Countertop Cost in Seattle (2026 Pricing)
Countertop costs in Seattle range from $38 to $200+ per square foot installed depending on material, fabricator, and project complexity. Seattle is one of the more expensive countertop markets in the US, with pricing running 10-18% above national averages. High labor costs driven by the tech-fueled economy, strong renovation demand, and a housing stock dominated by older homes all push pricing above the norm.
TL;DR: Seattle Countertop Costs at a Glance
- Countertop costs in Seattle range from $38 to $200+ per square foot installed
- Granite is the most popular choice in Seattle (26% of installations) at $50-$82/sq ft installed
- Quartz countertops run $60-$95/sq ft installed in Seattle
- Seattle prices run 10-18% above national averages for most materials
- Compare Seattle pricing instantly with SlabWise's Quick Quote tool for fabricators
Average Countertop Prices in Seattle by Material
Seattle's countertop market reflects the region's high cost of living and strong demand from homeowners in the tech industry who invest heavily in kitchen renovations.
| Material | Price Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 30 Sq Ft Countertop | 50 Sq Ft Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $16-$50 | $480-$1,500 | $800-$2,500 |
| Butcher Block | $38-$75 | $1,140-$2,250 | $1,900-$3,750 |
| Granite (Level 1-2) | $50-$82 | $1,500-$2,460 | $2,500-$4,100 |
| Granite (Level 3-5) | $82-$125 | $2,460-$3,750 | $4,100-$6,250 |
| Quartz (Standard) | $60-$95 | $1,800-$2,850 | $3,000-$4,750 |
| Quartz (Premium) | $95-$148 | $2,850-$4,440 | $4,750-$7,400 |
| Marble (Carrara) | $80-$140 | $2,400-$4,200 | $4,000-$7,000 |
| Marble (Calacatta) | $140-$200+ | $4,200-$6,000+ | $7,000-$10,000+ |
| Quartzite | $85-$160 | $2,550-$4,800 | $4,250-$8,000 |
| Soapstone | $75-$130 | $2,250-$3,900 | $3,750-$6,500 |
| Concrete | $70-$142 | $2,100-$4,260 | $3,500-$7,100 |
Prices include template, fabrication, eased edge, one sink cutout, and installation.
What Drives Seattle Countertop Pricing?
Tech-Industry Labor Competition
Seattle's fabrication and installation labor runs $30-$52/hour. The region's tech-driven economy pushes up wages across all trades because construction workers can find employment in commercial projects (data centers, office buildings, Amazon/Microsoft campuses) that pay premium rates. Residential fabricators must match these wages to retain talent.
Older Housing Stock
Much of Seattle's residential inventory consists of Craftsman bungalows, mid-century ramblers, and post-war homes. These older properties present the same challenges as Portland and Boston - non-standard layouts, narrow entries, out-of-level surfaces - that add time and cost to installations.
West Coast Supply Advantages
Seattle benefits from proximity to the Port of Seattle-Tacoma, one of the largest West Coast import hubs. Imported stone arrives with minimal inland freight costs. Local distributors operate slab yards in the Kent, Renton, and Tukwila industrial corridors, keeping material access convenient for metro-area fabricators.
Environmental and Sustainability Focus
Like Portland, Seattle homeowners show above-average interest in sustainable countertop options. This drives demand for recycled glass, FSC-certified wood, porcelain slabs, and concrete - materials that often carry 5-15% premiums over conventional options.
Seasonal Demand
| Season | Demand Level | Price Impact | Wait Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| January-March | Low-Moderate | 5-10% below average | 1-3 weeks |
| April-June | High | At or above average | 3-5 weeks |
| July-September | Peak | 5-15% above average | 4-7 weeks |
| October-November | Moderate | At average | 2-4 weeks |
| December | Low | Year-end promotions | 1-2 weeks |
Seattle's dry summer (July-September) is the peak renovation season. The rainy winter months offer the best pricing.
Seattle Countertop Costs by Neighborhood
| Area | Price Adjustment vs. Metro Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capitol Hill / Madison Park | +10-20% | Dense urban, older homes, high demand |
| Queen Anne / Magnolia | +10-15% | Premium residential, access challenges |
| Ballard / Fremont | +5-10% | Active renovation market |
| West Seattle | +5% | Growing renovation demand |
| Bellevue / Medina | +10-20% | Luxury suburban, tech-worker demand |
| Kirkland / Redmond | +5-10% | Strong suburban market |
| Kent / Renton | At average | Near slab distributors, competitive |
| Tacoma | -5-10% | Lower cost of living, growing market |
| Everett / Lynnwood | At average | Suburban pricing |
| Issaquah / Sammamish | +5-10% | Premium suburban market |
The Eastside communities (Bellevue, Medina, Kirkland) match or exceed Seattle proper for pricing, driven by high-income tech workers investing in premium kitchen renovations.
How to Save on Countertops in Seattle
1. Get 4-5 Quotes (Include Eastside and South King County)
Seattle has about 100 fabrication shops across the metro. Prices vary by 20-35% for the same material. Including shops in Kent, Renton, and Tukwila - where industrial space is cheaper - can yield better pricing.
2. Shop Slab Yards in the Kent Valley
Major distributors operate in the Kent-Renton industrial area with extensive slab inventories. Visit in person to hand-select stone and check for remnants. Remnants from commercial tech-campus projects are common and sell at 30-55% discounts.
3. Schedule for November Through February
Seattle's rainy winter keeps renovation demand low. Fabricators offer the best pricing, shortest lead times, and most flexibility during these months.
4. Consider Concrete or Recycled Glass
Seattle's fabricator community has strong expertise in concrete and recycled glass countertops. Both offer unique aesthetics at prices competitive with mid-range quartz ($65-$142/sq ft) and appeal to the region's sustainability values.
5. Keep Edges Simple
Standard eased edges are included free. Upgrading to ogee or bullnose adds $16-$38/linear foot - $640-$1,520 on a typical 40-linear-foot kitchen.
Popular Materials in Seattle
Quartz (Market Leader)
Quartz holds about 53-57% of the Seattle residential market - slightly above the national average. Its low-maintenance nature appeals to busy tech workers who want attractive kitchens without ongoing care. Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone dominate local distributor inventory.
Concrete (Strong Regional Demand)
Seattle has above-average demand for concrete countertops (about 5-7% of the market vs. 3-4% nationally). The industrial-modern aesthetic fits well with Seattle's design sensibility. Several local fabricators specialize exclusively in custom concrete work.
Butcher Block (Pacific Northwest Favorite)
Like Portland, Seattle has strong demand for butcher block, particularly locally-sourced Pacific Northwest woods like Douglas fir, walnut, and maple. At $38-$75/sq ft, butcher block offers a warm, natural look that complements the region's Craftsman home tradition.
Granite (Reliable Mid-Range)
Granite holds about 22-26% of the Seattle market. Entry-level and mid-range granites serve budget-conscious renovations well at $50-$82/sq ft.
Standard Seattle Installation Scope
A typical installation from a Seattle-area fabricator includes:
- Digital template: Laser measurement (30-60 minutes)
- Fabrication: CNC cutting, edge profiling, 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 ($200-$500), backsplash, cooktop cutout ($150-$275), and edge upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quartz countertop cost in Seattle?
Quartz countertops cost $60-$148 per square foot installed in the Seattle metro. A standard 40 sq ft kitchen runs $2,400-$5,920 depending on brand and edge selection. Standard brands run $60-$95/sq ft, while premium lines like Cambria run $95-$148/sq ft.
How does Seattle compare to Portland for countertop pricing?
Seattle runs 3-7% higher than Portland for most countertop materials. The difference comes from Seattle's higher labor costs and stronger renovation demand. Both cities are above the national average.
How much do concrete countertops cost in Seattle?
Concrete countertops cost $70-$142 per square foot installed in Seattle, depending on complexity, finish, and embedded features. Simple pour-in-place counters with standard finishes fall at the lower end, while custom pigmented and polished concrete with unique aggregate runs higher.
What is the cheapest countertop option in Seattle?
Laminate at $16-$50/sq ft installed is the most affordable choice. A 40 sq ft kitchen runs $640-$2,000. Butcher block is the cheapest natural surface at $38-$75/sq ft.
How long does countertop installation take in Seattle?
From template to completion, plan for 1-3 weeks in winter and 4-7 weeks during peak summer. Installation takes 3-6 hours. Older Seattle homes with non-standard layouts may require longer template time.
Do I need a permit for countertop replacement in Seattle?
A straightforward countertop swap without plumbing or electrical changes does not require a permit. Projects involving plumbing, electrical, or structural work need permits from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI).
When is the best time to get countertops in Seattle?
November through February offers the best combination of lower prices and shorter lead times. Fabricators are slowest during the rainy season and most willing to negotiate.
Are remnant slabs common in Seattle?
Yes. Seattle's active commercial construction market (tech campuses, hotels) generates a steady stream of remnant slabs. These sell at 30-55% off and are available at distributors in the Kent Valley. Commercial remnants often include premium materials.
How much does a kitchen island countertop cost in Seattle?
A 30 sq ft island countertop runs $1,500-$6,000+ depending on material. Granite islands average $1,800-$3,150, quartz runs $2,100-$4,440, and marble starts at $2,400. Waterfall edges add $700-$1,900.
Do I need a Washington state contractor license for countertop work?
You do not need your own license - your fabricator does. Washington requires countertop installers to hold a valid contractor license through the Department of Labor & Industries. Verify your fabricator's license and bond status before signing a contract.
Get an Instant Countertop Estimate
Use our free countertop pricing calculator to get a localized estimate for your Seattle kitchen in under 3 minutes. Enter your square footage, material choice, and zip code.
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Need help measuring? Our square footage calculator works for any kitchen layout.
Sources
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), 2025 Kitchen Cost Benchmark Data
- HomeAdvisor, Countertop Installation Cost Guide, Seattle Metro Area, 2025-2026
- Natural Stone Institute, 2025 Industry Report and Regional Pricing
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue MSA Construction Wages, 2025
- Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, Residential Permit Guidelines
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Contractor Licensing Requirements
- Cambria USA and Caesarstone US, 2026 Regional Pricing Data