Marble countertops cost $2,000 to $5,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $3,000 for approximately 50 square feet of counter space. While marble countertops are expensive, they are durable, and their classic appearance enhances home interiors, making them a great investment.
When You Should Install Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are versatile enough to be installed in kitchens and bathrooms, whether it’s new construction or budget renovations. They are suitable for residential kitchens and bathrooms, as well as commercial applications like bars, counters, and reception areas.
Looking to remodel a retro bathroom? Check out our guide on how to renovate and remodel a 1920s bathroom.
Assessing Your Kitchen Remodel Timing
Installing a new countertop is essential to a kitchen remodel, and they are the perfect way to enhance new appliances, cabinets, flooring, and backsplashes.
Countertops often get damaged when replacing kitchen cabinets, so remodels are an excellent time to choose new marble countertops.
Ideal Home Styles for Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are versatile and can be used in many aesthetics, from luxurious traditional homes to farmhouse or industrial-style kitchens.
- The best cabinet colors for marble countertops are hues that match the veins in the marble.
- Choose glass, wood, marble, quartz, or ceramic for backsplashes that look good with marble countertops.
- Stainless steel appliances pair well with marble countertops, especially white or black marble.
The Benefits of Having Marble Countertops
Marble has a classic, timeless appeal and is an excellent choice for countertops. Learn more about the benefits of marble countertops.
Aesthetic Elegance
The unique veining and natural beauty of marble is unrivaled, and appearance is one of the top reasons people choose marble for countertops.
Marble comes in various colors, including red, green, black, brown, gray, pink, and white. The color derives from the impurities in the stone. White Calacatta marble is the most expensive, but pink, gray, and black marble variations are also quite striking.
Durability and Longevity
Marble countertops can easily withstand the normal wear and tear of daily use in a kitchen. They stand out as a superior choice in terms of durability and longevity, with a lifespan of about 100 years.
Heat Resistance
Marble countertops have natural heat resistance, so hot pots and pans won’t damage them like they do other countertops.
Using a trivet or hot pad is still recommended because excessive heat can damage the protective sealant of marble countertops. However, heat won’t do any significant damage to the stone, and even if you cause thermal shock to your marble countertops, there are ways to repair the damage.
Increased Property Value
Marble has been popular for hundreds of years, so it’s not likely to go out of style, making it a great investment to increase the value of your home. Marble countertops also make your home more appealing to prospective buyers.
Factors in Calculating Costs of Marble Countertops
The average cost of marble countertops depends on various factors, including the quality and grade of marble, the size and layout, and the complexity of the installation.
Marble Quality and Grades
One of the most significant price determiners of marble is the quality and grade. Here are the four main grades of marble and their prices.
| Marble grade | Physical characteristics | Price Category |
| Grade A | Uniform color with minimal variations and veining | $$$$ |
| Grade B | Generally good quality with slight color variations may have some irregularities and pitting | $$$ |
| Grade C | May have natural flaws and blemishes that need repair | $$ |
| Grade D | Has major flaws or was damaged during transport, best for commercial applications | $ |
Countertop Size and Layout
The size and layout of your counters determine the size of the slab required for a seamless installation. The bigger a marble slab is, the more it costs per square foot.
Thickness
Thicker slabs of marble cost more than thinner ones. The standard thickness for marble countertops is 1¼ inches (3 cm). Economy options are ¾ inches (2 cm) with an MDF layer for support, while luxury marble countertops are 2¼ inches (5.7 cm) thick and cost more than twice as much.
Edge Profiles
Depending on the manufacturer or installer, marble countertop edge profiles may impact the price. You can choose from several standard types of countertop edges, including bullnose, flat polish, roundover, bookend, and bevel edges.
Custom edge treatments will cost more than standard ones, but most edge treatments cost between $10 and $40 per linear foot.
Installation Complexity
Complex installations are another factor influencing the cost of marble countertops. Intricate designs, multiple cutouts, and complex layouts require skilled labor and additional installation time.
Location and Availability
Different types of marble may be more readily available and less expensive in some regions. If you live in a remote area, the closest marble countertop installer could be far away, and travel expenses might impact your cost. Regional labor markets also affect the price of marble countertops.
Additional Marble Countertop Costs and Considerations
Here are some additional factors to consider when calculating the cost of a marble countertop.
Sealing and Maintenance
Marble is porous, so it must be sealed once or twice a year. If you hire a professional, expect to pay about $100 to $200 per application, depending on the size of your countertops.
Edge Profiles and Customization
Customization, the thickness of the slab, and the intricacy of the design can impact the cost of edge profiles. Here are the most common prices to expect for edge profiles.
| Edge Treatment | Description | Price per linear foot |
| Bevel | Angled edge for a subtle and modern look | $10 to $15 |
| Eased | Slightly rounded edge for a smooth and simple finish | $10 to $20 |
| Full bullnose | Fully rounded edge for a classic look | $15 to $30 |
| Half bullnose | Partially rounded edge | $15 to $30 |
| Dupont | Diagonal edge | $15 to $25 |
| Mitered | Precision-cut 45-degree angle | $25 to $40 |
| Ogee | Elegant S-shaped edge | $20 to $40 |
Type
Marble countertops are usually made from slabs, which usually cost about $30 to $130 per square foot. Marble tiles are less desirable but are a DIY-friendly and more affordable option, costing $20 to $40 per square foot, including installation.
Sink Cutouts and Faucet Holes
Sink cutouts and faucet holes add to installation costs for marble countertops. Most standard sinks cost about $100 to $250 per installation. If you have to move plumbing to change the configuration of your kitchen, it will cost even more.
Removal of Existing Countertops
Removing your existing countertops typically costs about $100 to $300, depending on the labor and disposal rates in your area. If you’re doing a kitchen renovation, you may already have a construction dumpster in place, making it easier to DIY this part of the job and eliminate the additional cost.
Types of Marble Countertops and Prices
The type of marble influences the price of marble slabs. Take a look at the various prices of different kinds of marble.
Carrara Marble
Carrara marble is a calcitic white marble from Tuscany, Italy. It’s best known for its soft gray feathered background with light gray veining. Occasional gold flecks or blue veins add character to Carrara marble slabs.
Carrara marble costs an average of $40 per square foot.
Calacatta Marble
Calacatta, which is also from Italy, is the most expensive marble countertop. It’s a brighter white than Carrara marble, with more color variations. This high-end marble is prized for its long, elegant veins that range in color from dark gray to gold or beige.
Calacatta marble costs an average of $180 per square foot.
Statuario Marble
Also quarried in Italy, Statuario marble is another highly sought-after type of marble. The veins of Statuario marble are dark gray with distinct veining patterns. It’s also known as statuary marble, and its name is derived from the Italian word for “statue.”
Statuario marble costs an average of $50 per square foot.
Other Marble Varieties
Although the most famous types of marble are from Italy, marble is quarried in many locations around the world, including the United States, Turkey, Brazil, China, and Canada.
Here are some other well-known marble varieties and their average prices per square foot:
- Travertine – $75
- Pink – $25
- Makrana – $12
- Cultured – $65
- Danby – $80
Cost of Marble Slab Per Square Foot
The cost of marble slab per square foot ranges from $45 to $320. Learn more about average marble prices and the factors affecting marble cost per square foot.
Average Marble Prices
On average, homeowners pay around $60 per square foot for marble countertops.
Factors Affecting Square Foot Costs
The square foot cost of marble countertops varies according to the following factors:
- Marble grade and quality
- Thickness of marble slabs
- Edge treatments and profiles
- Installation complexity
- Transportation and delivery prices
- Customization
- Sealing and maintenance costs
- Regional labor markets
DIY Marble Countertop Installation vs. Hiring a Professional
Homeowners can save money on DIY marble countertop installation. However, professional installation has many benefits, and DIY installations aren’t often recommended.
Pros and Cons of DIY Installation
In addition to the cost savings, DIY marble countertop installation allows you to work at your own pace and enjoy the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
However, the disadvantages of DIY installation are significant. Marble slabs are heavy, making them difficult to handle. If you’re inexperienced, you also risk damaging the marble slab, resulting in costly mistakes.
Benefits of Professional Installation
Professionals have the experience and expertise to handle marble countertops skillfully and efficiently, which can minimize the time your kitchen is disrupted. They have the proper tools and equipment to get the job done right. Because marble is heavy, professionals usually work in crews of at least two people.
Cost Comparison
Professional installation of marble countertops takes an average of about 10 hours. Labor typically only accounts for about 15% of the total installation cost.
If you want to install your marble countertop, consider marble tile, which costs as low as $7 per square foot. With DIY installation, you can keep your costs low.
How to Save Money on a Marble Countertop
Use these money-saving tips and tricks to lower the cost of marble countertops.
Shopping Tips and Bargaining
Marble isn’t the cheapest countertop, but smart shoppers can still save money by looking for bargains. Budget-friendly Makrana marble costs about $12 per square foot, a small fraction of the cost of high-end marble.
Exploring Alternative Materials
Marble countertops cost about $45 to $320 per square foot. While there is some overlap in price with other types of countertops, it’s smart to investigate other choices to see if they’re more affordable.
| Countertop materials | Cost per square foot |
| Granite | $35 to $200 |
| Quartz | $35 to $155 |
| Concrete | $50 to $125 |
| Slate | $50 to $85 |
| Solid surface | $35 to $95 |
| Stainless steel | $85 to $235 |
DIY Marble Countertop Refinishing
If you already have marble countertops, consider refinishing them rather than replacing them. Refinishing marble countertops requires a lot of sanding using resin bond diamond sanding pads, but it can save you hundreds of dollars.
5 FAQs About the Costs of Marble Countertops
Where Should I Install Marble Countertops?
Installing marble countertops in bathrooms and kitchens adds elegance to your home. Marble countertops can be used with many architectural styles, from traditional to minimalist designs.
How Do I Care for My Marble Countertop?
All you need to do to care for marble countertops is clean them regularly with gentle, pH-neutral cleaners and seal them once or twice a year to prevent staining. Avoid harsh, abrasive chemicals to prevent damage to the protective sealant.
Are Marble Countertops Prone to Stains and Scratches?
Compared to harder stones like granite, marble countertops are susceptible to staining and scratching. Sealing your marble countertops regularly helps prevent these issues. You should also use trivets or hot pads to prevent damage to your marble countertops from hot pans.
Can I Install Marble Countertops Over My Existing Ones?
You can install countertops over existing ones if they are structurally sound. Economy marble slabs are only ¾ inch (2 cm) thick and are often installed on top of a layer of MDF, so using your existing counters is another way to get more support.
Which Costs More, Marble or Granite?
Generally, marble costs more than granite. Marble countertops cost $45 to $320, while granite countertops cost $35 to $200 per square foot. However, your cost will depend on several factors, including installation costs and the quality, grade, size, and color of the materials.
