How Much Do Marble Countertops Cost?
How Much Do Marble Countertops Cost?
$40 – $150 average cost per square foot installed
$1,200 – $6,000 average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)
Marble countertops cost
Marble countertops cost $40 to $150 per square foot installed or $1,200 to $6,000 total for an average-sized kitchen. Marble slab prices average $30 to $130 per square foot for the fabricated slab, depending on the grade and type. The popular Carrara marble countertop costs $40 to $50 per square foot.
| Kitchen size | Countertop square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (70 – 100 SF) | 20 – 30 | $800 – $3,000 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $1,200 – $6,000 |
| Large kitchen (200 – 400+ SF) | 40 – 60 | $1,600 – $9,000 |
Cost of marble countertops by location
Marble countertops add a sense of luxury to kitchens and bathrooms, with prices varying by size and location, as shown in the table below.
| Surface | Size (Inches) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen counter (each) | 25 x 100 | $700 – $2,600 |
| Average kitchen counter (each) | 25 x 170 | $1,200 – $4,500 |
| Kitchen island | 40 x 80 | $900 – $3,300 |
| Small kitchen island | 24 x 48 | $320 – $1,200 |
| Bathroom vanity top | 20 x 36 | $200 – $750 |
| Bar top | 16 x 36 | $160 – $600 |
Marble cost per square foot by grade
Marble is priced according to its grade, which is based on the slab’s condition, veining, and strength. Grade A is the most expensive with the fewest flaws, while Grade D is the least expensive with the most structural imperfections.
| Grade | Price category | Features |
|---|---|---|
| A | $$$$ |
|
| B | $$$ |
|
| C | $$ |
|
| D | $ |
|
Other factors that affect the price of marble slabs include:
Thickness
Economy counters are ¾” thick, supported underneath by a layer of MDF.
Standard counters are 1 ¼” thick.
Luxury counters are cut 2 ¼” thick.
Type
Marble slabs cost $30 to $130 per square foot and work best for countertops.
Marble tiles cost $20 to $40 per square foot and work best for flooring.
Colors
Marbles that are purer white with more uniform veining sell at a higher price.
Rare marbles are more expensive due to supply and demand.
Marble slab prices by type & color
Marble slab prices vary significantly depending on the type, color, and source quarry, as shown in the table below.
| Type | Material price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Carrara marble | $40 – $50 |
| Calacatta marble | $175 – $200 |
| Cultured marble | $50 – $70 |
| Pink marble | $25 – $30 |
| Makrana marble | $12 – $15 |
| Danby marble | $60 – $90 |
| Statuario marble | $50 – $125 |
| Black /Travertine marble | $75 – $80 |
*Not including installation.
Carrara marble cost
Carrara marble costs $40 to $50 per square foot for materials and is the most common type. The classic white and light gray marble with gray veining is beautiful, affordable, and durable.
Calacatta marble prices
Calacatta marble is one of the rarest and most expensive marbles, costing $175 to $200 per square foot for the slab alone. The high-end marble has a white background with thick, bold veining.
Cultured marble countertops cost
Cultured marble costs $30 to $100 per square foot for materials only and is rarely used for kitchen counters but frequently used for bathroom vanity tops.
Pink marble prices
Pink marble costs $25 to $30 per square foot for materials. Pink Carrera marble is characterized by its warm, rosy colorand usedmostly on bathroom floors and walls.
Makrana marble prices
Makrana marble costs $12 to $15 per square foot for the material alone and is a budget-friendly, white marble used mostly in sculpture and building décor.
Danby marble cost
Danby marble costs $60 to $90 per square foot for materials alone and comes from the Danby quarry in Vermont. The crystal structure of Danby marble makes it more durable than marbles from Italy and other regions.
Statuario marble cost
Statuario marble costs $50 to $125 per square foot before installation and contains a mix of bold and thinner gray veining. Statuario has limited availability and high demand, making it a costlier marble.
Black marble slab prices
Black marble, or Travertine, costs $75 to $80 per square foot for the material alone and works well in kitchens and bath when sealed to prevent water damage.
Cost to install marble countertops
Despite their luxury reputation, marble countertops fall within the average cost of new countertops at $40 to $150 per square foot, including the materials, fabrication, installation labor, and supplies.
| Item | Cost per square foot | Average total cost (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Marble slab & fabrication | $30 – $130 | $900 – $5,200 |
| Installation labor | $10 – $20 | $300 – $800 |
| Total cost to install | $40 – $150 | $1,200 – $6,000 |
Marble countertop fabrication cost
Marble countertop fabrication is typically included with the slab material price, averaging $30 to $130 per square foot. Installation labor adds $10 to $20 per square foot or $35 to $80 per hour and takes about 10 hours for a typical kitchen installation.
Other factors that affect the cost include:
Fabrication upgrades
Slab thickness –Standard kitchen slabs are 3 cm (1 ¼”) thick. Premium slabs are 5 cm (2”) thick and cost up to twice as much.
Cutouts – Extra cutouts for additional sinks, appliances, and outlets increase the cost.
Number of seams – Large kitchens or unusual kitchen shapes may require more seams, increasing costs.
Edges & finishes – Upgrading from the standard edge and polished marble finish costs more.
Waterfall sides – Extending the countertop down the side of the island to the floor increases the material costs.
Cabinet leveling & bracing
Cabinets must be level to support the weight of the stone to avoid cracking or warping over time. Leveling may require extra steps in older homes with uneven floors.
Factory cabinets may require added frame supports or plywood sub-tops to support the heavy slab.
Plumbing fixtures
The average cost of a plumber is $45 to 150 per hour to disconnect and reconnect the plumbing.
New sink installation costs $330 to $1,300.
New kitchen faucet installation costs $120 to $250.
Other services
Average electrician prices are $50 to $130 per hour.
Removing old countertops costs $50 to $400. Most installers include this service in their countertop replacement estimate.
The cost to demolish a full kitchen is $500 to $2,500 when the marble counter is part of a larger remodel project.
Repairing or refinishing the countertop costs $5 to $25 per square foot.
Marble edge treatments
Marble edge treatments cost $10 to $40 per linear foot, depending on the complexity. Basic edge finishes are simple to create and cost $10 to $20 per linear foot. Premium edges take more time to fabricate and run from $20 to $40 per linear foot.
| Edge | Price category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eased | No additional cost | Simple, slightly rounded edge that isn’t too sharp |
| Square | No additional cost | Straight edge with a very slight bevel |
| Quarter round | Basic ($) | Rounded top edge |
| Double quarter round | Basic ($) | Rounded top and bottom edges |
| Bullnose | Basic ($) | Top edge is rounded more dramatically |
| Full bullnose | Basic ($) | Converts the edge to a perfect half-circle |
| Beveled | Basic ($) | Beveled edges on either the top, bottom, or both |
| Ogee | Premium ($$) | Two sweeping arches; one concave and the other convex |
| DuPont | Premium ($$) | Straight edge dropping down to a curve |
| Cove | Premium ($$) | Concave bevel on the top edge |
| Stair tread | Premium ($$) | Curved undercut lip |
| Waterfall | Premium ($$) | Three cascading convex arches |
Marble finishes & textures
Marble finishes and textures cost $10 to $35 per square foot. Polished marble comes standard on any marble slab. Other finishes are dependent on the stone strength and increase in cost depending on the effort required to achieve the finish or texture.
| Finish | Additional cost per square foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polished | No additional cost |
|
| Honed | $10 – $20 |
|
| Leathered | $20 – $30 |
|
| Caressed | $30 – $35 |
|
Cost to seal marble
The cost to seal marble countertops is $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot or around $100 to $300 total for an average kitchen. Sealing protects the porous stone from stains and bacteria.
Pros and cons of marble countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Marble countertops cost vs. granite & quartz
Marble countertops prices are similar to granite, quartz, and other natural stones. On average, natural stone countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed.
| Material | Average cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Marble countertops | $40 – $150 |
|
| Granite countertops cost | $80 – $150 |
|
| Quartz countertops cost | $50 – $200 |
|
| Quartzite countertops cost | $65 – $150 |
|
| Slate countertops cost | $50 – $100 |
|
Marble slab FAQs
What is the most expensive marble countertop?
Calacatta is the most expensive marble countertop. This rare marble costs more than double the price of common Carrara marble.
What is the cheapest marble countertop? {cheap}
Carrara is the most common and most affordable marble countertop.
How much is marble worth?
Marble is worth an installed price of $40 to $150 per square foot, with rarer types like Calacatta marble valued at $175 to $200 per square foot. Marble countertops may add value to your home as many buyers consider it a luxury material.
Is marble good for kitchen countertops?
Marble makes a safe and durable surface for kitchen countertops. The stone is heat resistant up to 350°F and though porous, yearly sealing will protect against staining.
How long does it take to install marble countertops?
Expect your marble countertop installation to take about 2 to 6 hours, with larger projects taking longer.
How long do marble countertops last?
Marble countertops last more than 100 years with proper sealing and care.
Where to buy marble countertops
You can buy marble countertops at most home improvements stores, kitchen remodelers, or directly from a wholesale stone slab yard.
Getting estimates from marble countertop installers
When searching for the best countertop installation pro near you, be sure to:
Look for installers specializing in marble countertops.
Compare at least 3 estimates with a similar marble type and grade.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company in business for 5+ years.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references with contact information.
Review their portfolio of past marble countertop installations.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project starts.
Never pay in full before the job is complete. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask {#ask}
Ask your marble installer these important questions to ensure a satisfactory installation:
What experience do you have with marble countertop installation?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Does the estimate include delivery and installation?
Which marble color choices fit my budget?
How much will it cost to upgrade the edge style?
What marble finish do you recommend for a family-friendly kitchen?
How long will the installation take?
Does this project require a permit, and do you handle the permitting process?
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?
Do you submit the manufacturer's warranty registration for me?
Do you offer a warranty on the labor?