How to Save Money When Buying Pure White Quartz

In today's post, we will outline the methods that allowed us to save a significant amount on our pure white quartz countertops, not only for our expansive kitchen renovation featuring two substantial islands but also for the remodels of two bathrooms. Furthermore, we will provide a detailed breakdown of our quartz countertops expenses and tackle the pressing question: how much do quartz countertops typically cost?

When purchasing quartz materials, expect nothing less than exceptional service from Make Sail.

As you explore options, know that any countertop material beyond laminate will likely feel more expensive, particularly for significant projects like kitchen or bathroom remodels!

(Admittedly, I felt compelled to create a catchy phrase for our blog title. Who can resist the fun of "shorts" and "quartz"?!)

COST-SAVING STRATEGIES FOR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Maximizing Quartz Slabs: From One Room to Three

Our calculations indicated the need for three quartz slabs to cover our kitchen area, mainly due to our dual islands, aiming to minimize the number of joints.

However, this calculation left us with a considerable surplus of quartz!

Solution? Matt utilized his Superhero Engineering expertise to meticulously plan the cuts from our three slabs, ensuring we maximized quartz usage while producing substantial leftover pieces.

This clever approach resulted in dimensions perfectly suited for:

1. Our guest bathroom countertop
2. Our daughters' double sink vanity in their bathroom!

OPTIMAL LAYOUT TIPS FOR QUARTZ SLABS

Step #1: Prioritize the Largest Pieces First.

Initially, we focused on the countertops for the double islands in our kitchen and the sink area countertop, which extended underneath our concealed appliance cabinets.

Using a tool that suits you best (even a simple paper and ruler idea works!), Matt opted for Excel, as it streamlined the layout process. This method allowed clear visibility of each cut, and Excel's accessibility made it easy to share with our fabricator.

One notable hiccup was that quartz slabs did not reach the required 147 inches for a single cut around the sink offsetting our approach. Instead of resorting to two identical pieces, we selected the largest possible piece available to eliminate grout lines around the sink, settling for a smaller piece for the area under the right appliance.

(Whether our fabricator took the guidelines into account remains a playful mystery!)

Step #2: Incorporate Counter Edges and Backsplashes Next to Countertop Pieces.

It might seem logical to move on to placing the next largest pieces of quartz, but we recommend arranging the edges beside your main pieces after your major countertops are laid out. 

This clever strategy will optimize the remaining portions of your slabs, as the countertop edges typically match the length of the main pieces (consider 'Island 1' and 'Island 1 Edge').

If you're new here, Matt and I have crafted comprehensive guides covering kitchen design through to remodeling and organization, empowering you to achieve your dream kitchen from start to finish! Check out our Kitchen Design Guides here!

Step #3: Fit in Your Medium, Small, and Miscellaneous Pieces.

Now, utilize the available space from your quartz slab layouts to fit in the remaining medium and smaller pieces.

As an example, we managed to incorporate sections for the solid backsplash above our stove. Interestingly, I had initially envisioned full side splashes on both sides of the stove for easier cleaning. However, once the installers completed it, I opted for just the backsplash, repurposing the side pieces for various projects and donating extra material to a delightful friend in need of a small countertop for her ADU build! Share the quartz love, folks!

PS: A leftover piece even became a shower threshold in our downstairs bathroom remodel!

In essence, this is much like adult Tetris.

(It turns out that Matt's childhood spent playing Tetris prepared him perfectly for this challenge! So glad my design instincts didn't go into overdrive during this design layout; our partnership truly became an asset!)

And there it is, dear readers—one effective way to dramatically reduce expenses on quartz countertops! By anticipating our needs for future remodels, we essentially procured extra pieces at no additional charge!

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By implementing this strategy, you too could save thousands of dollars! If you seek guidance on space planning and saving money on home projects, our Design Services can typically save clients between $30,000 and $60,000. Seriously, this isn’t an exaggeration—both contractors and kitchen designers often look to maximize their profits at the expense of customers, and our goal is to provide transparent support.

UNDERSTANDING QUARTZ COUNTERTOP EXPENSES

What is the Average Cost of Quartz Countertops?

Cost per quartz slab: $20.25 per square foot. Given the size of our slabs (131 inches x 63 inches, translating to 57.3 square feet each), our total for three slabs reached $3,483, or around $1,161 for each piece.

Fabrication and installation charges came to $39.50 per square foot, accruing a total labor fee of $5,490.50 for 139 square feet of countertop (including our custom drain grooves!).

TOTAL COST per square foot for our quartz countertops: $59.75

For those familiar with pricing for quartz slabs and installation, you will recognize the phenomenal deal we received on both fronts! (Typically, the average costs range from $70 to $150 per square foot!)

UNDERSTANDING QUARTZ COUNTERTOP EXPENSES

Which Quartz Countertops Did We Select?

We opted for the LG Viatera Cirrus and delve into the full details HERE!

If you missed our stunning images showcasing the kitchen remodel featuring our pure white quartz countertops, check them out here!

UNDERSTANDING QUARTZ COUNTERTOP EXPENSES

More Cost-Saving Tips for Your Quartz Countertops!

In addition to the aforementioned strategies, here are other recommendations:

1. Shop around! Not just for quartz countertops but for fabricators as well! Avoid skimping on a ridiculously cheap installer; if mistakes occur, you need a professional who can make things right.
2. Search for remnants if your needs are minimal.
3. Inquire about warranties prior to making a purchase.

Need immediate assistance with your kitchen? Grab our Kitchen Design Bundle!

MAXIMIZING YOUR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Important Considerations for Your Quartz Countertops

We even managed to use a sizeable cut of our white quartz countertop material as our low-maintenance solid backsplash. More details can be found in our 21 Genius Kitchen Organization Hacks!

Next Steps

Explore our collection of kitchen shortcuts and time-savers here!

Or consider these topics:

• How to save money on your kitchen renovation!
• Why kitchen drawers outperform cabinets 27 times over!
• Are you prepared to embark on your kitchen renovation? If so, you certainly need THIS!

Our comprehensive list of every home project can be viewed here!

If you’d like our immediate assistance for your next venture, check out our design plans & guides!