Marble is a very varied stone that comes in several colors, grades 1, and thicknesses. These stones are natural and quarried from the ground in varying quantities. If a marble is rare, fragile, or difficult to quarry and fabricate, it will have higher costs than marbles that are more readily available or easier to work with. This means that marble can have a cost range between $40 and $200 a square foot, depending on which you choose. There are additional factors that can influence your costs as well, such as edge treatments, cutouts, and increased thicknesses. Because it is cut to order for your home, your exact costs will depend on the stone you choose, as well as your specifications.
| Countertop Size | Average Cost Range (Installed) |
|---|
| 10 sq.ft. | $400 - $2,000 |
| 20 sq.ft. | $800 - $4,000 |
| 30 sq.ft. | $1,200 - $6,000 |
| 40 sq.ft. | $1,600 - $8,000 |
Marble Countertops Cost by Location
Marble countertops make beautiful additions to many areas of the home. The three most common places to install them are in the kitchen, mudroom, and bathroom. Marble does better in bathrooms than in kitchens from a maintenance and long-term appearance standpoint. It can work well in some mudrooms as well, although this will depend on how you plan on using it there. Some things like road salt that may be brought into a mudroom can harm the countertop surface. It can also stain and etch easily if it comes in contact with liquids containing acids such as lemon juice, tomato sauce, or wine, so care should be taken in the kitchen and mudroom to ensure that the material maintains its appearance. Below are the average costs to install a marble countertop in each of these locations, based on the average sizes used in these areas.
| Location | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Bathroom | $360 - $2,400 |
| Mudroom | $420 - $2,400 |
| Kitchen | $1,800 - $8,000 |
Bathroom Marble Countertops Cost
The cost of a marble countertop for the bathroom is between $360 and $2,400 on average. Most bathroom countertops range between 6 and 12 square feet in size. However, it is possible to have countertops that are smaller or larger. In either of these cases, your costs can differ. It is very common in the bathroom to use not only marble on the countertop, but to use the same type for door and shower thresholds, as well as to use it for a tub deck if applicable. It holds up well in the bathroom, as long as it is well sealed. Sealing helps impede staining, so that it can maintain its appearance longer.
Mudroom Marble Countertops Price
The average cost to install marble countertops in a mudroom is $420 to $2,400. This assumes a mudroom countertop of between 42” and 72” in length. If your countertop is larger or smaller in size, your costs could vary. It is much less common in mudrooms than it is in bathrooms or kitchens. Because it can be harder to maintain, and mudrooms tend to be areas that see a lot of traffic, use, and dirt, marble may not always be the best choice for the area. If you choose to use this material in this area, seal it well, and consider adding protection in the form of mats to its surface to hold muddy belongings so that it does not stain.
Kitchen Marble Countertops Cost
The average cost of marble countertops for the kitchen is between $1,800 and $8,000. Most kitchens have countertops that average 30 sq.ft. in size, although up to 40 sq.ft. can also be fairly common. It is possible to have small galley kitchens or larger kitchens that also require matching island countertops. In these cases, your costs could be different. It makes a beautiful addition to the kitchen, and is ideal for use in pastry kitchens. It can stain easily, however, and can also etch and discolor over time. Sealing the stone can help protect it from these issues.
Marble Countertop Costs by Type
Marble comes in an incredibly wide range of colors and vein patterns. Even within a single quarry, it is possible to get wildly different stones. They are often grouped according to where in the quarry they came from and certain characteristics that they have in common. For example, Bianco Carrara is one of the most common types, coming from the Carrara, Italy quarry. Turkish Carrara has similar colors, which is where its name comes from.
Every fabricator also has the right to relabel their stones when selling, which causes some confusion. You may find Carrara listed as Bianco Carrara, Carrara White, Italian Carrara, or simply Carrara Marble, so when comparing costs, be aware that one stone may have many names.
The following are the average costs of some of the more popular marbles for countertops:
| Type | Average Cost per Sq.Ft. (Material Only) |
|---|
| Bianco Carrara | $40 - $60 |
| Botticino | $40 - $60 |
| Bardiglio | $50 - $70 |
| Danby (Vermont) | $60 - $80 |
| Bianco Statuario | $60 - $80 |
| Emperador Light | $70 - $90 |
| Nero Marquina | $70 - $90 |
| Bianco Venatino | $80 - $100 |
| Calacatta | $180 - $200 |
| Breccia Oniciata | $180 - $200 |
Bianco Carrara Marble Cost
The average cost of Bianco Carrara is $40 to $60 a square foot for the material. This is one of the most common and popular marbles in the world. It is technically classified as a white marble, but most Carrara slabs are a very light, soft gray with softer, diffuse gray veining. This type is so common it is found in a wide range of thicknesses, including 2 and 3 inches, which is rare for other types. Carrara contains a significant amount of iron. Because of this, it is not uncommon for the marble to show rust stains as it ages.
Botticino Marble Cost
The average cost of Botticino is $40 to $60 a square foot for the material. If you want a neutral marble countertop, Botticino is the choice you are looking for. This is a soft, taupe-colored marble with a white, marshmallow vein. This is a fairly common type as well, available in a range of slab sizes. If Botticino is cross-cut, meaning cut against its veining, it becomes known as a “flower pattern,” with small distinct markings rather than veins. This is one of the few stones cut this way, giving it a unique appearance.
Bardiglio Marble Cost
The cost of Bardiglio is $50 to $70 a square foot. Bardiglio is the mirror image of Carrara. It is a very soft, deep gray with a lighter, diffuse white and light gray vein. It is less common than the others but makes a beautiful accent when paired with Carrara. Use it on an island with a Carrara perimeter for a stunning combination. Unlike Carrara, Bardiglio does not contain iron and will not develop rust stains in the same way.
Danby Marble Cost
Danby costs $60 to $80 a square foot on average. Danby is one of the few stones quarried in the United States. Vermont Danby is a white stone with dark gray and sometimes gold veins. The veins tend to run straighter in Danby than they do in other types. Danby is considered a more eco-friendly choice because it does not need to be shipped across the ocean. Despite this, it can be harder to find in some areas than more popular Italian stones.
Bianco Statuario Cost
Bianco Statuario costs $60 to $80 a square foot on average. Bianco Statuario is a white marble for those who want a true white background. It is a brighter stone than Carrara with a thicker, more prominent vein. Statuario has wild swirls of gray with the occasional hint of brown or gold in its veining. This material is less likely to develop rust stains than Carrara. However, if it is struck or impacted in any way, it can develop stun marks or white “bruises” on its surface.
Emperador Light Marble Cost
The average cost of Emperador Light is $70 to $90 a square foot. The Emperador marbles are a group of brown marbles, with Emperador Light being the lightest of the three. It has a color that ranges from tan to light brown to light gold, with white and sometimes darker brown veins. This stone tends to be thin and may require the edge to be built up. Emperador can also be fragile and may have natural fissures or holes, which are not considered defects in the stone. These will be filled with a type of epoxy 2.
Nero Marquina Marble Cost
Nero Marquina costs $70 to $90 a square foot on average. Nero Marquina is a black marble with a bright white vein. The vein ranges from very thin and nearly invisible to thick and very prominent. The background color is always a very true, deep black. Nero Marquina makes a beautiful accent choice for islands and does well in otherwise white kitchens.
Bianco Venatino Marble Cost
The average cost of Bianco Venatino is $80 to $100 a square foot. Bianco Venatino is a very bright white marble with a prominent gray vein. The veining may be thin or thick, but it is almost always a true, dark gray with little to no brown or gold in the mix. This stone does not tend to rust or discolor over time. It can develop stun marks if it receives a hard impact, however. Once the stone stuns, these marks cannot be removed, so care should be taken with heavy cookware.
Calacatta Marble Cost
The average cost of Calacatta marble is $180 to $200 a square foot. Calacatta is a unique white stone that has a bright white background but features nearly equal amounts of gold and gray veining, depending on the piece. The veins can be small and thin or very thick and dramatic, and Calacatta is sometimes further classified by the amount of color. Calacatta Gold is a subset for those pieces that have more gold color. Calacatta Pink is another variation with a soft pink tone to the background.
Breccia Oniciata Marble Cost
The average cost of Breccia Oniciata is $180 to $200 a square foot. If you are looking for a true pink marble, consider Breccia Oniciata. While Breccias are not true marbles, they are metamorphic stones that hold up better in the kitchen than true marble does. Breccia Oniciata is a rich, colorful stone that comes in all shades of pink, ranging from oranges to browns in shades, with many true pink hues in the middle. Breccias tend to be very dramatic, with lots of color and movement.
Marble Countertop Edge Options
Like any slab countertop, marble may be given various edge treatments. The most common is the eased edge, which is usually included in your base cost for the stone. If you want a more decorative edge, there is often an additional cost per linear foot. Most of them come in 3 cm thicknesses, which is the same as granite and allows for most edges. However, some are only available in 2 cm thicknesses, which makes it more difficult to produce some edges. For these, the edge may need to be “built” or have a second piece of marble attached to the underside of the edge, and then the entire edge is carved together. This is also known as a “laminated” edge. There is an additional cost for a built edge:
| Edge | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|
| Square | No Additional Cost |
| Eased | No Additional Cost |
| Half Bullnose | $10 - $12 |
| Full Bullnose | $10 - $12 |
| Bevel | $10 - $12 |
| Ogee | $20 - $25 |
| Dupont | $20 - $25 |
| Miter | $20 - $25 |
| Quirk | $20 - $25 |
| French Cove | $30 - $35 |
| Built | $36 - $40 |
| Double Bevel (Built Edge) | $36 - $40 |
| Dupont Square (Built Edge) | $36 - $40 |
| Cole Smith (Built Edge) | $36 - $40 |
Square Edge
A square edge is just what it sounds like - a completely sharp, square corner. This is not a common edge, as the corner is very sharp, but some people like them in modern kitchens. There is generally no additional charge for this edge.
Eased Edge
The eased edge is the most common edge style. It resembles the square, but with the top corner taken down slightly so that it is not sharp. Most fabricators include this edge at no additional cost to the countertop.
Half Bullnose Edge
The half bullnose or demi bullnose has a rounded top with a square bottom. This edge must be at least 3 cm in thickness to accomplish. It costs between $10 and $12 per linear foot if no building is done.
Full Bullnose Edge
A full bullnose is rounded on the top and bottom edges. The edge must be at least 3 cm in thickness to accomplish this. The price ranges between $10 and $12 per linear foot if no building is done.
Bevel Edge
The bevel is a very contemporary edge, where the top section is beveled off at an angle. The bevel can be done at many different angles to create different effects. It costs between $10 and $12 per linear foot.
Ogee Edge
The ogee edge is one of the more decorative edges. It has a sharp top and then extends down into a long curve. It must be at least 3 cm in thickness and looks good on built edges. The ogee edge has prices ranging from $20 to $25 per linear foot if not built.
Dupont Edge
The Dupont and ogee edges look very similar. The Dupont has a shorter, straighter top before its curve. It must also be at least 3 cm in thickness and looks good on built edges. It costs between $20 and $25 per linear foot if not built.
Miter Edge
A mitered edge cuts up from the bottom at a sharp angle. It is a very contemporary edge that looks best on thick edges and countertops. Average costs range between $20 and $25 per linear foot if not built up.
Quirk Edge
The quirk is an uncommon edge that has a single step down from the top of the counter. It looks best in transitional spaces. It costs between $20 and $25 per linear foot.
French Cove Edge
The French Cove is a very decorative edge that has a wide curve between two sharp angles. This is a very formal edge that looks best in small spaces like islands. This edge costs around $30 to $35 per linear foot on average.
Built or Laminated Edge
If your counter is too thin for the edge or you want to create a substantial edge, your countertop needs a built or laminated edge to make the edge look thicker. Any edge can be done on a built edge, but this increases the cost of the edge to $36 - $40 per linear foot in total.
Double Bevel Edge
The double bevel can only be done on built edges or rare 4-cm or 5-cm countertops. It features a sharp bevel on both the top and bottom of the edge. It costs between $36 and $40 per linear foot.
Dupont Square Edge
The Dupont square is a normal Dupont edge with a second laminated piece squared off below. It is a very dramatic looking edge and costs between $36 and $40 per linear foot on average.
Cole Smith Edge
Cole Smith is an elaborate edge done on a built countertop. It features two sharp angles, a full bullnose in the middle, and a dropped curve beneath. It costs between $36 and $40 per linear foot.
Marble Countertop Prices by Finish
Like other stone counters, marble comes in a few finishes. Not every fabricator produces every finish, and not every stone is suitable for every finish. Some have only one option, while others have every available finish. All countertops are available in a polished finish. This finish has no additional costs for the material or its fabrication. The next most common finish is honing, which gives it a smooth matte surface. Other finishes may include leathering and caressing, although these may be dependent on the fabricator and the strength of the stone. Below are the average costs for adding a finish to your marble. Keep in mind that these costs are in addition to your other costs for labor and material.
| Finish | Cost per Sq.Ft. |
|---|
| Polished | No Additional Cost |
| Honed | $10 - $20 |
| Leathered | $20 - $30 |
| Caressed | $30 - $35 |
Polished Marble Countertops
Polished countertops have no additional cost beyond labor and material. All marbles come with a polished finish standard. This is a glossy, reflective surface that is achieved by grinding and polishing the surface of the stone. Polished surfaces reflect small “imperfections” in the stone, such as pits or fissures. They are not only the most common but also are the only finish available for some softer marbles. However, a polished finish will readily show dust, debris, and wear more than all other finish types.
Honed Marble Kitchen Countertops
The cost to hone your marble is $10 to $20 per square foot. This cost is in addition to the material and labor costs of fabricating and installing your stone. A honed finish can usually be achieved on most marbles as well. Honing produces a flat finish for the marble and comes in different “grades.” A high hone has a light sheen to it, just below polished marble. A high-honed finish will show wear faster than a rough honed surface with more texture. Not every fabricator will hone a stone.
Both polished and honed marble will show dull marks from etching, but a honed finish will hide those spots better than a polished finish. However, etch marks can be repaired with simple DIY products and procedures on both polished and honed finishes.
Leathered Marble Countertop
The cost of a leathered marble countertop is $20 to $30 a square foot. This cost is in addition to the cost of the material and the labor to fabricate and install your countertop. Some can also be “leathered,” where a diamond-tipped brush is rotated over the surface at high speeds. It breaks away the softer, weaker particles of stone so that the finish will have high and low spots as well as an uneven surface texture. It is a beautiful finish if the stone is strong enough to withstand it, but not all types can handle this process without crumbling. Leathering enhances the stone’s color like polishing does, but it will not have a reflective surface. If you find a fabricator who will leather your stone (not all will) and you find a stone strong enough to hold up to the process, leathered marble can hide etch marks longer than any other finish.
Caressed Marble Countertop
The cost to have a caressed finish on your marble countertop is $30 to $35 a square foot for the finish. This cost is in addition to the cost of the material and the cost of the labor to fabricate and install. If yours is leatherable, you have the option to caress the leathered finish. This means hitting the highest areas on the marble with a fine polish so that you have a slightly more glossy finish with the texture of leathering. This is a very uncommon finish and not available at all fabricators.
Marble Countertop Installation Costs
The cost of your marble counter installation is influenced by several things, including how many cutouts are required for sinks and cooktops, the configuration of the cabinets, how thick your slab is, and how many pieces are needed to cover the cabinets. Keep in mind that the slabs are usually smaller than granite slabs, which means more pieces.
Cutouts cost roughly $100 each, and at least one is needed for your sink. Installation usually runs about $30 per square foot, so if you have a Carrara marble counter, it will cost $40 for the materials per foot and $20 for the installation, plus cutout fees. This totals $60 per square foot plus additional charges for cutouts and potential edging. For a 30-square-foot countertop, installation costs are around $900, material costs are about $1,500, plus the cutout and edge fees for a total of $3,050 on average.
Marble Countertop Thickness
Most marble countertops are available in either 2 cm or 3 cm thicknesses, with a few being available in both. 3 cm is the standard thickness for a kitchen counter, but 2 cm is usable if you back the material with plywood 3 or a cement backer board for support. A few common marbles like Carrara come in sizes up to 5 cm thick. It is more common to use a 2 cm or 3 cm counter and build up its edge so that it looks thicker than it is. Using a countertop thicker than this means difficulty with faucet installation because the stems will need extensions to fit through the thicker stone.
Marble Countertop Durability
Marble is a metamorphic stone, meaning that it is harder and more durable than sedimentary stones like limestone or travertine, but softer and more prone to fissures and other issues than igneous stones like granite.
The important thing to remember about this material is that it will etch and stun. It is not a question of if, it is a question of when. Etching occurs when the weaker particles of the stone dissolve in contact with acids, such as lemon juice or tomato. This leaves a dull spot on the counter. Stunning occurs when the material is hit with an impact, such as a dropped pot. White marble is the most susceptible to stunning, which is considered a permanent “bruise” to the stone. You cannot remove a stun mark once it happens, but refinishing removes the etching.
Sharp knives scratch marble, so cutting boards are recommended. Some types like Carrara contain other minerals. Carrara contains iron, so when it comes in prolonged contact with water and the iron is close enough to the surface, the marble may show signs of rust.
All marble may develop small pits or fissures. These are not defects but are part of the natural stone. Honing the marble makes them more obvious.
This material is also porous, meaning it absorbs moisture and, therefore, stains. Sealing it is recommended to impede staining.
Cost to Replace Marble Countertop
If you are replacing your marble countertops, you will have all of the same costs as a new installation. You may have additional costs for the removal and disposal of your existing countertop. Some fabricators and installers will remove your old countertop for no charge. Others may charge between $100 and $300 for removing and disposing of an older countertop. These fees may depend on the type of stone and its condition; if it could be refurbished your installer may give you a discount on the removal fee. This makes the average cost to replace a 30sq.ft. Bianco Carrara countertop between $3,150 and $3,350 on average.
Green Marble
Green marble is not a true marble, but a mixture of calcite and serpentine, which gives it its color. Examples include Verde Luna, Verde Mare, and Ming Green. It is much harder and more durable than other marbles, and it makes a nice choice for kitchen counters because it is less likely to etch, scratch, or stain. However, some will etch just as easily as other marble colors, but, since green marble (serpentine) is harder than typical marble, it is more difficult to repair etch marks with DIY procedures. Usually, professional repair is required.
Serpentine can also react badly with prolonged contact with water, causing the surface of the stone to spall, which means to scale or flake, a little like a snake skin. Green marble should be kept well sealed with a silicone-based impregnator, and any spills should be wiped up immediately to avoid spalling.
Marble Countertop Cost Factors
Marble countertops have many cost factors. The first is the grading of the stone. All stones are graded A through D, with grade A stones costing more than grades B through D of the same color stone. Premium Cararra costs more than standard Carrara, for example, but has a brighter white background.
The distance your marble must travel, the complexity of the project, how many unique cuts, angles, and cutouts your marble needs, and whether you include a 4-inch backsplash all factor into your total cost. Most fabricators remove an old countertop for a fee as well, usually around $100. In addition, how you finish and edge your stone also impacts the cost of the project tremendously. A polished marble counter with an eased edge costs significantly less than a honed counter with a beveled edge even if the same stone is used and all other factors remain the same.
Pros and Cons
These counters are truly beautiful, one-of-a-kind natural materials that do not look or feel like anything else. They are very smooth and great for baking and rolling out doughs, and their appearance is unrivaled by other materials in terms of veining, color, and uniqueness.
However, they are a lot of work, and even if you maintain them religiously, they will stain, etch, stun, and age. This is known as the stone developing its patina 4, and an aged marble that shows wear and love is just as beautiful as a new marble. It has a very different look, however. Be prepared to seal, clean, and care for your marble carefully, while expecting dull spots, stains, scratches, and wear to occur over time as well. This is the sign of a well-loved and well-used kitchen, but it will not look like a magazine photo for long. It is common for a new counter to begin showing signs of wear in weeks to months after installation, and anyone who opts for one needs to both expect and embrace this to be truly satisfied with the purchase.
Cost to Refinish a Marble Countertop
Marble counters age, but refinishing them restores their polish and removes some of the surface staining. This is done by grinding down the surface of the counter and repolishing it so that it has the same level of surface sheen. It will not remove deep stains or stun marks. Costs range depending on the counter size and the level of wear, but refinishing is much less expensive than replacing the counter. Expect costs between $500 and $1,200, depending on the marble and finish.
Marble Tile vs Slab Prices
Marble is available in both slab and tile forms, with tiles coming in several sizes from mosaic up to 24 inches. They have thicknesses ranging from ⅜-inch to ½-inch, and many popular marbles come in several shapes and finishes as well. For example, Bianco Carrara can be found in nearly all popular tile sizes, including 3”x6”, 4”x4”, and mosaics. The most common size and finish is the 12-inch polished marble tile, which is found in a wide range of colors.
Marble tiles are generally less expensive than slabs, although it is possible to find some very rare marbles that can only come in tile form and are just as expensive as some other slabs. Tiles do not make great countertops, however, because they have the same issues as the slab, with additional grout lines to care for. They are used on backsplashes and thinner slabs to create a uniform design.
Marble lots vary tremendously, so your slab and your tile may not be the same shade or vein type because they were likely quarried at different times. Below are the average costs for marble tiles and slabs without installation fees.
| Type | Average Cost per Sq.Ft. (Material Only) |
|---|
| Tile | $5 - $200 |
| Slab | $40 - $200 |
Marble vs Granite Countertops
Marble is just one material that is used on countertops. Granite is another natural stone that gets far more use in the kitchen because it is harder, more durable, and less likely to etch and stain. Granite and marble have very different appearances, with marble having a softer look with veins and granite having a tighter, more granular appearance. Both have a wide range of costs, and there is some overlap in the prices. It is possible to use inexpensive marble, expensive granite, or vice versa. With marble, you may need more slabs than with granite, which has the potential to raise the price. Keep in mind that when using several slabs, they may not always match perfectly or have the same color and pattern. In general, granite tends to be more costly overall, possibly due to the thicker slabs that are available.
Below are the average costs for 30 sq.ft. of marble and granite countertops installed.
| Type | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Marble | $2,000 - $7,000 |
| Granite | $2,500 - $5,000 |
Marble vs Quartz Countertops
For those who like the look of marble but do not want the care, there are also quartz countertops. Quartz is a manmade material consisting of 93% quartz stone mixed with resin. It can be made to look like marble or granite but does not scratch, etch, or stain, meaning it does not require as much care. Quartz costs are lower than granite and are often more consistent without the extreme highs and lows.
If you love the look of white marble but do not want the ongoing maintenance, quartz can be a good choice. Quartz is available in a wide range of different white “marble” styles, finishes, and colors. It does not rust or stun and does not require sealing, while marble does.
In general, quartz is also less costly than marble. Below are the average costs for 30 sq.ft. of both materials fully installed.
| Type | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|
| Quartz | $1,750 - $3,000 |
| Marble | $2,000 - $7,000 |
Marble vs Quartzite
Many stones on the market labeled marble are actually quartzites - a type of metamorphic stone that is made mostly of quartz. It often has veins like marble and looks closer to marble than granite but outperforms both in terms of durability. Examples of quartzites that are frequently sold as marbles include Thassos, Ajax, Azul Celeste, and Azul Macauba. Quartzites are more expensive than marbles. They are also thicker, with slabs averaging 3 cm, rather than the more common 2 cm for marble. Quartzite is finished like marble but does not etch or stain nearly as much, so a pure white quartzite like Thassos or a white and gray quartzite like Ajax will outperform a white marble like Carrara or Calacatta over time. Quartzite should still be sealed to help impede staining. However, it is unlikely to discolor, rust, or stun like marble.
The way to identify a quartzite is to look at the stone under light. Quartzite appears “glittery” or like it is made of polished grains of sugar or sand, while marble appears smoother without visible particles.
Below are the average costs to install 30 sq.ft. of both materials.
| Type | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|
| Marble | $2,000 - $7,000 |
| Quartzite | $3,600 - $4,950 |
Maintenance
All marble countertops need a lot of maintenance. They must be sealed with an impregnating sealer to help impede staining. They need to be washed with a pH-neutral cleaner, ideally one made for stone, and any spills need to be wiped up immediately. They should not be used as a cutting surface because this can cause scratches, and care should be taken not to bang pots on them to avoid stunning.
How Often Do You Need to Seal Marble Countertops?
Every stone is different in terms of how porous it is. So while marble should be sealed regularly, how regularly will vary. When you get your stone, perform the acid and water test. Get a sample of your stone, or use the cutout left over from your sink. Seal one side of it, and leave the other side bare.
Pour a small amount of water and a small amount of lemon juice onto each side and wait one hour. Wipe away the lemon and water and examine the stone. Very porous stone will darken where the water sat. The darker the stain, the more porous the stone. You should notice that the sealed side is less dark. If it is nearly as dark, you need a thicker sealant, and you need to apply it more often. If the area is barely darkened, then the sealant is good, and it should be used less frequently. The lemon juice leaves a dull spot on your stone. You may notice that the sealed side is less dull. This is because sealants give you time to wipe up spills. They only impede staining, but they do not prevent it. Sealing your stone provides you with room to clean things up in a timely way without needing to watch the counter at all times.
A good rule of thumb is to watch your stone. When you notice that water is no longer beading up off of it, it is time to reseal. Likewise, if you notice that it is darkening when you clean it more, it is time to reseal. Count on sealing at least once yearly, but you may need to do so more often for more porous stones.
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Removing the Old Counter
If you are only replacing your countertop and not redoing the kitchen, your old counter needs to be removed and disposed of. Most installers do this for a fee, usually of around $100, although some do it for no charge.
Backsplash Installation
It is possible to have a 4-inch backsplash 5 made of the same slab material as your counter. This has an added cost of around $600 on average. If desired, however, having a new countertop installed is also a good time to have another type of backsplash installed as well. The average backsplash has a cost of $900 - $2,500.
Sink Installation
Every sink you add to your counter increases the cost by $100. This is the cost of the cutout and the preliminary installation of the sink, not the plumbing hook up. At the time of the countertop installation, the fabricator will attach the sink to the marble. After 24 hours have passed, your plumber can come and hook it up along with the faucet.
Cooktop Installation
If you have a cooktop rather than a range, you also have an additional cost of $100 for this cutout. The cost of the cooktop itself as well as its installation are around $500 to $1,000. You will need the cooktop on hand when the templating is done for the countertop to make sure it fits properly..
Stain Preventative Treatment
Nothing prevents stains on your marble, but good sealing helps impede them. Have your counter sealed at install, which increases costs by another $100 - $200, depending on the type of sealer and length of time it takes to apply.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Resale value. Marble countertops do not increase home value. However, luxury kitchens increase your home’s value, and this material is considered a part of a luxury kitchen.
- Repairs. It is very common for minor damage to happen to a marble countertop. You may be able to address some small repairs yourself using a marble repair kit from your hardware store. It costs around $60 on average.
- Marble nature. Make sure you understand marble and its nature before you invest. It will age, and this is part of its beauty. If you worry about the stone and having it keeps you from enjoying your kitchen, consider a quartz or quartzite counter instead.
- Laminate countertops. New technology has made laminate countertops have the look of marble for a much lower cost, with often better durability. It is not exactly the same but maybe a good choice for those worried about the maintenance.
- Natural stone. Remember that it is a natural stone, so when buying it, always pick out the exact slab that you want. You may not find that one again if you look elsewhere.
FAQs
- Are marble countertops cheaper than granite?
Both marble and granite have a range of costs. It is possible to find stones of each that are more or less expensive than one another.
- How much do marble countertops cost?
Marble has a wide range of costs, with most costing between $2,000 and $7,000 on average.
- Which lasts longer: granite or marble?
With care, they will last an equal amount of time. However, granite will show less wear than marble.
- What color marble is the most expensive?
Tropical Blue is roughly the most expensive at $10,000 a countertop.
- Do marble countertops scratch easily?
Yes, marble is made of calcite, which is a soft material, so it will scratch easily.
- What is the most expensive type of marble?
Blue marbles like Tropical Blue tend to be the most expensive. Any Imperial stone, such as Imperial Danby or Imperial Calacatta, will also be costly.
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