For years, marble has been associated with luxury and elegance, making it a sought-after choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. However, the misconception that marble is expensive often deters budget-conscious homeowners from even considering it. Well, this fact is not completely reasonless – any natural stone for interior design does carry a prestigious connotation, after all – but fortunately, cheap marble countertops do exist in their own right.
In this article, we will explore the world of what is considered cheap marble slabs, shedding light on some accessible options and alternative products, as well as a brief cost-benefit analysis of what makes marble a valuable long-term investment.
Click here for our complete guide on marble countertops.
Understanding cheap marble countertops
Marble’s timeless beauty and classic charm have contributed to its reputation as a symbol of opulence among American households. The perceived luxury of this natural stone – which has been used for centuries by this point – often results in higher price tags for countertops, which also have their manufacturing process to account for.
You see, marble stones are widely available in nature, but that doesn’t nullify the rarity behind their metamorphic formation. On top of that, they must be quarried by professional labor, taking special machinery and meticulous workmanship to arrive in our houses. This may give you the whole picture behind the initial cost.
But let’s set these factors aside for a minute. Regardless of the slab you choose, investing in marble countertops offers several long-term benefits in the long run, hence their ever-growing popularity. Check out some selling points below:
- Aesthetics and resale value: Marble elevates the aesthetics of any space, imparting a luxurious and sophisticated feel to the eye and touch. Homes with marble countertops often enjoy higher resale values, making it a sound investment.
- Durability: As a porous natural stone, marble requires regular cleaning and sealing to prevent stains, scratches, and etching. However, despite its maintenance requirements, marble is a durable and resilient material that can stand the test of time. With proper care, it keeps its beauty for generations.
- Timeless elegance: Marble’s timeless appeal ensures it never goes out of style, making it a reliable choice for homeowners seeking enduring and classic designs.
Read as well: Marble Countertop Repair – A Complete Guide
Types of cheap marble countertops
So, with that said, you may be wondering if cheap marble countertops really are a possibility. Contrary to popular belief, there are some affordable options available on the market, including:
Carrara Marble
Carrara marble, quarried in the Carrara region of Italy, is one of the most popular and affordable choices for marble countertops. It features a soft white background with subtle gray veining, creating a timeless and elegant look. Due to its widespread availability and accessibility, this is a favored option for homeowners seeking a classic aesthetic without a hefty price tag.
The average price of Carrara marble countertops ranges from $50 to $90 per square foot.
Calacatta Marble
Hailing from the same Italian region as Carrara marble, Calacatta marble boasts a more luxurious appearance, showcasing bolder and more pronounced veining, often in shades of gold and gray on a white background. While slightly more expensive than Carrara marble, this one remains within a reasonable price range for those looking to add a touch of opulence to their spaces.
The average price of Calacatta marble countertops varies from $100 to $200 per square foot.
Makrana Marble
Originating from the Makrana region in India, Makrana marble is known for its white color and subtle veining. It offers a classic and timeless look similar to Carrara marble – albeit at a more budget-friendly cost – and is an excellent choice for homeowners who desire the elegance of marble without breaking the bank.
The average price of Makrana marble countertops typically falls between $40 to $80 per square foot.
More budget-friendly alternatives when it comes to countertops
If you haven’t yet been convinced, that’s fine. Perhaps marble is not the right choice for your needs – but if you want a similar look without the high price tag, there are three popular alternatives you can consider.
The first is cultured marble. This is a composite material made from crushed marble mixed with resins that replicate the natural beauty of marble while being more budget-friendly and easier to maintain. Read all about cultured marble here.
On the other hand, granite stones are also known for their durability and unique appearance, providing an attractive and cost-effective alternative to marble. Granite is just as valuable as other natural stones, and as experts in the industry ourselves, we can assure you its benefits live up to marble in their own way.
And in case you want to go even further, quartzite countertops are also a viable option. Depending on the model, they even feature the white, sleek look of traditional marble, matching almost any home aesthetic you can think of.
To give you a concrete idea of price comparison, we’ve provided the following board:
| Granite | $35 to $75 per square foot |
| Marble | $40 to $100 per square foot |
| Quartzite | $60 to $100 per square foot |
Contact Eagle Stones today for high-end marble, granite, and quartzite countertops!
So, have we helped you on this mission? In case you need further guidance on natural stone countertops, hiring professionals to lend you a hand is the go-to option.
At Eagle Stones, located in Sarasota, FL, we have been providing our clients with high-end supply, installation, and maintenance services for over a decade, embracing a catalog of imported slabs from all over the world. If you live near us, don’t hesitate to contact our office and get a free quote of your own today!
We’ll be waiting for you.
