How Much Do Marble Countertops Cost? [2024 Data]

Marble Countertop Cost Breakdown

From your first trip to the home renovation store to celebrating your newly installed marble countertops, what costs can you expect along the way? We've broken them down below.

Marble Slab Size

Marble slab prices vary based on size. Typically, you’ll purchase countertops by the square foot, meaning the more marble that’s needed, the higher the cost. On average, expect to pay around $60 per square foot, though it can cost as little as $40 per square foot (for common, lower-grade marble) or more than $100 per square foot (for rarer or high-grade marble).

Type 

Every slab of marble has its own unique markings—known as veins—often with flecks of gold, silver, and blue. You can find marble varieties that are manufactured in nearby factories and those imported right from the mountains of Italy.

In addition to cost differences, each of these unique natural or synthetic stones responds differently to stains, heat, and scratches, and often comes with its own cleaning instructions. Keep this in mind if you're debating between a great marble for the guest bathroom versus one for your favorite home baking spot. There's no surprise that the type, color, and origin of your marble all affect the cost of your countertops. Here are eight of the top favorites and their per-square-foot price tag.

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Calacatta

Let's start with the most expensive type of marble. Only one quarry in the famous Carrara area of Italy mines this variety known for its white background and long gray veins. Designers add a chemical treatment to make it safe for kitchens and bathrooms.

Average price: $180 per square foot

Carrara

Carrara is likely the type that comes to mind when you think of marble, but that doesn't make it any less valuable. The white marble includes blueish-gray veins and occasional gold flecks. It hails from the Carrara region and, like the others, needs a chemical coating to handle scratches and moisture.

Average price: $40 per square foot

Cultured

If you're worried about damaging your countertops with a spilled glass of wine or a spaghetti recipe thrown together by the kids, you may want to opt for cultured marble. 

Manufactured with composites of stones, resins, and pigments, this synthetic marble creates the same look as its natural relatives but with far more durability. For this reason, you'll often spot it on counters, wall tiles, and even floors.

Average price: $65 per square foot

Danby

Straight from the quarries of Vermont, this American-made marble looks a lot like the Italian varieties with slight color variations. You're more likely to find grays, golds, and browns against the white marble. While this type is less prone to damage than Italian marble, designers will treat it for safety.

Average price: $80 per square foot

Makrana

Don't be fooled by the low cost of Makrana. This Indian-mined material is both strong, elegant, and found in famous architectures all over the world. While it can be hard to find in the U.S., its dense quality makes it an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens. 

Average price: $12 per square foot

Pink

Similar to Makrana, pink marble often requires a special order, this time straight from Turkey. Its pale pink hue mixes with veins of deep rose, gray, and silver. 

Average price: $25 per square foot

Statuario

This marble type is likely to be one of the most common choices at your local flooring and countertop store. Another valuable natural stone of Italy, this white, gold, and gray design works well in the kitchen and bathroom after a chemical application.

Average price: $50 per square foot

Travertine

Created from high-pressured limestone in Spain, this black marble includes bolts of white veins across its surface. You'll find it in both kitchens and bathrooms, but it requires a special chemical treatment to handle moisture and wear. 

Average price: $75 per square foot

Grading

Marble is a natural material, so it’s rarely perfect when pulled right from the quarry. Each slab has different levels of quality—just like a diamond. The better the quality, the higher the price. Grading ranges from A (the highest quality) to D (the lowest quality). Here’s what to expect:

• A: Near-perfect marble with appealing, subtle veining 

• B: Has minor flaws like pitting and fissures or a blotchy appearance

• C: Has minor and major flaws, including chipping and large cracks that require repair

• D: Has a significant amount of damage that needs repair, dark veining, and pronounced colors

Materials

Aside from the countertop itself, your contractor will need a few supplies for marble countertop installation. This includes items like caulk, screws, and bolts. Typically, extra supplies will only amount to $100 to $200 of the total cost of the job.

Labor and Installation

Slabs are heavy, so your contractor will likely need a crew of at least two people to manage your marble countertop installation. Expect to spend $35 to $45 per hour on labor. For the typical 10-hour job, labor will add $350 to $450 to your total bill—but these costs will rise in areas with a higher cost of living.

Additional Marble Countertop Costs to Consider

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The cost of installing marble countertops isn’t as cut and dry as labor plus materials. There are some other costs that may occur before you start your project and others you might rack up once it’s complete. Consider the following.

Removal and Disposal of Old Countertops

You’ll need to remove and dispose of your old countertop before you can replace it with brand-new marble. This will add anywhere from $100 to $800 to the total cost of your project.

Island and Backsplash Installation

While you’re installing countertops, you may also want to install a matching marble backsplash or island. In this case, you’ll still pay by the square foot. The average marble backsplash costs between $900 and $3,500, but you can keep costs down by choosing tile instead of a slab. Islands vary by size, but most are at least 2 feet by 4 feet, so expect to spend $320 to $800.

Edge Treatments and Finishing

There are a few different types of countertop edges to choose from. Some countertops come with a standard square or eased edge and others with a bullnose detail. If you want a non-standard or ornate edge treatment, it comes with an additional cost. 

It depends on the manufacturer, but per linear foot, expect to spend:

• $10–$12 for beveled, half-bullnose, and full-bullnose edging

• $20–$25 for ogee, miter, Dupont, and quirk edging

• $30–$40 for more ornate edging like French cove, double bevel, or Dupont square

Marble Countertop Repairs

If you purchase a lower-grade countertop, you may save upfront, but you’ll likely need repairs sooner than later. Unfortunately, alongside granite, marble is one of the most expensive countertop materials to fix. Expect marble countertop repairs to cost $200 to $1,200, though you can typically fix small chips and scratches with a $40 DIY marble repair kit.

Maintenance

Marble is a strong natural material, so it doesn’t need a ton of regular maintenance. Since it’s porous, you will have to seal it. Some countertops come pre-sealed, while others need yearly or quarterly sealing. The typical sealing treatment is around $100 to $200 and will help stave off water damage, etching (dullness from acidic liquids), and staining.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Marble Countertops Yourself?

For the safety of both you and the marble itself, we recommend hiring an experienced countertop contractor in your area. A standard 30-square-foot slab can weigh around 200 pounds. Not only will the piece have sharp edges, but marble is quite soft, meaning it can chip or even break when dropped.

If you're installing a marble backsplash with small tiles, you may be able to purchase and complete the project on your own. Expect to pay between $7 to $10 per square foot of marble plus the cost of grouting and tools. But when it comes to traditional countertops, stick to the pro for safety and precision.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

You can save anywhere from $320 to $800 by cutting out labor and installing countertops on your own. That being said, it’s not always worth it—nor is it always possible. To avoid damaging both your countertop and your back (we can’t state enough that marble slabs are ultra-heavy), leave it to a marble contractor in your area.

Tips for Saving on Marble Countertop Costs

Let’s be real—marble isn’t the most affordable type of countertop. But it’s a high-end product, and you get what you pay for. If you have your heart set on marble’s delicate veining and laminate or synthetic stone just won’t do, there are still some ways you can save. 

Choose Tile Instead of Slab

Marble tile isn’t commonly used in countertops, but it’s a great option if you’re on a budget. You can purchase tile for as little as $7 per square foot. It’s easier to install, and if you’re a savvy DIYer, you may even be able to tackle the project on your own, saving on some of the labor costs.

Stick With Makrana Marble

Since the type of marble is the largest cost factor, choose a budget-friendly variety. At $12 per square foot, Makrana marble is well below the average cost of most marble. Plus, it’s naturally more durable because it isn’t as porous.

DIY the Demolition

If you’re well-versed in home improvement projects, you can save some cash by prepping your space for countertop installation. This means safely removing your old countertop and disposing of it, which could reduce overall costs by $100 to $800. 

As a rule, avoid messing with the plumbing or gas lines (since mistakes can create a safety hazard). Only put in the work if you’re experienced with demolition projects and confident you can handle things safely.

Marble vs. Other Countertop Materials

Marble is a natural stone pulled right from the ground, while solid surface and engineered stone countertops are the bridge between natural and human-made. Engineered stone countertops are mostly made up of stone-like industrial waste products—think crushed quartz crystals, glass, mirrors, and natural minerals. 

Similarly, solid surface countertops are made from mineral dust, but in a much lower quantity. These countertops contain about 66% natural minerals (the most common being aluminum trihydrate) and 33% acrylic resin. As a result, they’re less scratch-resistant. Unlike engineered stone, solid surface countertops get their stone-like look from added pigments.

Marble vs. Granite

When weighing the option of marble versus granite countertops, price isn’t a huge factor. Slabs of either material cost virtually the same amount. Instead, it’s a matter of aesthetics. Either you like the look of marble’s fine veins or prefer the dotted pattern of granite.

Benefits of Marble Countertops

Marble is known for its exceptional durability and elegant, timeless look. With natural veining and color variations, each slab of marble has its own unique and stunning patterns that add a touch of luxury to any space. Although the material is soft enough to stain and chip without the right care, it will last a lifetime with the right upkeep and may even increase a home’s resale value due to its high-end aesthetic.

While sealing is necessary to protect the surface from water, marble is also scratch-resistant, crack-resistant, and heat-resistant, making it a beautiful and long-lasting option for kitchen countertops. Another key advantage of marble countertops is their ability to stay cool, which makes them ideal for rolling dough and preparing pastry.

Disadvantages of Marble Countertops

While marble is an excellent option for countertops, there are a few drawbacks to consider before you buy. Firstly, marble is a porous stone, which means it can absorb liquids and is susceptible to staining. Sealing the surface can help prevent staining, but regular maintenance is still necessary to keep the marble looking its best. Also, while marble is durable, it is softer than some other countertop materials, such as granite. This feature means it can be more prone to scratching, particularly if used for cutting or chopping directly on the surface.

Sara Coleman contributed to this article.