Opting for a marble is a fine choice for the majority of homeowners looking to install or replace their countertops. Although there are other natural stone options available for you to select from, marble is a material that naturally emerges from limestone. On average, you’ll be spending about $2000 to $4000. The low-end cost will probably be about $1500, while the high-end cost can go all the way up to $12000.
| Average Range | $2000-$4000 |
| Low-End Cost | $1500 |
| High-End Cost | $12000 |
The costs of installing a marble countertop might be higher than the costs of installing a granite countertop. But it all comes down to preference. Both options will offer a vast array of options in color, patterns, and designs. The major difference between the two is that granite is igneous, whereas marble is sedimentary. A translation for the stones’ contrast is how homeowners should treat and maintain them both.
Table of Contents
- Marble Countertops Cost Per Square Foot
- Variety Of Marble & Costs
- Marble Countertop Cost By Room
- Different Marble Countertop Finishes & Costs
- Thickness
- Durability
- Edge Profiles
- Refinishing Marble Countertop Costs
- Sealing And Polishing Marble Countertops
- Finding Multiple Estimates Through House Tipster
Marble Countertops Cost Per Square Foot
What really affects the cost of marble is how rare the stone is, how vulnerable it potentially is, and how difficult it is to quarry and fabricate. On average, marble slabs will range between $40 to $200 per square foot. Homeowners need to remember that the overall price of these countertops are affected by dozens of different factors. Whether you want a different kind of edge treatment, what kind of cutout you’re looking for, or how much of the thickness in the slabs you want, all of these elements can affect the estimates.
You also have to consider which of the marble itinerary you’re looking for, and how rare the slab will end up costing. Other than the cost of the materials and the supplies that it will take to install your countertop, you also should think about the costs that are associated with the labor. You should expect to spend about $350 to $450 for the expertise and services of both the fabricator and the professional installer.
Variety Of Marble & Costs
Most importantly, it is the grade, type, and size of the marble that you choose that will give you better insight into these costs. Since the pricing all boils down to whether the material is available or not, your preference in the marble slabs will determine the cost per square foot. This will be especially important when you decide to install the sort of marble and which room or space you’re installing the slab in.
| Makrana | $12-$20 |
| Pink | $25-$40 |
| Carrara | $40-$60 |
| Statuario | $50-$80 |
| Danby | $60-$80 |
| Cultured | $65-$80 |
| Black/Travertine | $75-$90 |
| Calacatta | $180-$200 |
Makrana
Costing about $12 to $20 per square foot, the Makrana is of a higher quality and isn’t diluted by chemicals. In fact, there are no additives to affect the finishes of this marble type. This natural stone will show a milky white coloring, blended with veins that are either rich gray or brown. Even with its rich quality, it is quite an affordable material to choose from. However, homeowners should note that this is not as porous of a marble slab as the other slabs mentioned on this list.
Pink
Yet another affordable option in this collection of marble, the pink will range between $25 and $40 per square foot. Something that resembles a rose, the pink marble is a more porous material than its black counterpart. It’s most frequently imported through India, Greece, and China. The challenge of installing the pink marble for your countertop is actually finding a slab since it most often requires special ordering.
Carrara
Ranging from $40 to $60 per square foot, this material is occasionally found in the alps of Italy. Most commonly known as one of the most popular marbles, the Carrara is categorized as a white marble with lighter and softer gray veining. Some homeowners might distinctively compare a blue-gray color instead of the white as the stone. Although this is a porous surface, you’ll find that the material needs chemical assistance to install it for kitchen or bathroom purposes.
Statuario
Yet another common material that is mined in the Italian alps, the statuario is a most exclusive marble quarried from the region. The unique quality of statuario is its gray and gold veining and how visible these grains are in texture to the stone. Its fine appearance is quite a sought after marble slab and will cost about $50 to $80 per square foot. It is quite the costly material, however, it is well worth the effort and price if you’re looking for a more reputable and prestigious surface.
Homeowners will opt into purchasing the Statuario over the Carrara because there is likelihood of rusting. But keep in mind that marks or “bruises” can be sustained if the slab is harmed in any way. You’ll want to consider this stone with a grain of salt since countertops are used for spaces with high volumes of foot traffic.
Danby
A much denser surface that can actually be found in the United States, this material actually has quite the notoriety for the similarities it has with its Italian neighbors. Since its coloration is purely white and contains gray veins, it’s quite a popular choice amongst homeowners looking to install a marble countertop. You can expect to spend about $60 to $80 per square foot.
Depending on the variety of Danby marble you’re thinking of choosing, you may actually have a wider selection to choose from. Each type of Danby marble, in fact, varies in color with its veining and the veins also typically are straighter compared to the other ones that are listed. Rather than finding marble in other countries, you can possibly find the Danby marble somewhere near you.
Cultured
A remarkable material that mixes certain resins, stone particles, and pigments together, the cultured marble is a product that reproduces the natural marble appeal. Estimated to cost about $65 to $80 per square foot, this is a marble that is typically poured into molds for different applications and purposes. This kind of marble isn’t actually a stone, but rather a manufactured replica. Before you make any presumptuous notions, the cultured product is actually designed as a non-porous surface so it can be a great addition to either the kitchen or the bathroom.
Black/Travertine
Most often found or sourced in certain parts of Spain, Iceland, Indonesia, Croatia, the Middle East, South America, or Colorado and Texas, the Black or Travertine marble options are quite a ubiquitous stock. Although it is diverse, this sort of marble will cost you about $75 to $90 per square foot.
Probably more porous compared to the white marble option, the black marble does require a sealing option to proof it against water and scratching. It is quite complex to identify which material the travertine is considered. If the colors are different, in fact, if they’re lighter, they can be referred to as a limestone material instead.
Calacatta
This white stone is mixed with gold and gray veins. It is the most expensive material out of the list and there’s a very good reason as to why this might be the case. Due to its approbation and how it is probably the most renowned marble out of this selection, the Calacatta is a white marble that is quarried and mined in Carrara, Italy.
Although it is more than just a creditable material, the Calacatta marble is moderately porous and will need chemical treatment for it to adjust into your kitchen and bathroom. Because it has such a pristine quality to its coloration, the Calacatta can be a prime choice for homeowners that have no concerns with their budgets. While there are variations with thin or thick veins, you’ll find a piece that suits your tastes and appeals. Installing the Calacatta will cost you about $180 to $200 per square foot.
Marble Countertop Cost By Room
Depending on the area you’re looking to install your marble countertop, the costs will be associated by the size of the space that the marble is made up of. There are essentially two main spaces that the marble countertop is typically installed in: the kitchen and the bathroom. On average, homeowners will have the choice of spending about $360 to upwards of $8000.
Bathroom
Installing and laying out marble countertops in the spaces of your bathroom will probably range between about $360 to $2400. Keep in mind that typically the bathroom doesn’t require large marble slabs. The majority of marble countertops will measure about six to 12 square feet.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a different matter entirely. On average, the marble countertops for this kind of space will range from $1800 to $8000. Unlike the bathroom, the kitchen has the wide concern and usage for a marble countertop and can have the capacity of about 30 to 40 square feet. Even with a kitchenette, there is a need for a countertop of such a size.
Different Marble Countertop Finishes & Costs
Homeowners might not know this but there is quite the contrast between the different finishes amongst the marble countertops. And depending on which finish you choose, you’ll see how they’ll ultimately look and feel within the spaces of your home. Whether you decide to go for the polished, the honed, the leathered, or the caressed look, it is entirely up to you to decide which finish would look best with your countertop.
Polished Finish
If what you’re looking for is a natural shimmered look, then you might want to go for a polished finish. Ultimately, the fabrication will end with the marble surface being grounded down with fine abrasives. Once that is done, the layer is coated, playing the role as the protector to give the surface a night and smooth shine. Typically, homeowners will consider this finish before they make any other considerations.
The polished finish is done to create the elusive and clean surfacing. It enhances the distinguished look that all homeowners will envy. The reason as to why the polished finish became such an antiquity to the rest of your spaces is due to its versatility. There is so much versatility to the countertop that the homeowner has the option of including this elegant style either to the modern or the traditional setting.
Honed Finish
A more pragmatic approach to marble, the honed finish adds more resistance against scratches. It is a matte finish that helps homeowners ensure more protection to their surfaces. Although the marble may be more scratch resistant, you’ll see that the disadvantage to this finish is how easy it is to stain. The benefits of a honed finish mainly involve the maintenance of your marble countertop.
With the honed finish, any instance of your marble getting wet can easily be wiped down, cleaning up any kind of spill quickly. It is advisable for homeowners to seal this finish every three to six months. This finish is also great for your other stone needs, like flooring, or backsplashes. Since you won’t expect to slip with the honed finish, you’ll have peace of mind when you have this sort of marble set up.
Leathered Finish
Quite an embellished look, the leathered finish is meant to resemble the kind of leather used for fashion purposes. Due to the look and feel of this finish, homeowners are beginning to apply it to many other kinds of natural stones. One of the greatest attributes to the leathered finish is how it retains the natural color of the marble. Oftentimes, the other finishes will wash out any of the hues that are naturally present.
However, like the polished finish, the leathered finish will close out the porous aspect of your marble. This makes the resilience against stains that much more apparent. Homeowners typically desire this finish due to the low level of maintenance and since the texture is so discreet, it is highly desirable.
Caressed Finish
Essentially, the caressed finish adds a slight superficial aspect to the leathered finish. By caressing the marble, you can essentially polish the marble and include a gloss while retaining the leather texture. Remember that this finish is not very common amongst fabricators so you may actually have more difficulty in finding the right expert for the job.
Flamed Finish
This finish acts as the polar opposite of caressed finishes. Homeowners looking for the flamed finish will want to elevate the texture rather than appeal to the design. The flamed finish will emulate the natural roughness to the marble. Almost resembling a weathering pattern, the surface layer is somewhat randomly slivered. Essentially, the fabricator will apply flames with a 45 degree angle.
Thickness
Homeowners should keep in mind that marble countertops will come in two particular sizes in regards to thickness. The marble will come in either two or three centimeters. Typically, the average thickness of the slab will be three centimeters. However, the common marble types can even go upwards to five centimeters in thickness. You’ll notice that the slabs that are three centimeters thick are valued higher than the slabs that are two centimeters thick.
Durability
In contrast to other natural stones, marble, since it is metamorphic, has different properties than sedimentary or igneous stones. Homeowners should keep in mind that marble can progressively absorb moisture or any other liquids invading the material. For this reason, homeowners should know that the durability of the marble depends on how often the marble is resealed.
Although marble being metamorphic means that the likelihood of it being harmed through cracks and such related issues. You need to know and understand that this material will eventually etch and stun. To emphasize, etching is when the weaker molecules within your stone begin to rot away from the acidity it comes in contact with. Sooner or later, the deterioration will affect your marble, and it’s quite common that the acid will come from highly acidic foods and ingredients.
Homeowners will also have to deal with stunning in due time. Stunning is when compromised areas of the countertop are struck. These are unavoidable instances since homeowners cannot predict whether something will impact the countertop. Due to this inevitable outcome, it’s best to seal marble since it is a porous material and absorbs both moisture and stains.
Edge Profiles
There are many different edge profiles and treatments that can go along with your marble. Homeowners will have options for common edge treatments. Some of them are very frequently installed for all of the materials associated with your countertop. The cost range that is associated will vary depending on the kind of edges you’re applying to your countertop.
Each of these edge profiles are going to have different purposes to them. The standard edge profiles on any countertop will either be the straight or the eased edge. Both profiles will have no costs associated with them. The cost range into completing an edge profile for the countertop will probably vary between $6 to $60 per linear foot. Depending on whether the edge treatment you’re opting for is a common or a premium product, there are different estimates to look at. The ranges you’ll likely see to install the more common edge profiles will be about $6 to $12 per linear foot. While the mid-range profiles will be about $20 to $35 per linear foot. The premium treatments will cost $36 to $60 per linear foot.
Half Bullnose
Typically, the half bullnose edge will feature a slight curve on your countertop’s upper surface and straighten the bottom portion. This edge helps the countertop to fully display the thickness of the slab.
Eased Edge
Often it is alternatively referred to as the ‘softened square’ edge. The eased edge is most popular for laminate countertops. Homeowners should note that this is probably the simplest edge you’ll find in the market, but keep in mind that simplicity is its appeal.
Bullnose
Unlike the half bullnose, the full bullnose is more of a rounded edge than a curved edge. It’s the perfect fit for your traditional countertops and helps the slab look aesthetically slender. Since this edge is not sharp along the ends, there is a lot more ease in its uses.
Bevel Edge
This is an edge profile that features a flattened corner. The angle of the edge is about 45 degrees while the bottom corner is designed with a point. Bevel edges are common for homeowners that want to prevent or at least decrease the risk of spillage dropping on the floor.
Ogee
Both the ogee and the waterfall edges are costly due to the popularity that the edges instill. While it could be considered the most popular profile, the ogee offers an S-shape to its curve. The reason why it’s so popular is because the ogee is such a sophisticated design and is a very complex profile to finish.
Waterfall
The benefit to the waterfall edge is that it features consecutive edges that are rounded. It is the countertop that provides a sort of thick appearance that you’d want in the appeal of your kitchen. Essentially, the angle of the edge is 90 degrees, and the countertop itself is directed toward the floor. The whole purpose of its name is in the design, it looks like the countertop is pouring over an edge, like water falling off a cliff. It is considered to be the most stylish profile out of the list, which is why it is so costly.
Cost Of Countertop Removal
Having your countertop taken out is not something that you should do on your own. This is especially true if you have little to no experience in such related work. You might have to spend an additional cost of about $100, however, there are certain services that will do so without an expense.
Cost Of Sink Installation
If this is a remodeling project, and you’re considering an additional installation of a sink, then the cost of this service will probably be about $100 as well. Keep in mind that the cost is solely associated with the cutting out for the space of your sink, rather than the actual installation. There also needs to be a duration of at least one day for a plumber to come and place the necessary drains and the faucet.
Fabrication Process
Before any slab can be installed, the homeowner must choose a particular marble that they think would look best in their home. Once the marble type is chosen, the fabricator will inspect the slab. The reason the stone specialist needs to inspect the marble is due to the innate characteristics that may need to be removed.
Dry seams, black spots, polyester resin fill, pits, natural directional veining, feldspar and mica conglomerates are all considered to be one-of-a-kind. However, it is entirely up to the homeowner whether these physical traits should be removed or not. Right before the templating process can be done, the fabricator will find the specificities that the homeowner wants corrected.
Essentially, the inspection of the stone works as the planning, so there are going to be marks and notes involved with which attributes should be taken out. During this process, the fabricator figures out which template and layout that the homeowner desires. This part of the process is pivotal because the template is what will ensure that your marble retains the best version of itself.
Now that the inspection and the templating are complete, the fabricator begins actually cutting the stone with either a water jet or a bridge saw. The bridge saw is made up of a diamond segmented blade that cuts seven feet of stone per minute. This is while the water jet will use a powerful amount of pressure, utilizing water to cut the stone by a foot per minute.
The fabrication specialist that favors the bridge saw will want speed, while the fabrication specialist that favors the water jet will want precision. The added benefit with the water jet is that it can also cut circles and many other elaborate shapes.
Finally, the fabricator will figure out the dimensions and the proper measurements to cut holes for the homeowner’s sinks, cooktops, faucets, and other associated items. Keep in mind that the whole point to the countertop is to prevent the spaces in your home from being damaged. With the assistance of a computer to ensure that all the holes are concise to the plans and layouts according to the homeowner’s enumerations.
Refinishing Marble Countertop Costs
Having to restore the properties of your marble countertop, on average, will cost from $200 and upwards to $1200. Ultimately, a refinishing project will consist of polishing and sealing your marble, which will probably cost about $2 to $7 per square foot. Mentioned in the above sections, marble is a material that will gradually deteriorate over time and can randomly be struck by blunt objects.
In these cases, homeowners will have two options. To either replace their marble and reinstall it as their countertops, or to refinish and repair their marble and grind everything down. Although the cost of having the marble countertop refinished can be high, it is less costly compared to the cost of having to replace it.
Sealing And Polishing Marble Countertops
Keeping the sealing and polishing project for your countertops is necessary for any of the natural stones you decide to install. However, there are different processes that need to be performed varying the type of stone you’re taking care of. Before the sealing, the countertop needs to be washed with a pH-neutral cleaner. It needs to be specifically for stone and you need to make sure that any kind of spill on your countertop is removed.
As a rule of thumb, it should be rhetorical to inform homeowners that they should avoid using these surfaces to cut anything. However, should there be a case where the homeowner didn’t know about this general guideline, then the solution is to have the surface polished. Essentially, the process is using warm water and mild dish soap, rubbing the affected areas with a damp cloth, and rinsing everything out. Once the basic cleaning method is done, you need to have the surface buffed, then completely polish the marble.
A piece of advice for homeowners that are interested in installing a stone slab: ask for a sample of the stone you’re looking for. Use the sample or use whatever remainder of the cutout left from your sink and seal one side, while leaving the other side unsealed. Using lemon juice, you can detect any of the dull spots that are left on the surface of either side. Depending on how porous the slab is, the stains will be that much more apparent.
Finding Multiple Estimates Through House Tipster
There are fabricators and contractors here to help you through the process of your project. If there is a marble slab that you’re interested in, there are services available for homeowners to get the job done. Although the actual installation will probably take a particular amount of time, the search for the right experts can be done in a manner of minutes. With House Tipster, you can browse through dozens of options.
We have two primary features that help users to find the professionals that they’re looking for. In this case, if you’re looking for someone to help you with installing a marble countertop, you can find several fabricators to get your desired slab. Through our reviews function, you can browse through other users to see whether your preferred professional is the right fit for the job.
Our chat system allows you to correspond with professionals to make the communication process that much easier. Instead of having to wait by the phone for a call back, you can use this feature to make the communication that much simpler. Depending on the job you need to accomplish, you’ll want to know just who to have your back. Simply follow the steps and guidelines into using House Tipster and you’ll have all the professional assistance you’ll need.
Featured Photo By Simona Sergi On Unsplash
