For a kitchen with 50 sq ft of counter space, the cost of marble countertops can vary between approximately $1,050 and $9,650 with an average cost of about $3,000. Calculate the best estimate for your project by measuring the countertops you would like to replace or the area of the counters you'd like to put in. Then, use the average material and labor costs below to find the total approximate price.
Marble is naturally very porous and can be easily stained or scratched. Preparation and proper care are important steps youll want to take to maintain the natural color. However, they offer elegance and a crisp, clean pallet for your bathroom or kitchen. The naturally occurring stone acts adds a cool touch to your kitchen or bath. This stone is known for sophistication and can be a great centerpiece for your home.
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The average cost for marble slab countertops is $60 per square foot but can range from $40 to $100 per square foot. Material and installation costs depend on type, grade, size, transportation and more.
Slabs are more popular than tile for counters since they have a cleaner look and simpler maintenance; however, tiles can cost 30 to 50 percent less.
| Type | Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Carrara | $40 |
| Calacatta | $180 |
| Statuario | $50 |
| Danby | $80 |
| Cultured | $65 |
| Makrana | $12 |
| Black / Travertine | $75 |
| Pink | $25 |
Carrara
Carrara is a white or blue-gray stone with soft gray veins, often with hints of gold. Its the most common type, making it the most affordable, sold at most countertop vendors for about $40 per square foot. This is typically found in the regions of Carrara or Tuscany, Italy. It is porous and requires chemical treatment to make it appropriate for kitchen or bathroom applications.
Calacatta
This marble is known for being the most expensive variety, typically sold for about $180 per square foot. It has a noticeable contrast between a white base and dark gray veins. Its also known for its brown and gold undertones. This can only be found in one quarry in Carrara, Italy. It may be difficult to find at a general supplier. Calacatta is moderately porous and requires chemical treatment to make it appropriate for kitchen or bathroom use.
Statuario
This stone is in the middle ground of pricing, at an average of $50 per square foot. This is considered the most precious marble found in Italy. The color of its veins ranges from gold to gray. This type can easily be found at a home-masonry supplier. Statuario is another example of a porous material that requires chemical treatment to make it appropriate for your kitchen or bathroom.
Danby
This type of stone is quarried in Vermont, USA. It looks very similar to marbles found in Italy but is often much denser. It costs around $80 per square foot. The coloring varies from pure white with gray veins to eggshell white and golden-brown veins. This stone also requires chemical treatment to seal it from water but is much less porous than its Italian counterparts.
Cultured
The cost of a cultured counter or floor option varies across manufacturers but is often much less expensive than natural stone averaging at about $65 per square foot. Cultured marble is a manufactured stone substitute that is made in molds and is composed of stones, pigments, and resins. This type of artificial marble is great for bathrooms and kitchen surfaces because its surface is non-porous, as opposed to naturally occurring stone.
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Makrana
This variation is found in India. It is known for being high quality and often does not need chemicals to reinforce the finish of the marble. The average cost of this type is $12 per square foot. This stone is milky white, often with rich gray or brown veins. Makrana is used in many sculptures as well as lining walls of museums and mausoleums such as the Taj Mahal. This stone is suitable for kitchen surfaces as well as bathrooms because it is not as porous as other types.
Black Marble
Also known as Travertine, this stone comes from different parts of Spain. This stone is created when limestone is under high pressure. The average cost for this type is $75 per square foot. This option can be used in bathrooms and kitchens. It is often more porous than white marble but requires chemical treatment to block out water and to prevent scratching.
Pink Marble
Pink marble is quarried in Turkey. The average cost for this rose hued stone is about $25 per square foot. It is more porous than the black version but can still be used in bathrooms and kitchens. It often has a pink base color with deep red veins, as well as golden or brown tones. This type is sometimes difficult to find and require special ordering.
A marble slab is a large, uniformly cut piece of stone. They are often custom cut to fit the dimensions of your kitchen counter space. Marble tiles are thinner squares that can be used as flooring or backsplashes. This type of stone can be used to create two types of backsplashes: tile and slab.
- Slab backsplashes - $30 - $50 per square foot. You can match your countertop and backsplash to create a seamless bold look. Installation of a solid stone may require a professional due to the size and weight. It is always the safest option to hire a pro when working with heavy masonry, especially when being applied to walls.
- Tile backsplash - $7 to $10 per square foot. If you are going for a bold seamless look a slab is the way to go, if you prefer the look of marble at a lower cost tiles are a budget-friendly option to bring this timeless stone into your kitchen or bath. Installing tile backsplash is a project that a pro or DIY-er can easily accomplish, again a pro is always recommended.
- Marble floors are often comprised of tiles instead of slabs because they are easier to install or replace. Floor tiles, like backsplash tiles, are about $7 to $10 per square foot. A slab marble floor costs around $10 to $20 per square foot.
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The most expensive part of marble installation is the material itself. If you are purchasing 40 square feet at $55 per square foot your material costs will run about $2,200. On average, this installation will take around 10 hours, with labor costs averaging $35-$45 per hour. Labor will usually total about $350 to $450. Extra supplies your contractor might need for this type of installation will only be about $100 to $200.
| Materials/Modifications | 80% |
| Labor | 15% |
| Supplies | 5% |
It is highly recommended that you hire a pro when installing a slab countertop or backsplash. An average slab weighs 700-1050 lbs. (310-480 KG). This varies based on the density and thickness of the slab. Two slabs can have identical dimensions but may have different weights depending on which of the following varieties it is. If not properly managed, marble can also chip and fracture causing cuts and other injuries. Damage to the expensive material and yourself is best avoided by hiring a pro.
Before Installation
Measurements are essential and need to be exact before the marble is cut. If it is improperly cut there could be delays or additional expenses.
When planning an installation, your contractor may need to make an initial visit to take measurements of your kitchen and counter space. Once these measurements are taken your contractor will determine where the sink-hole will go and make necessary cut outs for plumbing. The measuring assessment may be included depending on your contractor.
Other factors that may influence cost are edging and sealing of the stone. Some contractors charge based on the edge finish of the counter; however, this cost is often included in the material or labor cost.
Waste Removal
It is important to note that there may be some unexpected costs in the removal of an existing countertop or backsplash. You may have to pay a fee to dispose of removed counter. Waste removal costs can vary from state to state but are an important factor to consider when budgeting for your marble project.
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FAQs
What is the most expensive type of marble?
Calacatta is the most expensive type at $180 per square foot. This is because of its rarity. It is only found in one quarry, so its supply is very limited.
What's the cost difference between granite, quartz, and marble?
The prices vary across different types of material but on average granite installations cost about $3,500. Quartz installation costs around $8,000. Marble installation runs most homeowners about $3,000.
What's the difference between solid surface, engineered stone, and marble?
Solid surface is when resins, pigments, and minerals are combined to make a stone-like surface. These types of surfaces are often customizable, which contributes to a wide cost margin. Engineered stone counters are often made of a mixture of quartz and resin. Marble is not man-made. It is a naturally occurring stone that is quarried and then custom fit to your kitchen or bath needs. However, there are manufactured, cultured marbles which may be responsible for the confusion.
What's the best type of marble for kitchen counters?
The best type of marble for kitchen counters is cultured. Though it is not the same as naturally occurring marble stone, it looks exactly like the real thing and is completely non-porous. This means that bacteria and stains will not grow in a kitchen environment.
What's the best type of marble for bathroom countertops?
In a bathroom environment the best option for counters is cultured marble. This option is completely non-porous, unlike naturally occurring stone. This results in a surface that will not allow bacteria to thrive in the humid environment of a bathroom. And, it is engineered to look exactly like the real thing.
Can the inclusion of marble improve the value of my house and the resale ROI?
By carefully upgrading materials in your kitchen and bathroom, such as countertops, floors, cabinets, and backsplashes, you can expect a near 75% resale ROI.
DIY or Hire A Pro
It is always wise to hire a pro for installation of stone slab or tile. Marble slabs are very large and often require a team of people for proper installation. Specialized tools and lifts may also be required. This stone is very heavy and can crush an inexperienced individual. It also can chip and fracture causing cuts and other injuries. Tiles also require care and experience upon installation. Harm to yourself and the marble is easily avoided by hiring a pro.
