A countertop made of marble is less durable than many of its natural stone counterparts, is less resistant to stains and scratches and is more costly on average to get installed.
So why would anybody ever consider putting marble countertops like these in the kitchen? The answer is simple - it has a distinctive look of its own and for this reason many consider the cost to be well worth it.
The Cost
The price of your new counter will depend on a lot of different factors. If you plan on buying from a retailer, for instance, it’s going to cost you a lot more than it would to directly deal with a stone quarry.
This means that location also plays a large role in the marble countertops cost. If you don’t live close to a quarry, you’ll have no option other than to deal with a retailer and will have to pay more. You may also have higher shipping charges to deal with, based on your location.
In most cases you’ll be paying according to the price per square foot. The cost can range anywhere from $50 to $250 or more per square foot and is a lot higher than the average price of $80 that you would expect to pay for granite.
Estimating the price
In order to get a general idea of how much it would cost to get a marble top installed, measure your kitchen counter and then multiply the amount by $100. This will give you a rough idea of the price. Of course, there will be a lot of other factors to take into account as part of your equation.
Usually this price will include the following products and services:
- Materials
- Installation
- Templating
- Sink cut-outs
- Holes for the faucets
- Stove cut-outs
If you need any other type of additional features, you’ll have to be prepared to pay extra for them.
Value for the money
When you’re looking at the value for the money, there are other things to consider as well such as:
The company guarantee - Find out more about the guarantee on materials and installation before signing a contract. Additional services available - If you need extras you’ll want to deal with one company that can supply them all. If you have to work with different contractors on the same project, things can get complicated especially if something goes wrong.
If timing is a concern - Ask the company you’re dealing with how long you’ll have to wait for the delivery of your stone and how soon afterwards it can be installed. Also, find out what the company policy is if you have made a deposit or paid in full up front and there is a delay.
Learn more about the retailer - Take a look on the Internet to find out everything you can about the retailer you’re dealing with. Nowadays, you can look through reviews online that have been provided by customers. You’re investing a lot into your new countertop so you’ll need to be sure that you’re dealing with a reputable company.
The high price tag of marble
It comes with a high price and does not offer the durability that you would expect in a high-end countertop purchase. Most people that are exploring their options won’t end up installing it in their kitchen but may still consider it as a viable choice for a bathroom vanity.
If you are a diehard lover of marble countertops (here is why so many people are) and would like to have it displayed in your kitchen, one thing that you may want to consider is installing it only on an island. This will reduce the costs involved and will still give you the opportunity to enjoy its beauty in an area that receives less wear and tear.
You may also want to install a separate marble baking center on your countertop. Many bakers consider it to be the perfect platform for preparing baked goods due to its consistent cool temperature and resistance to heat.
In order to maintain a new marble countertop, you’re going to have to be dedicated to it. For most people, the maintenance isn’t worth the effort and instead look at other material options including quartz, granite, soapstone, stainless steel etc that are more functional in the long run.
Getting The Best Price
To get the lowest possible price on a new countertop you’re going to have to deal with multiple contractors. You’ll want to get 3 quotes at a minimum to make sure that nobody is trying to fleece you.
But getting contractors to call you back with a price is a time consuming and often disappointing process because they are often too busy to even return your call. Half of the ones that do call back decide that they aren’t even interested in your job so they don’t show up to the appointment. It’s maddening!
We felt compelled to make this process easier for you and that’s why we teamed up with a company that delivers home improvement specialists to you that actually appreciate their clients. Fill in the form below with your general project information and you’ll be matched with top notch pros in your neighborhood.
You probably have a copy of the yellow pages handy. You can crack that open and hope that someone actually picks up the phone when you call. Or you can fill out the two step form below with some basic information about your remodel to have quality pros contact you.
Updated: April 1, 2014
