As of this year, marble countertops are priced around $60 per square foot, according to countertop suppliers. Italian Carrara, a cloudy white variety often found in kitchens, costs in the $60 to $100 range. Premium Calacatta, known for its luxurious patterns and crisp tones, is priced from $180 a foot — meaning a 20% tariff could push it to $216/sq ft. With general cost rises, contractors note that final quotes could go even higher, especially for custom projects that demand intricate edge profiles.

Why tariffs matter Most marble in the U.S. is brought in from Italy. Border taxes now tack on 20% for Italy and Spain, 27% for India, and 34% for Chinese marble. That can blow costs for renovations, rendering designer picks less accessible for mid-range homeowners. Home stylists say this isn’t only a price problem. Turnaround times tend to slow, because classic stone interiors yards limit shipments. Demand is still high Even despite higher prices, luxury slabs is still a status material.

Clients value the cool touch that marble delivers. From waterfall islands to shower surrounds, it’s a finish that transforms a space. Smith notes, Marble is now a staple in both kitchens and bathrooms, from wall cladding to flooring." High-end options that bypass tariffs If marble’s new price puts you off, there are plenty of premium options: Quartzite – Sourced in the U.S., with style similar to marble, costing around $70 to $120 a foot. Soapstone – Low-maintenance and stylish, sourced from Virginia, at $70–$120 per square foot.

Quartz – Engineered, imitates natural stone but requires less upkeep, priced $50–$100/sq ft. How to budget smart Renovators can still include marble without wrecking the budget by choosing focal points. For example, install marble on a bathroom vanity while selecting lower-cost surfaces elsewhere. The takeaway Luxury stone isn’t going anywhere — but tariffs change the rules. With creative thinking, you can still enjoy it in your renovation.