A question we hear often: "Why do marble table prices vary so much?" The answer is that price reflects real factors in the stone and the making of it. Here is what actually sets it, and how to buy with confidence.

What determines the price?

Stone type and rarity

Not all stones are equal. Common white and grey marble costs less than onyx, green marble or Italian Breccia, simply because the latter are rarer and harder to quarry.

Slab size and thickness

Price does not rise linearly with size. Large flawless slabs are rare, because most blocks contain fissures that force cutting into smaller pieces.

Quality of the veining

Two slabs of the same type can differ substantially in price depending on how beautiful and balanced the veining is.

Fabrication and finish

Hand polishing, edge profiling, and curved or geometric cuts are all hours of craft work reflected in the price.

The base

A solid marble base costs more than wooden legs, because it consumes far more stone.

Natural or engineered marble? How to tell

This is the most important thing to check before paying:

  • Veining: in natural stone it never repeats and runs through the thickness. In engineered stone you will find repeating patterns if you look closely
  • Coolness: natural marble always feels cold, and stays cold even after prolonged touch
  • Weight: natural is noticeably heavier
  • Edges: look at the side profile — natural shows veining continuing through the thickness, while engineered is often only a surface layer
  • Small imperfections: slight variation is proof of authenticity, not a defect

Before you pay: a checklist

  • Ask for a photo of the actual piece you will receive, not a catalogue image
  • Confirm final dimensions in writing (length × width × height)
  • Ask whether the price includes delivery and installation
  • Ask about the replacement policy if the piece arrives damaged
  • Make sure cash on delivery is offered — it is your real protection

Delivery and installation: what to expect

Moving marble is not like moving ordinary furniture:

  • Slabs travel standing on edge, never flat — flat transport breaks them easily
  • Packaging must include reinforced edges and a shock-absorbing layer
  • Installation needs at least two people for medium pieces
  • The piece is inspected in front of you before you sign for it

Before the delivery date, make sure the route is clear: door width, lift, and stairwell.

Is marble suitable for the Egyptian climate?

Yes — ideally so. Marble stays naturally cool, and it has been a traditional material in Egyptian architecture for thousands of years. The only point to watch is high humidity in coastal cities like Alexandria, which makes periodic sealing more important.

In short

Buy from a source that tells you where the stone came from, sends a photo of the actual piece, and offers delivery, installation and cash on delivery. The difference between a good deal and a bad one is not price alone, but what you get for it.

Browse our full collection or contact us for free advice before you buy.

What actually sets the price

People ask "how much is a metre of marble?" expecting one number. There isn't one, because the price is built from:

1. Stone type and origin — a rare import costs more than available local stone, sometimes several times over.

2. Thickness — 2cm against 3cm is a real difference in both price and weight.

3. Finish — polished, honed and antiqued each carry a different processing cost.

4. Size and shape — a round top wastes more of a slab than a rectangle, so it costs more.

5. The base — a metal or solid-wood base adds to the cost of the top.

6. Delivery and installation — weight makes distance a genuine factor in Egypt.

Questions to ask before you pay

  • Is the stone natural or engineered? Ask to see the back.
  • Is the surface sealed, and when will it need resealing?
  • Does the price include delivery and installation?
  • What exactly is the lead time?
  • If the piece arrives broken or wrong — what happens?
  • Can you see the actual piece before it ships?

A serious seller answers all six without hesitating. Evasion on any one of them tells you enough.

Warning signs when buying online

  • A single photo, or angles that hide the edges.
  • "Marble" with no type or origin named.
  • A price far under the market with no convincing explanation.
  • No showroom address and no landline.
  • Refusal to send a sample or extra photos of the actual piece.

Budget realistically

Count three lines, not one: the piece + delivery + installation. And if it is covering an area, add 10% for wastage when cutting.

Know your dimensions? Use the quantity calculator on any product sold by the metre for an instant estimate.

When to buy

Marble is not seasonal, but lead times stretch before holidays as demand rises. If you are tied to a completion date, order weeks ahead rather than days.