Updated: September 9, 2021
Marble Countertop Installation Costs
Marble slab countertops cost $40 to $100 per square foot with an average of $60 per square foot. For a kitchen with 50 sq ft of counter space, the cost of marble countertops can vary between approximately $2,000 and $5,000 with an average cost of about $3,000.
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1. Average Cost of Marble Countertops
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 to $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% |
2. Marble Prices Per Square Foot
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 |
a. Carrara Marble Prices
Carrara the most common type, making it the most affordable, sold at most countertop vendors for about $40 per square foot. Carrara is a white or blue-gray stone with soft gray veins, often with hints of gold. It is porous and requires chemical treatment to make it appropriate for kitchen or bathroom applications.
b. Calacatta Marble Prices
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. It's also known for its brown and gold undertones. Calacatta is moderately porous and requires chemical treatment to make it appropriate for kitchen or bathroom use.
c. 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. Statuario is another example of a porous material that requires chemical treatment to make it appropriate for your kitchen or bathroom.
d. Danby Marble Costs
This type of stone costs around $80 per square foot. It looks very similar to marbles found in Italy but is often much denser. 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.
e. 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.
f. Makrana
The average cost of this type is $12 per square foot. Makrana is known for being high quality and often does not need chemicals to reinforce the finish of the marble. 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.
g. Black Marble Countertop Cost
The average cost for this type is $75 per square foot. Also known as Travertine, this stone comes from different parts of Spain. This option can be used in bathrooms and kitchens. It is often more porous than white marble and requires chemical treatment to block out water and to prevent scratching.
h. Pink Marble
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.
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3. Marble Countertop Price Factors
Besides the type of marble you choose for your home, some additional factors that may impact your final cost include:
- Your choice of edging
- Sealing the stone
- Disposal fees for your old countertop
4. Marble Countertop Costs vs. Other Materials
| Concrete Countertop Costs | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Buther Block Countertop Costs | $1,200 - $15,000 |
| Caesarstone Countertop Prices | $3,500 - $5,000 |
| Cost to Install Granite Countertops | $2,000 - $4,500 |
| Laminate Countertop Prices | $800 - $1,650 |
| Cost to Install Quartz Countertops | $1,500 - $12,000 |
| Silestone Countertop Installation Costs | $1,550 - $4,800 |
| Soapstone Counter Costs | $2,700 - $4,200 |
5. FAQs
a. 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.
b. Which is cheaper" granite, quartz or 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.
c. 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.
d. What's the best type of marble for kitchen and bathroom countertops?
The best type of marble for kitchen and bathroom 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.
e. 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.
