On This Page:
- Average Caesarstone Pricing
- How Much Will it Cost for Installation?
- What is Caesarstone Made Of?
- Styles, Colors, & Options
- How Does it Compare to Granite?
- Conclusion
When it comes to selecting a countertop, there are many different materials to choose from. The extremely budget-conscious might opt for laminates. Many people choose a middle-of-the-road material as far as cost goes. Natural stones look very luxurious, while eco-friendly recycled glass is increasing in popularity. Both are offered in price ranges that, while a little high of the median, aren’t prohibitive.
Where things get a little tricky is putting a name on what you want. If you ask for “flagstone” thinking you’re going to get a flat rock, you might find yourself having to specify what type of flagstone. Similarly, some brand names of manufactured stone are mistaken for names of a general material, such as Silestone or Caesarstone. When selecting a material for your countertop, it pays to do a little research!
With all of these options, why select Caesarstone out of all of them? Caesarstone is a manufactured quartz material that gives you the low maintenance of a resin countertop with the beauty and durability of quartz. As a poured material it can be made into many different shapes, and the pigments mean you can have a wide variety of colors.
Average Caesarstone Pricing
Caesarstone is a bit on the high side of pricing. The cost of the Caesarstone itself is around $20.00 to $25.00 per square foot. Looking at the average sizes of countertops, the material costs are fairly easy to calculate. The average countertop is about 25 inches from back to front. It’s the overall area that can vary quite a bit. (Be sure to include 7% to 10% overage when measuring!)
A relatively small countertop of 30 square feet is about 14 feet in length. The material cost is around $640.00 to $800.00.
50 square feet is an average size for a countertop that might use Caesarstone. This would be about 24 feet in length and can cost $1000.00 to $1250.00.
A 75-square-foot countertop is quite large, but it is not unheard of for homes with very large kitchens, the kind designed for entertaining. This would create a 45-foot-long countertop and can cost from $1500.00 to $1875.00.
Some of those lengths might seem extreme, but remember that it doesn’t necessarily represent a straight run of countertop. The configuration could include a matching island, curves, corners, and other features.
How Much Will It Cost For Installation?
Installation of Caesarstone is another matter. It is normally very heavy, and some upper level domiciles, such as some apartments, might not be able to support the weight safely. Installing a quartz countertop is not a DIY project. It’s difficult to do right, and many manufacturers take the extra step of training and certifying their own installers. The weight calls for extra supports and, if mishandled, the slab can break.
When you decide on Caesarstone, the manufacturer will send someone out to get the necessary measurements. Sink cutouts and other functional features will be considered in the measurements. The measurements will then go to the factory and the material will be mixed and poured. The countertop will be delivered and installed later, so expect a bit of a wait, in some cases a week or two.
Installation costs involve time, labor, and other factors such as materials for supports, adhesives, etc., and assuming that your house doesn’t have a complicated layout, isn’t remotely located, and has no other complicating factors.
The typical installation costs for the more common sizes of countertops are:
- 30 square feet: $187.00 to $240.00
- 50 square feet: $312.00 to $400.00
- 75 square feet: $468.75 to $600.00
This does not include the countertop itself. As explained above, the countertop is about $20.00 to $25.00 per square foot. This would bring total costs, depending on size, to anywhere from $827.00 to $2,475.00, assuming no other complicating factors.
What Is Caesarstone Made Of?
Caesarstone is the brand name of an engineered quartz material manufactured by Caesarstone Sdot-Yam, headquartered in Kibbutz Sdot-Yam, Israel. Usually made up of 93% quartz, this material is mixed with polymer resins and pigments that make the different grades (colors and patterns).
How Is It Made?
After the colors and resins are mixed, they are poured into a mold to form the desired shape. It is then heated to 194 degrees Fahrenheit and subjected to 100 tons of pressure. What comes out of this process is a countertop that is far more impact-resistant than natural stone. Some even describe it as virtually indestructible!
Styles, Colors, and Options
Because it is a manufactured material, Caesarstone has many different options available. Some of the choices you make can affect your end cost. The grades, for example, are in alphabetical order from lowest cost to highest cost. Other choices you make can be:
Thickness
The typical thickness of a slab is between ¾” and 1 1/4 “. This is the normal thickness of a slab measuring about 45 square feet. Thicker slabs will cost more, or course, and will be heavier, requiring more supports and possibly increased installation costs.
Edge Profile
Most countertops have a basic edge. This is simply a flat-faced edge with a rounded top corner. Other edges include the more rounded bullnose, the fancy ogee, the elegant bevel, and the very utilitarian square edge. Other edge designs are available besides these most popular choices. Check with your supplier for others. Remember, though, that some edges might cost more than others.
Color and Pattern
The color and pattern are blended into the resin. The classic colors have over 40 options, but you could also go for a textured pattern such as lace, crocodile, or bold semi-precious stone patterns. The elements that go into the patterns can come from recycled materials as well as from virgin materials, giving an eco-friendly option.
One of the most popular colors is “Frosty Carrina.” With a soft ivory color delicately powdered with grey veins, it was inspired by, and resembles, some of the world’s finest marble. It is one of the more expensive Caesarstone products, and so the cost will be higher than most of the averages given in this article, but it is truly breathtaking.
Shape
Because it’s a poured material, Caesarstone can be made into pretty much any shape you can imagine. L shapes, U shapes, curves, and other such creations are relatively easy to attain when compared to natural stone and other materials. However, complex shapes will cost more and can be harder to install. This is especially true if you have a complicated layout to your house. If the installers have to navigate around staircases or through narrow halls and small rooms to get to where the countertop is going, it’s going to increase the cost of installation.
Surface Finishes
The finish on your countertop is the icing on the cake. Options include a glossy polished finish, a matte finish called “honed”, or you can have a textured finish. The finish will not affect your cost by much. Therefore, your limit is often only your taste and existing décor.
How Does It Compare To Granite?
If you’re looking at Caesarstone, the odds are you’re also looking at granite. How do the two stack up against one another? At the very least, your choice will be determined by looks and maintenance. Both materials will last a good, long time and will look absolutely stunning in your kitchen, but each has pros and cons.
Granite
Pros
- More high-heat-resistant than quartz-based materials
- Each slab of granite is unique. Your countertop will look like nobody else’s!
- Costs less than Caesarstone
Cons
- Very porous; it is prone to staining if spills are left too long, and must be cleaned with specialized cleansers.
- Colors are limited to what nature provides.
- Must be sealed once a year to prevent discoloration
Caesarstone
Pros
- Does not require resealing
- Stain resistant, it can be cleaned with any cleanser
- Available in many different colors and patterns
Cons
- Patterns look similar, so your “Frosty Carrina” will look like another’s “Frosty Carrina.”
- Engineered stone, regardless of manufacturer, is on the higher end of costs.
- Doesn’t withstand high heat very well, such as hot pots and pans.
In Conclusion
Caesarstone is a beautiful, manufactured quartz material that is suitable in many settings. It is used in homes and businesses for many purposes. With a stunning array of colors and patterns, there’s sure to be something to fit your desires that will prove durable for years to come.
