Marble has always been synonymous with wealth and status. From priceless statues like Michelangelo’s David and Pieta statues to architecture, marble has been used in a multitude of ways. Marble was used to construct the Taj Mahal, the Washington Monument, the Supreme Court building and parts of the Lincoln Memorial.
It is valued for its patterns, colors and veining which can differ depending on where the marble is mined.
Elegant, unique, and luxurious are just some of the descriptors for marble.
While residential applications aren’t usually as grand as the notable statues and buildings, marble has traditionally been a popular choice for home countertops and other surfaces.
Marble Types and Prices
There are many types of marble. The most widely used in homes is Carrara marble, as it has the characteristic look that homeowners crave, but at a lower cost compared to most other marble types. Other marble types commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms include Statuary, Calacatta and Crema Marfil.1 Expect to pay anywhere from $45 per square foot for Carrara marble to upwards of $180 per square foot for premium marbles like Calacatta Borghini.2
Rarity and unique colors, patterns and veining can drive up the price of any type of marble. Marble generally comes in a variety of colors like white, black, brown, gold, blue, pink and green, with some colors like brown, gold and blue directly attributable to heavy veining on a white background.
Alluring Colors
Carrara marble is “characterized by its soft white or blueish-gray backgrounds and variations of soft, feathery veins.” 3Calacatta marble is rarer than Carrara and “features a purer white background, in addition to bolder and thicker veins that are even highlighted with yellow or brown hues.”4
Statuario marble is similar in appearance to Calacatta, as it has “bold, striking veining and bright white background” but its background is even a brighter white than Calacatta and its veining is thicker and more pronounced than Calacatta.5
Crema Marfil is quarried in Spain, rather than Italy from where the other three types of marble hail. Crema Marfil has a “cream-colored base and delicate veining….creating a warm, neutral look.”6
Marble Adds Value
Luxurious appearance is the hallmark of marble countertops and surfaces. Each piece of marble is like a unique work of art. No two slabs are the same, as marble is a natural stone. Because it’s a stone, marble is resistant to heat and is durable, but not so heat resistant that hot pans can be placed directly on the surface of a marble countertop.
Marble countertops are naturally cool to the touch so they are advantageous when cooking and baking. Marble is highly coveted, so resale value of a home can be increased by having marble kitchen and bath countertops and other surfaces. With the kitchen being the central gathering place in most homes, having stunning marble countertops is bound to attract buyers’ attention.
Marble Care and Considerations
A downside to marble is the care that is required to maintain its beautiful appearance. As a stone, marble is porous, so it is imperative that spills be cleaned immediately. If left unattended, a spill can turn into a permanent stain on the marble, especially if the spill is acidic.
Marble is a soft stone so it is prone to scratching. When exposed to heat, such as from a hot pot or pan, marble can discolor and crack. Honed marble, which is a natural finish with no shine, is the easiest marble surface to maintain and is less likely than polished marble to show etching.7
Harsh abrasives should be avoided on both honed and polished marble to avoid scratching and sealant breakdown. Marble surfaces can be cleaned using a small amount of PH-neutral dish soap and water.8 The solution should be applied to a soft microfiber towel wrung out to be just slightly damp.
Once the countertops are wiped, they should be rinsed with clean water on a microfiber towel to remove any remaining soap. Then, the surface should be dried thoroughly to prevent watermarks. Countertops should be cleaned on a daily basis. All marble countertops must be sealed on installation and then every year thereafter. When maintained correctly, marble countertops will last longer than the average human.
Oak Creek’s Premier Countertop Store for Marble Installation
At Wisconsin Granite Design, we specialize in custom marble countertop installation in Oak Creek and throughout Wisconsin. Our expert fabricators and installers create stunning marble surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms, and more. With decades of experience, we’re the trusted choice for durable, elegant marble, granite and quartz countertops.
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1 The Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops by Nick Gerhardt and Samantha Allen, 5/3/2023
Link: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/kitchen/marble-countertop-pros-and-cons/
2 Understanding Marble Countertop Costs by Stephen Baez, 1/1/2025
Link: https://marble.com/articles/marble-countertop-cost
3, 4, 5 Marble Types: A Guide to Their Colors and Styles, 11/15/2023
Link: https://mogastone.com/marble-types/
6 Different Types of Marble for Kitchen Countertops (2023) by Hasan Al Sarker
Link: https://kitchenliker.com/types-of-marble-for-kitchen-countertops/
7 Caring for Marble Countertops, Vanity Tops, and Floors by Christopher Miller, 1/1/2025
Link: https://marble.com/articles/caring-for-marble/
8 How to Clean Marble Surfaces the Right Way by Blythe Copeland, 8/21/2025
Link: https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-clean-marble-7644127