Is Marble Really Expensive? Calculating the Actual Cost
Introduction
Marble is known for its luxury and natural beauty, but it’s also often labeled as “expensive.” But is this perception always accurate? In this article, we break down the general idea about marble costs, compare its initial price to long-term expenses, and examine whether investing in marble is economically justified compared to alternatives like ceramic or porcelain.
Initial Purchase Cost
Yes, natural marble is pricier than many other materials. Prices vary by type and source, for example:
Italian Carrara marble: 100 to 300 SAR per square meter.
Luxury Calacatta or Statuario marble: can reach 600 SAR or more per square meter.
Local or lower-priced marble: 80 to 150 SAR per square meter.
Note that these prices cover only the material, excluding cutting and installation labor fees.
Installation and Maintenance Costs
Proper marble installation requires skilled labor, which increases labor costs. Marble also needs:
Regular polishing.
Treatment against stains.
Avoiding acidic cleaners that may damage the surface.
However, marble can be polished and restored to look like new, reducing the need for replacement.
Comparison with Other Materials
Ceramic:
Lower purchase and installation cost (30 to 70 SAR/m²).
Minimal maintenance.
But prone to cracking and hard to repair.
Porcelain:
Moderate cost (60 to 150 SAR/m²).
Resistant to pressure and moisture.
However, color and design options are limited compared to natural marble.
Marble:
Expensive initially but lasts for decades.
Offers unmatched luxury.
Can be renewed multiple times without replacement.
Added Value to Property
Marble in floors, kitchens, or bathrooms significantly increases property value. Buyers perceive it as a mark of quality and luxury. Therefore, if you plan to sell or rent your property, investing in marble may yield a higher return.
Example:
Property with a kitchen and regular ceramic: lower valuation.
Property with a kitchen featuring luxury marble: valuation higher by 10-15%.
Marble’s Lifespan vs. Cost
Calculating marble’s cost over 20 years:
Natural marble at 200 SAR/m² plus 50 SAR for installation and maintenance = 250 SAR/m².
Over 20 years, no replacement needed, only polishing every 5 years.
Meanwhile, ceramic:60 SAR/m² but usually requires replacement every 10 years.
Hence, double cost over the long term.
Conclusion: Marble is a long-term investment, while ceramic is more of a temporary solution.
Engineered Marble: A Lower-Cost Option
For those who want the marble look on a budget, engineered marble or quartz is an option, starting from 150 SAR/m², with better stain resistance and easier maintenance—though it doesn’t have the same natural elegance.
Effect of Area Size on Cost
The larger the area, the higher the cost, but in big projects, bulk purchase discounts can apply. Designers also often use marble as “visual accents” (e.g., feature walls or tables) to reduce total cost without sacrificing luxury.
Is Marble Worth the Investment?
The answer depends on:
The nature of the project (residential, hotel, commercial).
Budget.
Goals: luxury? durability? property value?
If you seek a material that lasts, is easy to maintain, and boosts property value, marble is worth every Riyal.
Conclusion
Calling marble “expensive” might be true from the initial cost perspective, but it’s misleading when viewing the bigger picture. Investing in marble means:
Longer lifespan.
Easier maintenance.
Higher property value.
More distinctive interior design.
Marble is not just a building material—it’s an investment in beauty, comfort, and future returns. So, before judging it as “expensive,” consider everything it offers—you might find it the most economical choice in the long run.