How much do marble countertops cost? Here’s your complete guide to these luxury countertops!

Have you ever wondered why marble is many people’s first choice of material for kitchen countertops? The reason isn’t far-fetched — marble is the perfect blend of sophistication and timeless luxury. Its presence in your kitchen will instantly give an elegant and luxe look.

However, there are many other factors to consider when choosing marble countertops for your project. One of the most important ones is how much marble countertops cost. This usually depends on the amount, type, grading, color, finish, installation, etc. Regardless of the price, it’s always wise to estimate your remodeling project accurately before you begin.

Do you have enough financial resources to install marble countertops in your kitchen? We’ll let you in on marble countertops’ costs and the pros and cons of installing them in your home.

How Much Do Marble Countertops Cost per Square Foot?

As we mentioned, many factors can contribute to marble countertops’ costs. We’ll discuss the most important ones below:

• Amount of Marble

Marble is available in a variety of hues, thicknesses, and grades. A rarer variety of marble will cost more than one that is more readily available.

• Grading

There are different marble grades starting from A to D, with grade A marble being the most expensive and grade D being the cheapest. Grading is generally determined by how the marble slab looks and whether it has any defects.

• Type and Color of Marble

Marble countertop costs also depend on the type and color. The less common it is, the more expensive it becomes.

Other factors that affect the cost of marble countertops include edge treatment/finishing, extra supplies, etc. On average, however, a marble slab costs about $60 per square foot.

What Are Marble Countertops?

Marble is one of the types of metamorphic rocks that comprises recrystallized carbonate minerals. It’s formed when limestone changes its texture and makeup when subjected to pressure and heat in the earth’s crust. This process is called crystallization. The surface of a marble countertop is smooth and supple. It has a variety of veining patterns throughout, ranging from delicate to strong and dramatic. Although white is the most common marble color, it also comes in various shades.

There are different types of marble countertops available. Afyon, calacatta, carrara, breccia, and bianco venato marble are among the most common ones. Other marble countertops include cedar, cristalita blue, Danby, mandala classic, rainforest marble, etc.

Pros and Cons of Marble?

Just like any countertop choice, there are pros and cons to marble countertops. They will definitely not be the right choice for every kitchen, here are some things to keep in mind.

Pros:

• Marble countertops are aesthetically pleasing and unique
• They’re heat-resistant and great for cooking
• Marble is durable under the right conditions
• They are constructed from materials that are found naturally throughout the world
• Marble adds value to your property when properly maintained

Cons:

• It’s easy to stain marble countertops
• Marble countertops can be expensive depending on numerous factors
• They are high-maintenance countertops
• Marble is pretty heavy

Marble vs. Granite

Granite is an igneous rock with light-colored granules large enough to be seen by the naked eye. Generally, marble is less expensive than granite. Granite countertop prices range from $40 to $60 per square foot.

Both granite and marble come in various styles and colors. They’re durable, heat-resistant, and susceptible to stains. Granite requires less maintenance than marble, and different granite slabs have distinct compositions. Marble has elegant vein patterns and is less difficult to finish and cut.

Marble vs. Quartz

Quartz is one of the sturdiest minerals on the planet. It is a popular and dependable material for countertops because of its durability and abundance. Although quartz is a natural stone, it is occasionally referred to as “designed” or “man-made.”

Marble and quartz are among the most common countertop material options ever. In addition, both materials come in a wide range of colors.

When it comes to budget, quartz countertops are less costly than marble, with prices ranging from $40 to $100 per square foot. However, quartz countertops are more durable and need less maintenance than marble countertops. On the other hand, marble countertops are more beautiful and have higher heat resistance than quartz countertops.

How Are Marble Countertops Installed?

You should never attempt to go DIY when installing marble countertops in your kitchen. Instead, be sure to hire a professional to do a perfect job.
Experts start the installation process by taking measurements. Next, they removed the old countertop and after selecting the appropriate replacement. After this, they verify that the cabinets are fit and level before cutting a wood model to test and mark the countertops for cutting.

The next step is to cut the marble countertops with a diamond blade and use screws to attach the plywood template. Finally, dry fit and glue the countertops before installing the backsplash and sink.

What Finishes Look Best With Marble Countertops?

These are our top 4 finishes for marble kitchen countertops:

Honed

Also called satin or matte finish, honed finish gives off a smooth look without shine or reflectiveness. Instead, they appear to have a faint gloss and delicate satin finish.

Polished

The most popular type of marble finishing is unquestionably polished marble. Marble polishing gives marble the familiar smooth, reflecting appearance that most of us associate it with. However, it also brings out all of its vibrant natural beauty.

Leathered

Leathered finishing is a relatively new yet popular style in design. Compared to polished granite, it has a softer gloss and textured appearance.

Caressed

Caressed finish is leathered finishing with added shine. The outcome is a lovely sheen that gives the surface a refined yet rugged appearance.

Remodeling Your Kitchen? Plan Your Budget Here

Marble is one of the most beautiful material choices for your kitchen countertops. But, unfortunately, they’re as expensive as they’re elegant. In fact, marble is arguably the most costly kitchen countertop material ever. So, if you’re contemplating a kitchen remodel with marble countertops, it’s best to count the financial costs first.

Do you need clarification about how much to budget for your marble kitchen countertops? That’s no problem — our Kitchen Remodel Budget Planner will provide accurate estimates of what your kitchen remodel project will cost.