Countertop Cost in Portland (2026 Pricing)
Countertop costs in Portland, Oregon range from $35 to $190+ per square foot installed depending on material, fabricator, and project complexity. Portland runs about 8-15% above the national average for most countertop materials, driven by higher labor costs, strong demand from the region's renovation-heavy housing market, and the city's preference for sustainable and premium material options.
TL;DR: Portland Countertop Costs at a Glance
- Countertop costs in Portland range from $35 to $190+ per square foot installed
- Quartz is the most popular choice in Portland (56% of installations) at $58-$92/sq ft installed
- Granite countertops run $48-$78/sq ft installed in Portland
- Portland prices run 8-15% above national averages for most materials
- Compare Portland pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Average Countertop Prices in Portland by Material
Portland's pricing reflects the Pacific Northwest's higher cost of living, a strong emphasis on quality craftsmanship, and homeowner preferences that skew toward premium and eco-conscious materials.
| Material | Price Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Countertop | 50 Sq Ft Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $15-$48 | $450-$1,440 | $750-$2,400 |
| Butcher Block | $35-$70 | $1,050-$2,100 | $1,750-$3,500 |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $48-$78 | $1,440-$2,340 | $2,400-$3,900 |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $78-$120 | $2,340-$3,600 | $3,900-$6,000 |
| Quartz (Standard) | $58-$92 | $1,740-$2,760 | $2,900-$4,600 |
| Quartz (Premium) | $92-$140 | $2,760-$4,200 | $4,600-$7,000 |
| Marble (Carrara) | $78-$135 | $2,340-$4,050 | $3,900-$6,750 |
| Marble (Calacatta) | $135-$190+ | $4,050-$5,700+ | $6,750-$9,500+ |
| Quartzite | $82-$155 | $2,460-$4,650 | $4,100-$7,750 |
| Soapstone | $72-$125 | $2,160-$3,750 | $3,600-$6,250 |
| Concrete | $68-$140 | $2,040-$4,200 | $3,400-$7,000 |
| Recycled Glass | $65-$120 | $1,950-$3,600 | $3,250-$6,000 |
Prices include template, fabrication, standard eased edge, one sink cutout, and installation. Backsplash, edge upgrades, additional cutouts, and plumbing work are extra.
What Affects Countertop Pricing in Portland?
Labor Costs
Portland fabrication and installation labor runs $28-$50/hour - above the national median and comparable to other West Coast metros outside of San Francisco. Oregon's prevailing wage requirements for certain project types and the region's strong craft-labor tradition keep rates elevated. A two-person install crew costs $450-$850 for a standard kitchen.
Older Housing Stock
Portland's housing market is dominated by renovations rather than new construction. Craftsman bungalows, mid-century ranch homes, and Victorian-era houses make up a significant portion of kitchen projects. Older homes often present:
- Non-standard cabinet dimensions: Requiring custom templates and precise fabrication
- Out-of-level surfaces: Shimming and adjustment add installation time
- Narrow hallways and doorways: May require additional slab sections and seaming
- Outdated plumbing: Often needs updating during a countertop project, adding $200-$600
Sustainability Preferences
Portland homeowners are more likely than the national average to request sustainable or eco-friendly countertop materials. This drives demand for:
- Recycled glass countertops (like IceStone or Vetrazzo): $65-$120/sq ft
- Locally-sourced or reclaimed wood butcher block: $40-$80/sq ft
- Porcelain slabs with lower environmental impact than quarried stone: $60-$120/sq ft
- Concrete countertops using local aggregate: $68-$140/sq ft
These materials often carry a 10-20% premium over conventional options due to smaller production volumes and specialized fabrication.
West Coast Supply Chain
Portland benefits from proximity to West Coast ports (particularly Long Beach and Seattle/Tacoma) for imported stone. Slab distributors operate yards in the Portland metro along I-205 and in Clackamas, Beaverton, and Tualatin. Trucking from California-based distribution hubs adds minimal cost compared to Midwest or East Coast delivery routes.
Seasonal Patterns
| Season | Demand Level | Price Impact | Wait Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| January-March | Low-Moderate | 5-8% below average | 1-3 weeks |
| April-June | High | At or above average | 3-5 weeks |
| July-September | Peak | 5-12% above average | 4-6 weeks |
| October-November | Moderate | At average | 2-4 weeks |
| December | Low | Year-end promotions | 1-2 weeks |
Portland's dry summer season (July-September) drives peak renovation demand, while the rainy winter months are the slowest period for fabricators.
Portland Countertop Costs by Neighborhood
| Area | Price Adjustment vs. Metro Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl District / NW Portland | +10-20% | Condo installations, parking challenges, premium demand |
| Hawthorne / Division | +5-10% | Dense urban area, renovation-heavy |
| Alberta / Mississippi | +5-10% | Active renovation market, older homes |
| Sellwood / Westmoreland | +5% | Craftsman homes, quality-focused market |
| Lake Oswego / West Linn | +10-15% | Premium suburban, larger kitchens |
| Beaverton / Hillsboro | At average | Strong fabricator access, tech-worker demand |
| Tigard / Tualatin | At average | Near distributors, competitive pricing |
| Gresham / Troutdale | -5% to at average | Lower demand, more affordable labor |
| Oregon City | -5% | Suburban pricing, less premium demand |
| Vancouver, WA (border market) | -5-8% | Washington state, slightly lower costs |
Lake Oswego and West Linn see the highest total project costs in the metro area, driven by larger kitchen layouts and preference for quartzite, marble, and premium quartz.
How to Save on Countertops in Portland
1. Get 4-5 Quotes Across the Metro
Portland has about 90 fabrication shops, and pricing varies by 20-35% for the same slab. Include shops in Beaverton, Tualatin, and Clackamas - they often offer lower pricing than Portland-proper fabricators due to cheaper shop rent.
2. Visit Slab Distributors
Distributors along I-205 and in the Clackamas industrial area stock hundreds of slabs. Hand-selecting your stone saves money and ensures you get exactly the color and veining you want. Ask about remnant slabs - Portland's renovation-heavy market generates a good supply of quality remnants at 30-50% discounts.
3. Consider Recycled or Alternative Materials
Portland's eco-conscious market means fabricators are experienced with alternative materials. Recycled glass countertops and concrete can offer unique looks at prices competitive with mid-range quartz, while aligning with sustainability values.
4. Schedule for Winter
December through February is Portland's slowest period for countertop work. Fabricators frequently offer winter specials - 5-10% off, free edge upgrades, or waived cutout fees.
5. Stick with Eased Edges
Standard eased edges come included with most Portland fabricator quotes. Upgrading to ogee, bullnose, or waterfall adds $15-$35/linear foot - $600-$1,400 extra on a typical kitchen.
Most Popular Materials in Portland
Quartz (Dominant Choice)
Quartz holds about 52-56% of the Portland residential market. Portland homeowners favor its low-maintenance nature, which aligns with the busy schedules of the region's tech-industry workforce. Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone are the most commonly stocked brands.
Concrete (Above-Average Demand)
Portland has notably higher demand for concrete countertops than most US metros - roughly 6-8% of the market vs. 3-4% nationally. The material's handcrafted, industrial aesthetic appeals to Portland's design-forward culture. Local concrete fabricators in the metro area specialize in custom pours with unique aggregate blends.
Butcher Block (PNW Favorite)
Butcher block is more popular in Portland than in most other metros, driven by the Pacific Northwest's appreciation for natural wood. Locally-sourced Douglas fir and Oregon white oak options are available at $40-$80/sq ft installed, offering a regional connection that Portland homeowners value.
Granite (Reliable Value)
Granite accounts for about 22-26% of the Portland market, primarily in the mid-range segment. Level 1-2 granites at $48-$78/sq ft provide natural stone at accessible pricing.
What a Portland Installation Includes
A standard installation package from a Portland fabricator covers:
- Digital template: Laser measurement of your kitchen (30-60 minutes)
- Fabrication: CNC cutting, edge work, polishing (5-8 business days)
- Delivery and installation: Two-person crew, slab setting, leveling, adhesive (3-6 hours)
- One sink cutout: Standard undermount or drop-in
- Seaming: Color-matched epoxy joints
Not included: plumbing disconnect/reconnect ($150-$325), old countertop removal ($175-$450), backsplash, cooktop cutout ($150-$250), and edge upgrades beyond eased.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quartz countertop cost in Portland?
Quartz countertops cost $58-$140 per square foot installed in the Portland metro. A standard 40 sq ft kitchen runs $2,320-$5,600 depending on brand and edge profile. MSI and Silestone offer mid-range value at $58-$92/sq ft, while Cambria and premium Caesarstone lines run $92-$140/sq ft.
Are Portland countertop prices higher than Seattle?
Portland and Seattle have similar pricing, but Seattle runs 3-7% higher for most materials due to even higher labor costs and stronger housing demand. Both cities are above the national average, with Portland at +8-15% and Seattle at +10-18%.
How much do concrete countertops cost in Portland?
Concrete countertops cost $68-$140 per square foot installed in Portland, depending on complexity, aggregate, and finish. Custom concrete work with embedded objects, unique pigments, or complex shapes runs at the higher end. Portland has several fabricators who specialize in artisan concrete countertops.
What sustainable countertop options are popular in Portland?
Recycled glass countertops ($65-$120/sq ft), FSC-certified butcher block ($40-$80/sq ft), and porcelain slabs ($60-$120/sq ft) are the most popular sustainable options. Concrete using local aggregate is another option Portland homeowners frequently choose.
How long does countertop installation take in Portland?
From template to completed installation, plan for 2-3 weeks in the off-season and 4-6 weeks during peak summer. The installation itself takes 3-6 hours. Older Portland homes with non-standard layouts may require longer template and installation time.
Do I need a permit for countertop replacement in Portland?
A straightforward countertop swap does not require a permit in Portland. If your project involves plumbing changes, electrical work, or structural modifications, you need permits from the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services. Some work in the Portland Historic Districts may have additional review requirements.
When is the best time to install countertops in Portland?
December through February offers the best pricing and shortest lead times. Portland's rainy winter season suppresses renovation demand, giving fabricators excess capacity and motivation to offer competitive pricing.
How do I find a good fabricator in Portland?
Check Google and Houzz reviews, then get quotes from at least 4 shops. Look for digital templating capability, CNC fabrication equipment, current insurance, and a portfolio of completed kitchens. Oregon does not require a specific countertop installer license, but the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license is required for any contractor performing home improvement work.
Are remnant slabs a good option in Portland?
Yes. Portland's active renovation market generates a steady flow of remnant slabs at 30-50% off. These are ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and compact Portland kitchen layouts. Ask distributors in Clackamas and along I-205 about current inventory.
How much does a kitchen island cost in Portland?
A 30 sq ft kitchen island countertop costs $1,440-$5,700+ depending on material. Granite islands average $1,740-$3,000, quartz islands run $2,100-$4,200, and marble islands start at $2,340 and go up from there. Waterfall edges add $700-$1,800.
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Sources
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), 2025 Kitchen Cost Benchmark Data
- HomeAdvisor, Countertop Installation Cost Guide, Portland Metro Area, 2025-2026
- Natural Stone Institute, 2025 Industry Report and Regional Pricing
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro MSA Construction Wages, 2025
- Oregon Construction Contractors Board, Licensing Requirements
- City of Portland Bureau of Development Services, Residential Permit Guidelines
- Cambria USA and Caesarstone US, 2026 Regional Pricing Data