Marble has a luxurious and timeless  appearance, but sometimes it’s worth taking a utilitarian view of the project. With that in mind, does marble add value to your home? In some cases, it does. In others, it might not be the most practical investment. Let’s look at where marble makes the biggest impact, how buyers respond to it, and how it compares to other countertop materials.

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Marble May Help the Home Sell Faster, If Not For More Money

If you have marble countertops, potential buyers may form an emotional connection more quickly, and be more inclined to make an offer quickly. That’s because there’s no denying the visual presence of marble. The veining, the cool-to-the-touch surface, and the way it catches light all contribute to its appeal. It works in a range of designs, from classic to modern, and it’s often the first thing people notice in a kitchen. Carrara and Calacatta are two common choices. Carrara tends to be softer in tone with fine gray veining, while Calacatta is brighter and more dramatic.

Homeowners often use marble on a central island or as a focal point, then balance the budget by selecting a more affordable material for the remaining counters. This still gives the kitchen a high-end look without overspending.

What You Can Expect to Spend on Marble

Marble isn’t a bargain material. Costs typically start around $75 per square foot and can run well above $200, depending on the type and source. Calacatta, for example, can easily push the higher end of that range. Labor affects cost too. Intricate edges, slab matching, and supporting heavier sections will all add to the total. In a medium-sized kitchen, you can easily spend $6K or more just on marble for your countertops. Realistically, this won’t be realized as a $6K increase in your home’s resale value in most cases – if you love marble, do it for you.

One way to stretch your remodeling dollars is to use marble strategically. You might use it only on the island or in a small bathroom, where a few square feet can go a long way. This lets you incorporate the look without committing to a full kitchen install. Your kitchen remodeler can help you pick strategic spots for marble, granite, quartz, or whatever else you’d like to feature.

What Buyers Actually Notice

A kitchen with marble countertops stands out in listing photos, and that’s often the first impression buyers have. Real estate professionals say marble helps reinforce the idea that a home is well cared for. While not every buyer asks for it by name, it carries a sense of quality and permanence that sticks.

Zillow research has shown that homes with marble or high-end countertops tend to attract more views and sometimes sell faster than expected. Marble may also fetch 2.6% more sale value. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s something that can help a house feel more desirable, especially if the rest of the home is equally well presented.

Care and Upkeep Matter

Marble does have a reputation for being higher maintenance. It’s more porous than materials like quartz or granite, so it can stain or etch if spills aren’t cleaned up quickly. Wine, citrus, and even some cleaning products can leave marks. Regular sealing helps prevent that, but it won’t eliminate the risk entirely.

That said, some homeowners love how marble develops a lived-in look over time. Others prefer a honed finish, which hides etching better than a polished surface. What’s important is that if you’re adding marble to a home you plan to sell, it needs to be in great condition. Scratches, chips, or water rings can turn what should be an asset into a drawback.

Remodeling to Sell? Read the Room

In higher-end neighborhoods, marble is often expected, especially when the rest of the home has been updated to match. In those cases, not having it might be more of a red flag than having it would be a bonus. But in more modest markets, buyers may care more about ease of use and durability.

If your home fits into a price point where buyers value style but are wary of upkeep, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a quartz that mimics the look of marble. Some people even install marble in areas with less exposure to messes—like a coffee bar or secondary bathroom—where it still offers visual appeal without as much risk.

How Marble Compares to Other Materials

Quartz is now one of the most commonly chosen surfaces for kitchen remodels. It holds up well, resists stains, and requires almost no maintenance. Prices typically range from $65 to $150 per square foot. It’s available in a wide range of patterns and finishes, including versions that resemble marble closely.

Granite is still popular, especially for homeowners who want a natural stone with more resistance to wear. Each slab is unique, which appeals to people looking for a custom look. Granite is slightly more durable than marble, and its price usually falls between $60 and $120 per square foot.

Budget options like laminate or butcher block are sometimes used for quick remodels or rentals. These cost much less, often under $50 per square foot, but they don’t offer much return on investment. That’s especially true if the home is priced to compete with others that feature more durable or upscale finishes.

Is Marble a Smart Investment or Risk?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so call our kitchen remodeling experts in Sacramento for a detailed conversation. Marble can absolutely make a difference when it’s part of a well-executed design and properly maintained. It brings visual weight and can help a kitchen or bath feel finished. But it needs to be the right material for the market and the buyer.

If you love the look of marble and you’re not afraid of the occasional touch-up or reseal, it can be a worthwhile addition. If your goal is to increase value with minimal risk or upkeep, there are other choices that might make more sense. Either way, countertops play a major role in how your kitchen feels and how potential buyers experience the home. Choose the surface that reflects how you want that story to be told.