CoUnTeRtOpS

Pricing of marble countertops depends on the size of the project. Most people who want a marble countertop prefer to use marble tiles as a sheathing material for their countertop. However, those who want a solid marble countertop can have one custom-cut for their counter size, although these are very expensive.

Pricing on individual tiles

Individually, marble tiles are not expensive. Depending on the dimensions of the tile, prices on marble tiles usually range from $10 to $15 apiece. A large project such as a marble countertop or floor usually requires both large and small tiles. Large tiles are used to cover flat spaces, while smaller tiles are usually cut to cover irregular edges and corners.

Some people like to have designs and borders etched into each tile. These are usually rectangular pieces of detailed marble and can cost about $12 apiece. For a small fee, you can obtain samples of each design and tile size, so that you can see how each one will actually look in your house.

However, while marble tiles are cheaper than custom-made solid marble, covering large areas with marble tiles can cost almost as much as solid marble. The price is likely to exceed $200 for large projects, and does not include fees for the adhesive, filling, and installation. You may also want to try installing marble sheathing, but this is difficult and laborious, and doing it wrong can cause tiles to fall out and crack.

Pricing of solid marble countertops

Solid marble countertops are usually custom-made, and while it is faster to install a single large block than it is to lay out several small pieces, solid marble countertops cost more both in terms of fabrication and installation. Even small projects can cost in excess of $400, and larger, heavier marble blocks can run you over $1,000. This usually includes the cost of installation for residential pieces, but pieces for commercial residences such as hotels usually cost even more.

However, the large amount you spend on a solid marble countertop is money well spent. A solid marble countertop saves you a lot in maintenance and repair costs. Marble tiles can become dislodged and fall off when the cement or plaster moorings wear away, something you will not have to worry about with a solid block. Also, the seams and lines between each marble tile can collect moisture and promote bacteria buildup and mildew growth. Solid marble countertops are smooth and seamless, and allow no room for water to seep in and become stagnant. By contrast, tiled countertops can look like a confusing pastiche of different shades, which can be quite an eyesore.

On the other hand, you have more repair options with a tiled marble countertop. It takes a lot to break or crack a solid marble countertop, but once this happens, you only have two options: pay a steep price to replace the block, or pay for repairs that may cost just as much. Marble tiles can be replaced by the piece and cost much less.

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Marble countertops are some of the most beautiful stone countertops in the world and are also some of the most expensive because they are highly desirable additions to any home.  The stone used for marble countertops are extracted from a limited number of quarries around the world and the process for turning the stone into a viable countertop material takes precision and skill to retain the natural beauty of the stone.  Many of the properties of marble countertops increase the attraction of placing a marble countertop in the home, but the expense of purchasing and installing the countertop may price these countertops out of consideration for many homeowners.

One of the biggest benefits to choosing a marble countertop for the home is the natural beauty of the stone.  Marble is considered to be one of the most attractive building materials in the world, used throughout the ages in palaces, castles, and mansions and recently being added to the homes of average individuals.  Although the price of a marble countertop is still considered to be one of the most expensive countertop materials on the market today, the price of marble slabs have actually become more affordable in price over the years and some alternative methods have been found that can create a marble countertop for a fraction of the price of the marble slabs.

When a person is choosing a marble countertop for their home, they will have two choices of countertop types to choose from.  The first type of countertop is a countertop made out of large slabs of marble placed onto a special high-strength cabinetry foundation.  Countertops made out of marble slabs are very expensive, but are very strong and will probably last for the rest of the homeowner’s lifetime.

The second type of marble countertop that is generally chosen to be placed in a home is a countertop made out of marble tiles.  These marble tiles are glued to a countertop base, which is generally made out of concrete, using a special adhesive and covered with a thick layer of sealant to protect the marble tiles.  These countertops are less expensive because less marble is used in the construction of the countertop, but the tiles can become damaged if enough stress is placed on them and the countertop can be very expensive to repair.

Both types of marble countertops are heat resistant and can withstand the temperature of many hot items, but placing a hot item directly on the surface of the countertop can damage the sealant finish of the countertop resulting in permanent marks being burned into the layer of sealant.  The only way that this can be repaired is by stripping the layer of sealant off of the surface of the countertop and resealing the damaged area, which can cost quite a bit of money if done by a trained professional.  Marble countertops can be a lovely addition to any home, but the expense of creating, installing, and maintaining the countertop deserves careful consideration before deciding to purchase the countertop.