Marble is a timeless flooring option that will add value and sophistication to any space. Installing marble flooring costs $1,915 to $5,415, with most homeowners paying $3,700 for a 250-square-foot room.
The total costs can vary depending on several factors, such as the marble’s type, color, grade, and pattern. However, marble flooring costs between $8 and $40 per square foot on average, including materials and installation.
In this pricing guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Marble Flooring Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $3,700 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,915 – $5,415 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost (40 square feet) | $300 |
| Extreme High-End Cost (400 square feet) | $10,000 |
The typical cost for marble flooring for a 250-square-foot room ranges from $1,915 to $5,415. However, suppose you select a less expensive marble like Carrara and have it installed in a 40-square-foot bathroom. In that case, you can end up paying as low as $300.
On the other hand, some types of marble are rare and, therefore, more expensive, which in addition to flooring a large room, can increase costs. For example, the prices could go as high as $10,000 if you have Onyx installed in a 400-square-foot space.
Marble Flooring Cost Estimator by Area Size
The square footage of the area can significantly influence the cost of marble flooring installation. A larger size typically requires more materials and labor, leading to a higher overall cost.
On average, marble tiles and slabs cost between $5 and $40 per square foot (materials only), but the costs can range between $8 and $40 per square foot, with materials and labor included.
You can use the table below to estimate the costs for marble installation based on the area size:
| Project Size | Average overall cost |
| 50 sq. ft. | $400 – $2,000 |
| 100 sq. ft. | $800 – $4,000 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $1,600 – $8,000 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $2,400 – $12,000 |
| 400 sq. ft. | $3,200 – $16,000 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $4,000 – $20,000 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The cost range for marble flooring installation varies greatly, from as low as $8 per square foot to as high as $40 per square foot. As such, you need to look at other cost factors when estimating your final cost:
Type
When shopping, you’ll have to choose between several different types of marble flooring. They come in various colors and patterns, making them a good choice if you want your floors to match other architectural details in your house.
The most common types of marble are:
Carrara
Carrara marble flooring, or Bianco Carrara, is a type of white marble with gray veining, which may be thin or pronounced. It’s beautiful and versatile and can be polished to look even more elegant.
Although Carrara marble flooring has many advantages, it can stain or rust when exposed to water. Installation for Carrara costs between $6 and $15 per square foot, with materials and labor included.
Crema Marfil
Crema Marfil marble flooring has a creamy beige color that may include yellow, cinnamon, or white veins. The stone can also be used as a backsplash, wall tiles, and countertops, as it is durable and can add beauty to any space.
Crema Marfil flooring installation costs between $10 and $19 per square foot, including materials and labor.
Calacatta
Calacatta marble resembles Carrara, as it is also white marble. However, Calacatta has a darker veining, which may be gray or gold. Therefore, they can be called Calacatta White or Calacatta Gold, depending on the predominant vein color.
Calacatta is an excellent choice for homeowners who want something different than plain porcelain floors, but it might not hold up as well in high-traffic areas as it is more porous. Installing Calacatta marble flooring costs between $13 and $28 per square foot.
Breccia
If you’re looking for a dramatic look that stands out, Breccia marble may be your choice. It usually has a mix of colors, with shades varying from brown, black, green, gold, or red.
Although there are a variety of Breccia tiles, they’re not available in most locations and may cost more than other marble types. Breccia marble flooring costs between $13 and $38 per square foot installed.
Emperador
Emperador marble is prized for its rich, dark color and high grain levels. It is a versatile stone that can be used in a wide range of applications, including outdoors. However, Emperador marble is very porous and can stain if not sealed properly.
Emperador marble flooring is relatively inexpensive, costing $14 to $33 per square foot, with materials and labor included.
Onyx
Onyx is known for its unique and translucent appearance, which can create a mesmerizing effect. As a result, it is a popular choice for luxury interiors, and it’s not as difficult to install as other marble types because it is lightweight.
However, like many marble types, Onyx is also porous and can easily get damaged or stained. Onyx flooring costs between $18 and $58 per square foot installed.
Color
One of the great things about marble is its wide range of colors and patterns. From classic white marble to more exotic colors like red, yellow, green, and black, there is marble tile flooring to suit any design aesthetic.
White marble is the most popular and therefore tends to be less expensive than other colors. The table below displays the average costs for the different colors of marble, not including the labor costs:
| Marble Color | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
| White | $2 – $10 |
| Green | $5 – $20 |
| Black | $10 – $20 |
| Red | $10 – $50 |
Grade
Marble can be classified into four grades: A, B, C, and D. The classification is based on the marble’s quality and color consistency. Grade A marble is the highest quality, most consistent in color, and more durable than other stones. This makes them more expensive than other grades.
However, a grade D classification for marble does not necessarily mean that the marble has poor quality. This rating can be based only on color consistency, not necessarily on the overall quality of the marble. A grade D marble may have variations in color and finish, but it can still be a durable and functional option.
As such, marble rated from B to D have a different color consistency than higher grades, but they can still be a great option for budget-conscious projects and places where color variations are an asset.
Labor
Professional flooring contractors usually charge between $3 and $8 per square foot to install marble. The costs can vary depending on the complexity of installation, marble tile size, and specific project requirements.
For example, suppose you need diagonal installation. In that case, labor costs will be higher because it is a more complex process requiring more cutting, skills, and expertise. The same goes for large tiles, which are heavier and more challenging to install.
Pattern
There are several patterns you can choose for your marble floor design. Straight sets are the most common and cost-effective, so they don’t typically cost more to install. However, installing marble in patterns like herringbone, diamond, and mosaic requires more skill, as they involve cutting and placing the tiles in a specific configuration.
Installing marble in those patterns may increase labor costs by 10% to 23%, increasing it from $3 to $7 per square foot to $3.30 to $8.60 per square foot.
In addition, more complex patterns may also require more tiles than a straight set installation, increasing the project’s cost. For example, a diamond pattern requires more cuts than a straight set, which means more waste and, therefore, more materials.
Marble Slabs
Marble slabs are large and flat marble pieces typically used for countertops and accent walls. They are cut to a specific size and thickness and can be used as a single piece, eliminating the need for seams and creating a sleek and seamless appearance.
Marble slabs are more expensive than marble tiles, as they are more difficult to source and transport. They cost between $10 and $35 per square foot.
Finish
Marble finishes refer to the surface texture and appearance of the stone. A polished finish is characterized by a high shine and smooth surface created by grinding and buffing the marble.
Other types of finishes include honed, which is more subdued and matte, and tumbled, created by tumbling the marble with small stones to give it a more aged look. Polished marble is the most popular one and, as such, the least expensive.
Here are the most common marble finishes:
- Polished
- Honed
- Tumbled
- Chiseled
- Brushed
- Flamed
- Sandblasted
Subfloor Replacement
The subfloor is the layer that will give your marble flooring stability and support. It is usually made of plywood or concrete, and its goal is to provide a smooth and level surface for the flooring materials.
It’s essential to have sturdy subfloors when installing marble flooring because marble is a hefty and dense material. A weak or uneven subfloor can cause the marble tiles to crack or become loose over time, resulting in costly repairs.
Replacing the subfloors costs between $2 and $7 per square foot.
Related Services
In addition to the marble flooring installation, a few related services can help you enhance the look and functionality of your marble flooring. In this section, we will explore some of these services and see how they can complement or be an alternative to your marble flooring.
Radiant Floor Heating
Can you imagine stepping out of a warm shower on a cold winter morning and feeling the warmth of the heated floor underneath your feet? This is possible with radiant floor heating.
This kind of heating uses water or electricity to heat the floors, which then warms the entire room through diffusion. Installing a radiant heating system before installing your marble flooring costs $1,705 to $6,020, with most homeowners paying around $3,835.
Maintenance
Marble is porous, which means that it can absorb liquids and stains, making it more susceptible to damage over time. To prevent this, it’s essential to seal the marble every year, so it keeps looking its best.
Marble sealers cost between $90 and $155 per gallon, depending on the type.
Porcelain Flooring
Porcelain is a flooring material made of clay exposed to high temperatures. Both porcelain and marble have their unique look and feel and are commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens.
Porcelain is not porous like marble and it is more durable and resistant to scratches and stains than marble. Porcelain tile installation costs around $2,180, ranging from $1,165 to $3,320 or $9 to $50 per square foot installed.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Installing marble flooring yourself is possible if you are handy or have experience installing other types of tile, as the process is very similar. However, if you don’t have the necessary equipment at home, it may not be worth the effort and cost to purchase or rent it.
Here’s what you’re going to need:
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Safety goggles | $14 |
| Work gloves | $18 |
| Level | $21 |
| Tape measure | $18 |
| Chalk line | $12 |
| Thin-set mortar | $21 |
| Notched trowel | $7 |
| Spacers | $3 |
| Wet saw | $150 (buy) $70 (rent per day) |
| Utility knife | $12 |
| Grout | $25 |
| Grout float | $12 |
| Sealant | $120 per gallon |
| Total cost: | $353 – $433 |
The materials and equipment to install marble flooring DIY range between $353 and $433, not including the marble tiles’ cost. This estimate could go even lower if you already have some of the equipment at home.
In addition, installing marble yourself can save you $3 to $8 per square foot on labor costs. Still, it is essential to note that the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Cost of Marble Flooring by Location
Marble flooring costs can vary depending on several factors, including location and demand. In general, prices tend to be higher in metropolitan areas compared to rural areas due to the higher living costs.
Additionally, most marble is imported from China, India, and Italy, so transportation fees may also be factored into the overall cost.
FAQ
With proper maintenance, marble floors can last up to 25 years or more. One of the most critical steps in maintaining marble floors is to have them sealed yearly.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid using abrasive or acidic cleaning products on the marble, as these can damage the surface and cause discoloration or dulling of the finish over time.
Marble floors can add value to a home, as natural stones are considered luxurious and high-end. In addition, they are durable and can last for many years, which can be a selling point for potential buyers.
Marble floors do not crack easily, provided they are of good quality (preferably Grade A). However, it can be susceptible to cracking under extreme circumstances, such as when a heavy object strikes it. Also, when subfloors are not entirely level, it can lead to cracking over time.
Final Thoughts
The natural beauty of marble adds a timeless and classic look that can enhance the aesthetic of any room, costing between $1,915 and $5,415. However, installing marble flooring is not an easy job. It’s best to find a flooring professional to ensure no issues arise during the installation process, and you can enjoy your new flooring for years to come.
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: yokeetod / Canva Pro / License
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