Table of Contents
Yes, quartz countertops cost more in Orlando right now, and the reason is a new federal tariff, not a price hike from your fabricator. On August 15, 2026, a new tariff on imported quartz surface products took effect, and it directly affects what homeowners across Orlando pay for a quartz countertop project. Stone Spirit has been fabricating and installing countertops in Orlando for over 20 years, and here is what the tariff actually changes, what it does not, and how to decide whether to move forward with your project now or wait.
What Changed on August 15, 2026
The United States imposed a Section 201 safeguard tariff on imported quartz surface products, effective 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 15, 2026. The tariff applies as a four-year tariff rate quota:
- 25% on quartz imported within the quota in Year 1, stepping down 1 percentage point each year
- 40% on quartz imported above the quota in Year 1, also stepping down 1 percentage point each year
- Applies to quartz slabs and fabricated quartz products, including countertops, backsplashes, and vanity tops
The full text is available directly from the Federal Register. In plain terms, most quartz slabs sold in the United States are imported, so this tariff touches the majority of quartz countertop projects, not a small exception.
Why the U.S. Imposed This Tariff
This tariff was not a sudden policy change. It followed a formal Section 201 global safeguard investigation, the process the U.S. International Trade Commission uses when a domestic industry argues it is being seriously injured by a surge in imports. The petition was filed by the Quartz Manufacturing Alliance of America, a group of domestic quartz producers that includes Cambria, one of the best-known quartz brands sold in Orlando showrooms. The USITC determined that quartz surface products were being imported in quantities serious enough to injure the domestic industry, and the administration responded with a four-year tariff rate quota rather than a flat tariff, which is why the rate steps down gradually instead of ending abruptly. Since it is a global safeguard, the tariff applies to imports from all countries rather than targeting one specific source.
What We Are Actually Seeing on Quotes
Quartz pricing in Orlando has generally run $65 to $100 per square foot installed. Since the tariff took effect, quartz quotes are trending toward the higher end of that range and, in some cases, above it, depending on the specific slab brand, color, and whether that particular product is sourced from a country inside or outside the tariff’s quota. Granite, quartzite, marble, and porcelain quotes have not changed as a result of this tariff, since none of those materials are affected by it.
If you already received a quote before August 15, ask whether it is still valid. If you have not yet requested a quote, expect current quartz pricing to reflect the tariff rather than pre-tariff numbers.
Should You Lock In Your Project Now or Wait
There is no single right answer, but a few questions can help you decide:
- Is your project time sensitive? If you are finishing a kitchen remodel, waiting on countertops delays everything else, from appliance installation to move in dates.
- Are you set on a specific quartz brand or color? Slab availability and sourcing vary by brand, so pricing impact is not uniform across every quartz product.
- Is your budget flexible enough to absorb the current tariff rate? Since the tariff steps down 1 percentage point per year over four years, prices may ease slightly over time, but there is no guarantee of when or by how much, since sourcing, currency, and slab demand all factor into final pricing too.
- Would a different material meet your needs just as well? Granite, quartzite, and porcelain are not affected by this tariff and may be worth comparing before you commit.
For a full breakdown of current material pricing, see Stone Spirit’s Orlando countertop pricing guide.
Materials Not Affected by the Tariff
This tariff applies specifically to quartz surface products. It does not apply to any natural stone or to porcelain.
| Material | Affected by Tariff | Current Price Range (per sq ft installed) |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Yes | $65 to $100, trending higher |
| Granite | No | $55 to $90 |
| Porcelain | No | $70 to $110 |
| Marble | No | $75 to $120 |
| Quartzite | No | $85 to $130 |
If quartz no longer fits your budget the way it did before August, quartzite offers a similar durable, low-maintenance appeal with natural stone character, and granite remains the most budget-friendly option overall. See Stone Spirit’s quartz versus granite comparison or explore quartzite countertops as an alternative.
How Stone Spirit Is Handling This for Customers
Stone Spirit provides a written quote before any work begins, and that quote reflects current material costs at the time it is issued, not an estimate that changes later. If a quartz slab’s cost shifts due to sourcing or availability, we will tell you directly rather than adjusting your invoice after the fact. Our showroom lets you view actual slabs in person so you can compare quartz against granite, quartzite, marble, and porcelain side by side before making a decision that fits both your design and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will quartz prices come back down?
The tariff rate decreases by 1 percentage point each year over its four-year term, so the rate itself will ease gradually. Whether final retail pricing follows that same path depends on other factors too, including slab demand and sourcing costs, so a return to pre-tariff pricing is not guaranteed on any specific timeline.
Does this tariff affect granite countertops too?
No. The tariff applies specifically to quartz surface products. Granite, quartzite, marble, and porcelain are not affected.
Is now a bad time to remodel my kitchen?
Not necessarily. If quartz was your first choice, it is worth comparing current pricing against granite, quartzite, or porcelain before assuming your project needs to be delayed. Many Orlando kitchens use these materials just as successfully as quartz.
How long will the tariff last?
The safeguard measure is structured as a four-year tariff rate quota beginning August 15, 2026, with the rate stepping down each year during that period.
Does the tariff apply to quartz I already had installed?
No. The tariff applies to quartz surface products imported into the United States on or after August 15, 2026. It has no effect on countertops already fabricated and installed before that date.
Should I get a new quote if mine is from before August 2026?
Yes. If your quote was issued before the tariff took effect, ask Stone Spirit to confirm current pricing before moving forward, since material costs may have changed.
Have questions about how the quartz tariff affects your specific project? Schedule your free consultation or contact us today at Stone Spirit in Orlando.
