By Katie Flannery | Updated Jul 11, 2022 3:55 PM

The natural beauty of marble can add elegance and sophistication to any home. Marble countertops come in a variety of colors, patterns, and veining. This metamorphic stone is relatively hard and durable and makes excellent countertops. Distinguished by veins of color, no two marble slabs are alike. Marble kitchen countertops can vary in price due to the type of marble; the color, grade, and thickness; the cost of labor; and how far the material has to travel. According to HomeAdvisor, marble slab countertops can range from $40 to $100 per square foot, with an average price of $60 per square foot. For 50 square feet of counter space, homeowners can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000, with the national average at $3,000. Labor can average between $35 and $45 per hour, but costs may differ in your area. Any extra supplies needed for the installation project typically cost between $100 and $200. All of these price factors can impact the overall marble countertop cost. To find experienced professionals to install the marble countertops of your dreams, search online for “marble countertops near me.” Dreaming of marble countertops?A pro can help make that dream a reality. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from countertop installation experts near you. Find a Pro +

80 percent of the cost of marble countertops comes from the material and any modifications the material undergoes. This means that the square footage of your countertops and the quality of marble you choose will most significantly impact what you end up paying for marble countertops. Labor makes up another 15 percent of the cost, and any additional supplies make up the final 5 percent of the cost.

Several factors can impact marble countertop cost. Prices can differ from the national average due to the amount of marble needed, grading, color, edge treatment, finish, labor costs, and any additional supplies and materials necessary.

Marble comes in different colors, thicknesses, and grades. If a particular type of marble is rare, it will be more expensive than more common types of marble. This is why the cost of marble per square foot can range from $40 to $100, with the average cost around $60.

All marble is graded A to D, with grade A marble costing more than the B through D graded material. The grading is based primarily on the appearance and if the marble slab has any blemishes or defects.

Marble comes in varying types of vein patterns and colors. Even slabs of marble from the same quarry can look very different. The kinds of marble are typically named for where they were quarried and their characteristics. The most common types of marble are usually less expensive than a rare, hard-to-find example. Marble can come in white, soft gray, various hues of beige and tan, light gold, dark gray, black, brown, and even orange and pink. Prices can vary from color to color and within the same color hues.

Imagine your kitchen with beautiful marble countertopsHire a pro to build your dream kitchen. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from countertop installation experts near you. Find a Pro +

Like other types of stone countertops, marble can have additional edge treatments. Some edge treatments, such as a square or an eased edge, may come with the price of the countertop, so be sure to check with the installer. Other edge finishes that cost between $10 and $12 per linear foot are beveled and half- and full-bullnose. Some edge options, such as ogee, miter, Dupont, and quirk, can run from $20 to $25 per linear foot. The decorative French cove can cost between $30 and $35. Built edges, such as double bevel, Dupont square, and Cole Smith, can run between $36 and $40 per linear foot.

Although some marble countertops can come in different finishes, other types are only available in one finish.

Labor typically runs between $35 and $45 per hour, with the total cost of labor around $350 to $450. Complex kitchen layouts requiring multiple cutouts will take longer and therefore cost more in labor. Labor prices will vary depending on the cost of living in the area and the demand for countertop installers.

Extra supplies needed for marble countertop installation usually account for about 5 percent of the total cost. On average, this can range from $100 to $200. These supplies include countertop installation essentials like caulk, screws, and bolts.

When budgeting for marble countertop costs, it’s good to know any additional price factors and considerations that could increase the overall cost. These can include old countertop removal, refinishing, repairs, and additional treatments and installations.

The removal and disposal of the existing countertop may cost extra. Some countertop installation companies may include the service with the installation price, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. Some companies may charge a removal fee of between $100 and $300. The range in price can depend on the condition of the old countertop. If it’s made from natural or engineered stone and can be refurbished, the company may offer a discount to remove it.

Marble countertops can make your kitchen even more beautifulHire a pro to build your dream kitchen. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from countertop installation experts near you. Find a Pro +

Refinishing a marble countertop will restore its luster and remove surface staining. Refinishing involves grinding down the countertop and evenly polishing the surface. Costs for refinishing can vary due to the size and condition of the counter, but they typically range from $500 to $1,200, which is considerably less expensive than replacing it with another marble countertop. Remember that refinishing doesn’t remove deep stains, pits, or gouges.

Depending on the type of marble, a DIY kit can take care of a minor repair. A marble repair kit usually costs about $40 from a local hardware store, and it can fix small chips and other minor damage. If the countertop has significant damage, a professional can take care of it. Expect to pay between $200 and $600 for the repair itself and about $75 per hour for labor. Additional sealing to stave off staining can cost between $100 and $200, depending on how long it takes to apply and the type of sealer. Some kinds of marble require chemical treatment to ensure it’s waterproof.

Some additional installations can also increase the cost of the project. Installing a 4-inch backsplash made from the same material as the countertops can add another $600 on average. Even if you decide on a different material, the average price of a backsplash can run from $900 to $2,500. The cost for a sink cutout is usually $100, not including plumbing and hookup. If a cooktop cutout is needed, that also costs approximately $100, although the price of the cooktop and installation can cost from $500 to $1,000.

Once you’ve decided on marble countertops, you’ll have to determine the type of marble to install. Marble countertops come in differing vein patterns and colors, and knowing the advantages of each can help in the decision-making process. To find the types of marble available in your area, search online for “marble slab near me.”

Natural marble countertops can add a bright and subtle beauty to any home. There are several benefits to using marble countertops in a kitchen or bathroom, and here are some reasons homeowners choose marble countertops for their homes.

While it needs a bit more maintenance than granite, marble is scratch and crack resistant and will last a very long time with proper care.

A marble countertop is heat resistant and will not melt or burn. However, it is recommended to use protection when placing a hot pot or pan onto a marble surface to protect the finish.

Marble countertops are beautiful and practicalHire a pro to build your dream kitchen. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from countertop installation experts near you. Find a Pro +

Since marble countertops stay cool to the touch, it’s an ideal surface that works well for rolling out pastry dough. It’s also easy to clean, so bakers don’t have to worry about flour and butter ruining the surface.

Marble countertops come in an array of colors with varying patterns and veining. Each marble slab is unique and can add richness and beauty to any kitchen or bathroom.

Although the overall price of marble can vary depending on the type, color, and thickness, marble countertops are typically less expensive than quartz, granite, or other natural stone options.

The presence of marble countertops will increase the value of your home. Marble countertops and backsplashes have an almost 75 percent return on investment.

Since marble is a porous stone, it requires additional sealing and treatment to resist etching and staining. Once treated, marble countertops are easy to maintain with a mild cleanser and a soft cloth. It’s recommended to wipe dark-colored liquids like balsamic vinegar or red wine immediately to prevent staining.

Since marble weighs approximately 18 pounds per square foot, a large slab used for a countertop could weigh close to 550 pounds. Attempting to lift and maneuver it with the help of a few friends as a DIY project would be very difficult without the right equipment and experience. If the marble is dropped or bumped, the cost of replacing it would exceed any type of savings of installing the countertops on your own. An experienced professional knows the ins and outs of installing marble countertops and avoiding cracks or stress fractures. Those with experience installing marble countertops can save money on labor costs, but the rest of us should leave this project to the professionals.

Marble countertop costs can be high, and the additional fees associated with the project can quickly add up. One way to save money on marble countertops is to install the cheapest marble you can find, but there are other ways to save without compromising the quality and the options you want.

Beautiful marble countertops are just a click awayHire a pro to build your dream kitchen. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from countertop installation experts near you. Find a Pro +

Asking the right questions about marble countertop costs can minimize miscommunication and save money. Here are some questions to ask a marble countertop professional.

Deciding on marble countertops while staying within your budget can be a daunting process. Here are some frequently asked questions about marble countertop costs to help guide you in your decisions.

The most expensive type of marble is typically Calacatta marble. It sells for approximately $180 per square foot.

Prices of granite, quartz, and marble can vary according to quality, thickness, and color, but marble is usually the cheaper of the three materials. Marble installation costs around $3,000, granite installation averages $3,500, and quartz installation runs approximately $8,000.

Marble is a naturally occurring stone that is quarried and then modified to fit the measurements of a kitchen or bathroom. Engineered stone is made of resin and quartz, and the solid surface consists of pigments, resins, and minerals to create a stone-like surface.

The best type of marble for kitchen and bathroom countertops is cultured marble. While not a naturally occurring stone, cultured marble is nonporous, which is stain resistant and will not harbor bacterial growth.

Upgrading flooring, countertops, and backsplashes to marble can increase the overall return on investment to almost 75 percent.

Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.