Quartz countertop replacement: cost & ROI
Swapping dated laminate or worn counters for engineered quartz — the most-requested countertop material with buyers. A relatively small, high-impact kitchen update that refreshes the room's focal surface without the cost or disruption of a full remodel.
Worth knowing: Countertop upgrades recoup roughly 50–80% of cost per National Association of Realtors remodeling data (national midrange ≈ 70%), and quartz — the #1 buyer-requested surface in 2026 — sits toward the top of that range. A typical $3,500–$7,500 quartz job adds the most value in kitchens where it removes the last obviously dated element.
“Net cost after resale” = project cost − resale value added. It's the part you don't recoup at sale, not a loss — most renovations cost more than they return, with the difference buying you the use and enjoyment of the upgrade.
How much does a quartz countertop replacement cost in 2026?
Replacing dated laminate or worn countertops with engineered quartz costs around $5,000 nationally in 2026 for a typical kitchen, with a range of roughly $3,000 for a small kitchen to $9,000+ for a large kitchen or premium designer quartz. It recoups about 70% of its cost — a high-impact, relatively low-cost kitchen update that refreshes the room's focal surface without the disruption of a full remodel.
Quartz has overtaken granite as the most-requested countertop material because it is non-porous, low-maintenance and available in consistent colours and patterns, including convincing marble looks. Because counters are one of the first things buyers notice, swapping tired surfaces for quartz can modernise a kitchen for a fraction of a full remodel — which is exactly why it is such a strong per-dollar update when you are preparing to sell.
| Kitchen size | Typical installed cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (25–30 sq ft) | $2,500–$4,000 | ~25–30 sq ft of quartz, standard edge, one sink cut-out. |
| Average kitchen (40–50 sq ft) | $4,000–$6,500 | Mid-range quartz, undermount sink, basic backsplash tie-in. |
| Large kitchen / island | $6,500–$10,000 | More material, an island slab, waterfall or premium edges. |
| Designer / premium quartz | $10,000–$15,000+ | High-end brands, thick slabs, mitred waterfall edges. |
Ranges are 2026 US market figures compiled from industry cost guides; your local quote depends on size, finish and labour rates.
What a quartz countertop replacement typically includes
- Template and removal of old countertops
- Engineered quartz slabs (fabrication and install)
- Undermount sink cut-out and refit
- Edge profiling and seaming
- Backsplash tie-in as needed
Pro tip: Counters alone can date a kitchen; pairing new quartz with fresh cabinet paint and hardware gives most of a remodel's visual lift for a fraction of the cost.
How quartz countertop replacement compares
Ranked by share of cost recouped at resale, quartz countertop replacement is #21 of 36 projects we track.
What affects the cost
- Square footage
- Quartz is priced per square foot installed ($50–$120), so the total scales directly with counter area.
- Quartz grade
- Entry-level colours are cheapest; designer brands and marble-look patterns cost more.
- Edges & features
- Waterfall ends, mitred edges and full-height backsplashes add fabrication cost.
- Cut-outs & install
- Sink and cooktop cut-outs, seaming and removing the old counters all factor into the quote.
Quartz countertop replacement cost by region
Costs vary by market. These are midrange estimates adjusted for regional price levels — always confirm with local quotes.
Full cost-by-location table (with ROI)
| Location | Estimated cost | Recouped |
|---|---|---|
| US National Average | $5,000 | 70% |
| New York, NY | $6,500 | 70% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $6,100 | 70% |
| Chicago, IL | $5,500 | 70% |
| Houston, TX | $4,900 | 70% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $4,900 | 70% |
| Miami, FL | $5,400 | 70% |
| Seattle, WA | $6,100 | 70% |
| Denver, CO | $5,400 | 70% |
| Atlanta, GA | $4,900 | 70% |
| Boston, MA | $6,300 | 70% |
| San Francisco, CA | $6,900 | 70% |
| London, UK | £4,100 | 70% |
| Manchester, UK | £3,600 | 70% |
| Birmingham, UK | £3,500 | 70% |
| Edinburgh, UK | £3,900 | 70% |
| Dublin, IE | €5,000 | 70% |
| Toronto, CA | C$7,200 | 70% |
| Vancouver, CA | C$7,700 | 70% |
| Sydney, AU | A$8,400 | 70% |
| Melbourne, AU | A$7,800 | 70% |
| Auckland, NZ | NZ$8,900 | 70% |
| Washington, DC | $5,600 | 70% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $5,800 | 70% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $5,400 | 70% |
| Austin, TX | $4,500 | 70% |
| Dallas, TX | $4,400 | 70% |
| Glasgow, UK | £3,500 | 70% |
| Bristol, UK | £3,800 | 70% |
| Calgary, CA | C$6,600 | 70% |
| Montreal, CA | C$6,200 | 70% |
| Brisbane, AU | A$8,000 | 70% |
| San Diego, CA | $5,900 | 70% |
| Portland, OR | $5,600 | 70% |
| Nashville, TN | $4,800 | 70% |
| Charlotte, NC | $4,600 | 70% |
| Tampa, FL | $4,900 | 70% |
| Leeds, UK | £3,500 | 70% |
| Perth, AU | A$8,100 | 70% |
| Adelaide, AU | A$6,800 | 70% |
| Wellington, NZ | NZ$8,500 | 70% |
| Christchurch, NZ | NZ$8,000 | 70% |
Before you spend
- Get 3 written quotes from licensed local contractors before committing
- Match finishes to what's normal for your neighbourhood, not above it
- Keep a 10–15% contingency for surprises once work starts
- Avoid overcapitalising — check what comparable homes nearby actually sell for
- If you're selling soon, weigh resale timing against how long the project will take
Frequently asked questions
How much does a quartz countertop cost in 2026?
About $5,000 for an average kitchen installed, or roughly $50–$120 per square foot. Small kitchens can come in around $3,000, while large kitchens with an island run $7,000–$10,000+.
Does a quartz countertop add value?
It recoups roughly 70% of its cost and is a strong per-dollar update. Because counters are a kitchen focal point, new quartz can make the whole room feel updated for a fraction of a full remodel — useful when selling.
Quartz versus granite — which is better?
Quartz is engineered, non-porous and low-maintenance (no sealing), with consistent colours; granite is natural stone with unique variation but needs periodic sealing. Quartz is now the more-requested material with buyers.
Can I just replace the countertops?
Yes — a counter-only swap is one of the highest-impact, lowest-disruption kitchen updates. Pair it with a new faucet, sink and paint for a near-remodel look at a fraction of the cost.
Related cost guides
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Estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs, resale value and ROI may vary by market, property condition, project scope, contractor pricing and timing. This is general information, not financial, investment, construction, legal or tax advice.
How it compares
Every project ranked by how much of its cost you recoup at resale, at your settings. Your pick is highlighted.
Methodology
Figures are national midrange “Cost vs. Value” averages adjusted for finish, scope and region. They are planning estimates, not quotes or appraisals, and lean toward US/UK/Canada/Australia mid-markets. Reviewed June 2026. See our full methodology →
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