Marble backsplashes can add elegance and visual interest to any kitchen. While natural stone like marble is more expensive than ceramic or glass backsplash tiles, many homeowners find it’s worth the investment for its beauty and durability. Here’s a closer look at how much a marble backsplash costs and what impacts the price.
What Impacts The Cost of A Marble Backsplash?
Several factors affect the total cost of a marble backsplash installation:
Type of Marble
- Carrara marble – Quarried in Italy, this white/gray marble with elegant veining is the most popular for backsplashes. Costs $40-$100 per square foot installed.
- Calacatta marble – Also from Italy, with dramatic gray & gold veining. Costs $70-$150 per square foot installed.
- Statuario marble – Another Italian marble in white/gray with less veining. Costs $50-$120 per square foot installed.
- Greek marble – White marble quarried in Greece. Costs $50-$100 per square foot installed.
- Colored marble – Marble also comes in shades like gray, black, green, pink, etc. Costs $50-$150 per square foot installed.
Backsplash Size
- The total square footage of your backsplash impacts total cost. Measure linear feet by height to determine square footage.
- Most backsplashes range from 15-40 square feet. A small 15 square foot backsplash in Carrara marble might cost around $600-$1500 installed.
Custom Cutting and Shaping
- Cutting marble tiles into specialty shapes (diagonals, curves, etc) costs extra.
- Hand-polishing and shaping marble mosaic tiles also adds cost.
Labor Costs
- Hiring a professional to install natural stone tiles costs $5-$10 per square foot.
- Simple grid layouts are less expensive than intricate designs.
Other Expenses
- Sealants, grout, adhesives, and backerboards add marginal costs too.
Cost Comparison of Marble vs Other Backsplash Materials
Here’s how marble backsplash costs compare to other backsplash tile materials:
- Ceramic tile – $5-$20 per square foot, installed
- Glass tile – $15-$50 per square foot installed
- Metal tile – $15-$50 per square foot installed
- Marble tile – $40-$150 per square foot installed
- Granite tile – $35-$125 per square foot installed
So you can see marble backsplash tile falls on the higher end of the backsplash material spectrum. Granite tiles offer a more affordable natural stone look.
Is Marble Worth the Investment?
Despite the higher initial price, many homeowners find marble backsplashes worthwhile for several reasons:
Aesthetic Appeal
The elegance, luxury, and visual interest marble adds to a kitchen is unparalleled. The veining patterns and colors are entirely unique.
Durability
Marble is very hard and durable. Properly sealed, it can last decades with proper care.
Ease of Maintenance
Marble is relatively easy to clean. Just use mild soap and water. Re-sealing every 1-2 years will keep it looking like new.
Value Addition
Marble backsplashes add resale value and appeal to homes. They’re seen as a high-end custom feature.
Tips for Keeping Marble Backsplash Costs Down
If your budget is tight, here are some ways to reduce the overall investment in a marble backsplash:
- Select a smaller installation area (4 feet high or less).
- Use marble mosaic tiles rather than large marble tiles.
- Opt for the most affordable marble varieties like Carrara or Greek marble.
- Install it yourself if you have tiling experience.
- Choose a simple grid layout, not a intricate design.
- Shop sales and clearance for discounted marble tile.
- Consider marble laminate or marble wallpaper for the look at a fraction of the cost.
The Bottom Line – Expect To Invest $100-$200 Per Sq Ft
In most cases, you can expect to pay in the range of $100-$200 per square foot for a professionally installed marble backsplash in your kitchen. The exact total cost depends on the type of marble, size of your backsplash, and complexity of the design and installation. With its timeless beauty and durability, a marble backsplash is a worthwhile investment for many kitchens.