The average cost for marble slab countertops is $60 per square foot but can range from $40 to $100 per square foot. Material and installation costs depend on type, grade, size, transportation and more. For example, certain types of marble are rare, and therefore their cost is higher.
In general, marble slabs are more popular than marble tiles for countertops because they look cleaner and are easier to maintaināafter all, fewer grout lines mean less scrubbing for you. Unfortunately, this additional luxury also means that marble slabs can be as much as 30% to 50% more expensive than tiles as a result.Ā Ā
Marble Countertop Price Factors
Along with the type of marble and the style in which itās cut, there are a handful of additional factors that also determine the final cost of this home addition.Ā
Edge Treatments
In addition to choosing a type of marble, you also need to select an edge treatment commonly known as a well edge detail. While the most basic edge treatmentsālike the standard "bullnose" detailādonāt usually cost extra, youāll pay between $10 and $40 for more ornate options, like beveled and French cove edges.
Labor
Unless youāre planning to DIY marble countertop installation, youāll also have to factor in the cost of hiring a pro to do it for you. The cost of countertop installation like this is usually $35 to $45 per hour and, because projects typically take around 10 hours, that means youāll pay roughly $350 to $450 for the whole service.Ā
āSince the slabs are very heavy, a crew of between two to five people will need to carry the slab during the installation,ā says Ezra Laniado, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Landmark Construction & Development Group, Inc. āDuring fabrication, they usually utilize a forklift with a special modified extension used to carry stone slabs. Because of the amount of strength, specialized tooling, and heavy machinery needed to fabricate a stone countertop, most fabricators charge by the square foot.ā
Grading
All marble is graded on a scale of A to D, with A having the least amount of blemishes or damages and D having the most. You can find out a lot about a piece of marble simply by knowing what grade it is, including how much you can expect to pay. Hereās a quick breakdown for understanding more at a glance.Ā
A: Has the least amount of flaws, little-to-no damage from shipping, subtle colors, and minimal veining. Typically costs the most.Ā
B: Contains minor flaws like pitting and fissures (or when marble appears blotchy or cracked).Ā
C: Features both minor flaws like pitting and fissures as well as major flaws like large cracks or chipping that will need to be professionally repaired.Ā Ā
D: Is somewhat or very damaged and features a lot of bright colors, dark veins, and both minor and major flaws. Usually the least expensive option.Ā
Disposal Fees/Waste Removal
The cost of removing an old countertop is another thing to consider when deciding to install a new one. Removal and disposal services can cost anywhere from $100 to $800 for this kind of project.Ā