How to Cut and Install Quartz Counters

Quartz flowers with flowers on it.
  • 1-3 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 40-250
What You'll Need
Safety goggles
Face mask
Tape measure
Painter's tape
Carpenter's square
Diamond blade
Circular saw
Spray bottle
Construction adhesive
Silicone sealant
What You'll Need
Safety goggles
Face mask
Tape measure
Painter's tape
Carpenter's square
Diamond blade
Circular saw
Spray bottle
Construction adhesive
Silicone sealant

Quartz kitchen countertops are one of many materials that are available for use in today’s modern kitchen. What sets these countertops apart from others is that they are made from all natural materials. To cut and install quartz counters, you will need to follow the steps below.

Step 1 – Determining the Desired Countertop Size

Most likely you'll purchase a manufactured quartz countertop already molded to a particular size. Before choosing your countertop, measure the space it needs to fit in, then purchase a top that is either a perfect fit or is slightly longer than needed, giving you extra length that it could be cut to fit.

Step 2 – Measuring and Marking Your Countertop

Quartz counters with fruit on it.

When you are ready to cut the quartz countertop, lay a strip of painter's tape along the surface you plan to cut. Use a pencil with a soft lead to mark where you'll want the countertop cut. To make a square cut, use a carpenter’s square to make a straight line across the countertop where you'll be cutting. This line should be 90 degrees from the countertop's outside edge. If you don't have a square, measure from the end of the countertop to the spot where you'll be making the cut. Make a mark with your pencil near each of the two outside edges. Using a straightedge as a guide, draw a straight line between these two marks. This will be the line you'll follow to make the cut.

Step 3 – Cutting Your Countertop

If you plan to use a circular saw, secure your countertop on a cutting table. Lay the countertop face up to keep from scratching the finished surface. If you'll be cutting with a table saw, be sure the countertop is fitted securely against the saw guide. Put on safety goggles and a face mask to keep any particles from getting into your lungs or eyes. Attach a diamond blade to the saw, making sure it is held tight. Line up the outside edge of the saw blade with the outside edge of the line you've drawn on your countertop. Be sure your saw blade is set to cut completely through the countertop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water within reach. Start the saw, and allow it to reach the maximum RPMs. Run the blade along the marked line and through the countertop. Spray the blade frequently with the water bottle. This will keep the blade cool and will help reduce dust that flies off the countertop.

Step 4 – Attaching the Countertop

White quartz counters.

Fit the cut countertop tightly in place and be sure the cut is accurate and that the countertop fits snugly in place. Place a line of construction adhesive on the surface of the counter. On the backsplash, where the top edge of your countertop will be attached, run a line of silicone sealant. Finally, fit the countertop into place, and press it firmly against the backsplash and the base on which the countertop lays.

In following these steps you will be able to cut and install quartz counters in no time.