly what is included before accepting a quotation.
A typical quartz worktop installation follows a two-stage process. Templating takes 1–2 hours on the first visit. Fabrication usually takes 5–10 working days. The final installation visit typically takes 2–4 hours for an average kitchen, depending on the number of joints and complexity of cutouts required.
Common additional costs include sink and hob cutouts (£75–£250 each), drainage grooves (£50–£100), upstands (£60–£120 per linear metre), splashbacks (£150–£350 per square metre), and waste removal of old worktops (£50–£150). Some fabricators also charge separately for templating visits, though many include this in the overall price.
DIY quartz worktop installation is not recommended. Quartz slabs are extremely heavy, require specialist cutting tools with diamond blades, and need precise templating for a professional finish. Professional installation includes accurate measurement, fabrication, joint sealing, and often a warranty. Attempting DIY installation typically voids any manufacturer guarantee.
The biggest factors affecting quartz cost are the brand and quality tier (budget, mid-range, or premium), slab thickness (20mm vs 30mm), complexity of the installation (number of joints, corners, cutouts), and your location within the UK. London and the South East typically command a 15–25% premium over northern regions.
The pricing information in this guide has been compiled using a combination of UK contractor quotations, supplier pricing data, industry market averages, and regional pricing comparisons. Where official data is unavailable, figures are presented as estimated market averages based on realistic UK contractor rates.
Our estimates consider average labour rates across different UK regions, material pricing from major quartz suppliers, project complexity factors, and historical market trends. We periodically review and update our pricing guidance to reflect meaningful changes in the UK worktop installation market.
The cost estimates in this article are based on a combination of:
All figures are presented as estimated market averages. Actual costs may vary depending on individual project specifications, location, and market conditions at the time of quotation.