When budgeting a quartz worktop, buyers typically see a price per metre that varies with grade, thickness, edge profile, and installation. The cost to install quartz worktops in the U.S. commonly falls in a broad range per metre, with material, fabrication, and labor driving the total. This guide resolves common price questions and provides concrete per‑metre figures to help plan a kitchen upgrade.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz slab material per metre | $200 | $350 | $600 | Standard 2cm or 3cm thickness; mid-range grade |
| Edge fabrication per metre | $20 | $60 | $120 | Bevel, eased, or square edge |
| Fabrication and templating per metre | $25 | $60 | $110 | Cutouts for sink, cooktop |
| Installation and fitting per metre | $60 | $140 | $240 | Labor plus minor adjustments |
| Removal and disposal per metre | $10 | $25 | $60 | Old countertops and debris handling |
| Demo, prep, site protection per metre | $5 | $15 | $40 | Dust control, protection |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 2–3 cm quartz, standard edge profiles, single‑section installation, typical kitchen layout, no complex underpinning.
Quartz Worktop Price Per Metre by Thickness and Grade
Thickness and grade dramatically affect price per metre. A common configuration is 2 cm or 3 cm thick slabs. Higher grades with deeper veining and less filler fetch a higher per‑metre price. Typical ranges:
- 2 cm, standard grade: $200-$320 per metre
- 3 cm, standard grade: $250-$420 per metre
- 3 cm, premium grade: $380-$600 per metre
Assumptions: mid‑range supply, standard colorways, typical kitchen length, basic edge profiles.
Edge Profiles and How They Change Per‑Metre Cost
Edge work adds to the per‑metre price. Common profiles and approximate cost impact:
- Straight edge: $20-$40 per metre
- Eased edge: $40-$60 per metre
- Bevel edge: $50-$90 per metre
- Full bullnose or diamond/ogee: $90-$150 per metre
Assumption: standard labors for edge polishing and finishing.
Region and Labor Variations in Quartz Worktop Pricing
Prices shift with regional costs and crew availability. Typical regional ranges per metre:
- South and Midwest markets: $250-$420 per metre
- Coastal and large metro areas: $320-$520 per metre
- High‑cost urban centers with premium installers: $420-$600 per metre
Assumptions: standard access, no stairs or unusual delivery constraints.
Labor Time and Job Size: Per-Metre Pricing Impacts
Labor intensity affects total cost, with longer runs or complex layouts increasing price per metre. Typical factors:
- Single‑wall kitchen under 8 metres total: $60-$140 per metre installed
- Open polygon layouts or L‑shaped kitchens over 12 metres: $90-$180 per metre installed
- Heavy undermount sink cutouts or multiple cutouts: $10-$30 per metre extra for fabrication time
Assumptions: standard sink type, no unusual cutouts beyond two to three per run.
Material and Edge Combination: Concrete Examples
Concrete examples help anchor budget decisions. Examples by common combos:
- 2 cm standard grade, straight edge, 6 metres total length: $1,500-$2,400 installed
- 3 cm premium grade, eased edge, 9 metres total length: $3,000-$5,000 installed
- 3 cm premium grade, full bullnose edge, 12 metres total length: $5,100-$8,500 installed
Assumptions: mid‑range workmanship, standard kitchen geometry, delivery in reasonable proximity.
Edge Substitutions and Special Fabrication Costs
Special cuts, sink templates, and backspash integrations affect per‑metre cost. Typical adds:
- Undermount sink cutouts: $50-$120 per cut
- Integrated backsplash or waterfall edge: $60-$180 per metre
- Rounded corners or radii: $40-$100 per metre
Assumptions: standard under‑mount sink and cabinetry alignment.
Removal, Delivery, and Preparation Costs Per Metre
Pre‑installation prep and post‑installation rounds impact the total. Typical charges per metre:
- Delivery to site: $15-$40 per metre
- Removal of old counters: $10-$25 per metre
- Surface prep and protection: $5-$20 per metre
Assumptions: accessible delivery, no fragile stair constraints.
Comparison: Quartz vs Other Surfaces Per Metre
Budgeting often compares quartz to granite, solid surface, or laminate. Approximate per‑metre ranges:
- Quartz: $200-$600 per metre
- Granite: $180-$520 per metre
- Solid surface: $120-$260 per metre
- Laminate: $40-$120 per metre
Assumptions: mid‑range colors and standard edge profiles for each material type.
Typical Installed Quartz Worktop: 6–9 Metres Project Overview
For a mid‑sized kitchen, installed quartz worktops usually fall within a clear bundle. Example ranges:
- 6 metres total, 3 cm premium grade, eased edge: $2,600-$4,000 installed
- 9 metres total, 2 cm standard grade, straight edge: $2,100-$3,900 installed
Assumptions: single‑section run, standard deep sink, standard waste area.
Quote‑Stage Considerations: What Affects the Per‑Metre Price
When reviewing quotes, consider how each line item changes the final per‑metre cost. Common drivers include:
- Measurement accuracy and templating quality
- Source slab availability and color match across lengths
- Fabrication facility proximity and installer experience
- Delivery scheduling and access restrictions
Assumptions: quotes reflect standard commitments, not rush orders.
Practical Ways to Reduce Quartz Per Metre Costs
Smart choices can reduce the per‑metre price without sacrificing quality. Focus areas include:
- Choose standard edge profiles instead of premium finishes
- Limit complex cutouts or avoid waterfall edges on small kitchens
- Consolidate multiple sections into a single contiguous run where possible
- Schedule installation in non‑peak months to reduce labor rates
Assumptions: no major structural changes or cabinet upgrades required.
Component Cost Breakdown: Materials, Labor, and Extras Per Metre
The following table shows how a typical quartz project allocates price per metre across major components.
| Component | Per Metre Range | Typical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials (slab, color, finish) | $200-$600 | Material grade drives max; color availability affects price |
| Fabrication and templating | $25-$110 | Cutouts, sink templates, edge shaping |
| Edge profile | $20-$150 | From straight to full bullnose |
| Installation labor | $60-$180 | Crew size and kitchen complexity |
| Delivery and preparation | $5-$40 | Site readiness and access |
| Removal of old countertops | $10-$25 | Per metre of old material |
Assumptions: standard 2–3 cm slabs, normal access, single‑family home setting.
Two Real‑World Quote Scenarios (Per Metre Basis)
Realistic quote snapshots help anchor expectations. The figures below show per‑metre ranges and a total for a typical kitchen length.
- Scenario A: 6 metres, 3 cm premium quartz, eased edge
- Material: $350 per metre
- Fabrication/templating: $80 per metre
- Labor/installation: $140 per metre
- Delivery/prep: $20 per metre
- Total installed per metre: $690
- Total project (6m): $4,140
- Scenario B: 9 metres, 2 cm standard quartz, straight edge
- Material: $260 per metre
- Fabrication/templating: $50 per metre
- Labor/installation: $90 per metre
- Delivery/prep: $15 per metre
- Total installed per metre: $415
- Total project (9m): $3,735
Assumptions: standard under‑mount sink not included; colors chosen from mid‑range stock lines.
What Drives Final Price Fluctuations the Most
Two key numeric thresholds often swing pricing:
- Project length: runs under 6 metres typically stay in the lower half of per‑metre pricing; longer runs near or over 10 metres push into premium ranges
- Edge complexity: premium edges add substantial per‑metre costs, sometimes 40%–80% higher than straight edges
Assumptions: standard delivery windows and no urgent rush orders.
