How Much Does a Marble Backsplash Cost to Install? [2026 Data]

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Cost Insights:
  • Professional marble backsplash installation costs between $900 and $3,500 for your project, including both materials and labor.

  • The type of marble you select and whether you choose tile or slab will have the largest impact on your final project total.

  • Account for old backsplash removal at $3 to $6 per square foot and debris hauling when you create your installation budget.

  • Hiring a local backsplash installation professional ensures the marble is cut accurately and helps you avoid costly mistakes from improper installation.

Marble backsplash costs start around $20 per square foot and go up to $130 per square foot. For a standard-sized backsplash, this comes out to $2,200, though it can range between $600 and $6,000 depending on the specific marble type you choose and the backsplash’s area.

Marble is one of the most fashionable types of backsplash materials, and its price range is rather wide. Whether you're a reality-show-worthy home chef or a takeout champion, your kitchen style is an opportunity to invest in the finest materials. Marble backsplashes check all the boxes—they are durable, unique, and easy to match with your countertops or pristine white cabinets. 

Marble Backsplash Cost Factors

There are many pieces of the puzzle to consider when budgeting for your marble backsplash. But don't let this deter you. Let's review the potential lines on your bill when completing the project from start to finish.

Size of Backsplash

Backsplash Size (Square Feet)Cost Range
10$200–$1,300
20$400–$2,600
30$600–$3,900
40$800–$5,200

The easiest way to calculate your new backsplash installation cost is by square footage. Sure, your contract may charge an additional base fee for labor or change by the hour, but they often charge by the square foot to cover all their bases. 

As mentioned above, the average cost of materials plus labor ranges between $20 and $130 per square foot on average. However, highly precious marble is an outlier, and you'll find per-foot rates as high as $300 per square foot with higher labor costs of about $30 per square foot. 

“We always do kitchen backsplashes, as the wow factor always justifies the cost,” says Bob Tschudi, Expert Review Board Member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “A marble backsplash turns an ordinary kitchen into an experience. We did a kitchen with very expensive tiles from Ephesus, Greece, and the result was not only a great backsplash, but something that our client could talk about.”

Removing the Old Backsplash

If adding a marble backsplash is just one part of your kitchen renovation, remember to account for the costs of removing the old backsplash and hauling away debris. Add between $3 and $6 per square foot for this service.

Tile Shape and Layout

More complex tile shapes and backsplash layouts will likely increase the cost as they require more cutting and attention to detail. It also takes longer to apply the backsplash grout on complicated designs. 

Labor

Transporting, sculpting, and sealing marble is also no small feat, adding to the labor cost to install a marble backsplash compared to other materials. You'll pay between $40 and $60 per hour for tile installation. If your contractor charges by size, expect between $10 and $30 per square foot.

You will also have the option between tile marble backsplashes—which are a bit easier to install, and thus less expensive—and single slab marble backsplashes, a trickier endeavor to cut and position. Additionally, if you opt for unique tile shapes or backsplash patterns, you may pay more for labor.

Tile vs. Slab

You can choose between marble tile or slabs, though working with slabs will cost more in both the material and the labor.

Marble Tile MaterialLaborTotal Cost
$200–$3,000$300–$350$500–$3,450
Marble Slab MaterialLaborTotal Cost
$1,200–$9,000$600–$900$1,800–$9,900

The standard size of a kitchen backsplash is 30 square feet, with material costs varying based on whether you install a tile or slab backsplash. Tiles are attached individually as well as easier to shape and transport. Slab backsplashes, on the other hand, are cut to size to sculpt around your outlets, the curve of your kitchen wall, and sometimes to blend right into your countertops.

Marble Backsplash Cost by Type of Marble

The type of marble you choose will have the largest effect on your bottom line. Here are some of the most common average per-square-foot costs for each type of common marble.

VarietyCost
Makrana$12 per square foot
Pink$25 per square foot
Carrara$40 per square foot
Statuatrio$50 per square foot
Cultured$65 per square foot
Travertine$75 per square foot
Danby$80 per square foot
Calacatta$180 per square foot

Marble Backsplash Cost by Finish Type

Let's say that you choose a white Carrara marble tile to line the back of your sink and countertops, but want to give the tiles a bit of a weathered or polished look. Finishes either add shine, texture, or unique shape to the edges of your tiles or marble slab. This service may come at an extra cost on top of the material base rate and cost of labor.

Here are the costs to add to your final bill for special finishes:

FinishCost
Caressed$30–$35 per square foot
Honed$10–$40 per square foot
Leathered$20–$30 per square foot
Tuscan$12–$40 per square foot
Tumbled$150–$40 per square foot

Cost of Common Backsplash Add-Ons

When you work with a kitchen remodeler, they’ll offer a large variety of services to help create your dream kitchen. These projects range in price from a few hundred additional dollars to tens of thousands. 

Here are a few add-ons kitchen remodelers may offer when installing a marble backsplash:

Angi Tip

A kitchen remodel is an ideal time to convert from electrical appliances to newer, more energy-efficient natural gas appliances. Since you may already be upgrading your stove, range, or backsplash, your contractor can easily access the area to install a new gas line.

Morgan Rousseau
Content Editor, Angi

Why You Should Hire a Backsplash Installation Pro

If you hire a backsplash installation pro near you, labor will cost $40 to $60 per hour. It’s well worth the cost to hire a backsplash pro because incorrect cutting and placement can lead to additional costs if you make mistakes installing it yourself. 

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a marble backsplash installation pro

Installing marble backsplash can be complex, so here are some reasons you should hire a pro:

  • Professionals have the training and experience to handle the challenges that may arise during installation. 

  • The pros have specialized tools and techniques to ensure the marble is cut accurately.

  • DIY mistakes can result in chipped, uneven, or crooked tiles, leading to costly repairs. 

  • They can complete this time-consuming task much faster.

  • Most reputable installers warranty their work and carry insurance, helping you avoid unexpected costs.

5 Ways You Can Save Money on a Marble Backsplash

Installing marble tile backsplash
Photo: ronstik / iStock / Getty Images

If sticker shock scares you away from your marble backsplash dreams, remember that there are some ways to keep things under control. 

1. Find the Right Pro

Just like any home contractor, working with the best local backsplash installer will save you money in both the short and long run. Speak with at least three local tile installers to compare estimates and what they include in the price. A great tile installer or local kitchen remodeler can look at your unique space and suggest the best type of backsplash material and layout.

2. Opt for Tile

Choosing tile over a slab of marble may be an obvious tip, but costs significantly vary both for materials and labor. Also, if part of your backsplash does become damaged or stained in the future, you can replace a single tile with ease.

3. Consider an Imitation 

There are more budget-friendly backsplash options that look like marble, but don't come with the same price tag. For example, consider peel-and-stick "marble" tiles, repurposed tile in a mosaic, or ceramic tile that imitates the marble pattern.

4. Consider Lower-Cost Marble

Rather than picking the most expensive marble, look at lower-priced materials like Makrana. Avoid high-end marbles like Danby and Calacatta, no matter how beautiful. 

5. Go Second-Hand

Many stores offer recycled marble materials at a substantial discount. These stores—like the Habitat for Humanity’s Restore—take donations from home tear-downs and remodels. The materials are often in good shape and can easily be reused for a discount price. 

Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
  • Consult the backsplash professional about their experience and verify they are licensed and insured.

  • Be ready to discuss with the pro which type of marble backsplash aligns with your aesthetic and budget.

  • If you have room in your budget, speak to the backsplash pro about add-ons like refacing kitchen cabinets, sink replacement, and installing a kitchen island.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Much like granite, as long as you properly seal your marble slab or tiles, it makes an excellent stain-resistant option for backsplashes. Marble is also durable, heat-resistant, and, of course, stylish. However, since marble is one of the priciest materials available, you may want to consider a less-expensive backsplash option, such as tile.

The backsplash will take up a fair amount of your kitchen wall, so it's important to consider your cabinet colors, countertop materials, and kitchen paint colors. White marble backsplashes can open up a space and reflect light, but keep in mind that each piece of marble is unique, so you may not get consistency throughout the room.

Yes, you can install a backsplash directly onto drywall, provided the wall is properly prepped, clean, and dry. For best results, especially in kitchen areas, your walls should be made of moisture-resistant drywall, often called green board. If your current wall isn't moisture-resistant, it's recommended to replace it before installing the backsplash. For even greater protection against water damage, you can remove the existing drywall and install a tile backer board or cement board instead. While properly installed standard drywall is typically strong enough to support a backsplash, some local building codes may require water-resistant materials in kitchen areas, so it's a good idea to check.

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