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How to Budget for Quartz Countertops

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How to Budget for Quartz Countertops

Upgrade your kitchen for $233.33 a month by timing your install for the off-season and using a 0% interest window.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $4,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $233.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $4,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

New quartz counters change how you use your kitchen every day. They are harder to stain than granite and you never have to seal them. Most installs take less than a day, but the prep work and choosing your slab can take a few weeks. To get the best price, call fabricators in January or February. This is their slow season, and they are more likely to drop their labor rates to keep their crews busy.

A typical quartz project runs about $4200. We can break that into manageable chunks using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It gives you some breathing room to pay for the stone and the labor without adding interest to the total bill.

The 18-month window is a firm cutoff. If you still have a balance on the card after that time, the standard interest rate will apply to the remaining amount. This plan only works if you stay disciplined with the monthly payments.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three winter quotes

    Call local stone shops during the winter months. Ask for a line-item quote that separates the cost of the quartz slab from the fabrication and installation labor. Comparing at least three quotes helps you spot who is overcharging for the material.

  2. 02

    Use the 0% interest window

    Put the project on a Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. For a $4200 project, paying $233.33 a month gets the balance to zero before the interest starts.

  3. 03

    Clear the path for templates

    Before the fabricator cuts the stone, they will come to your house to create a template. You need to have your old counters completely clear or already removed so they can get exact measurements of your cabinets. If the template is off, the stone won't fit.

  4. 04

    Handle the demo yourself

    You can usually save $300 to $500 by removing your old countertops yourself. It is a messy job but requires only basic tools. Just be careful not to damage the base cabinets or the drywall during the process.

  5. 05

    Budget for a plumber

    Most stone installers do not handle plumbing. You will need to hire a separate plumber to disconnect your sink before the work starts and come back the next day to reconnect the faucet and drain once the adhesive has cured.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is quartz better than granite?

Quartz is an engineered stone, meaning it is non-porous and won't soak up wine or oil like granite can. It is generally lower maintenance because it never needs to be resealed.

How long does the installation take?

The actual install usually takes four to six hours. However, you will be without a sink for at least 24 hours while the silicone and adhesives dry.

Can I put hot pans on quartz?

No. Quartz is made with resin that can melt or discolor if you put a hot pot directly on the surface. You should always use a trivet or a hot pad.

What is a remnant?

A remnant is a leftover piece of stone from someone else's larger project. If you have a small kitchen or a bathroom vanity, buying a remnant can save you 30% or more on the material cost.