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.

• Calacatta: $180 per square foot

• Carrara: $40 per square foot

• Cultured: $65 per square foot

• Danby: $80 per square foot

• Makrana: $12 per square foot

• Pink: $25 per square foot

• Statuario: $50 per square foot

• Travertine: $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

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: You can purchase tile for as little as $7 per square foot. It’s easier to install.

• Stick with makrana marble: 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. 

Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops

Pros:

• Durable

• Elegant, timeless look

• Unique patterns

• Can increase home resale value

• Scratch-, crack-, heat resistant

• Stays cool to the touch

Cons:

• Porous stone absorbs liquids

• Susceptible to staining

• Sealing and regular maintenance required

• Softer than granite

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.