Marble and stone are among the most desired building materials for commercial and residential designs, both for their shared inherent beauty and perceived durability. There are definite benefits to these materials. Real marble and stone can elevate a space with their unique aesthetic and added touch of sophistication. That said, there are considerations one should make before committing to either, including price, installation, and upkeep.

Fortunately, there are decorative glass solutions and custom fabrication processes available on today’s market that provide architects and designers a way to capture the look and feel of real stone and marble without the expense or the maintenance. Direct-to-glass printing is an ideal alternative to real marble and stone.

Properties of Real Marble & Stone

Marble and stone are often mistaken for each other, despite being different materials. However, the two do share many properties. For instance, both are porous surfaces. This means the surface is full of tiny holes through which air or liquid can travel. Porous surfaces are easy to stain with acidic liquids—like orange juice, not to mention porous surfaces are a breeding ground for bacteria.

For this reason, end users will want to ensure their marble or stone surfaces are sealed on an annual basis, if not more frequently.

Cost of Marble & Stone

For many, having real marble or stone countertops is a status symbol. The material itself is more expensive than available alternatives.

How much are we talking? Marble countertops tend to cost anywhere from $40 to $100 per square foot, with the average falling around $60 per square foot. Like all things, the price depends on the type of marble. For instance, Carrara marble is on the lower end of the spectrum at approximately $40 per square foot, whereas Calacatta marble is more than four times that cost at $180 per square foot.

Stone runs about the same in cost, with the ranges depending on the color and general appearance.

On top of that is installation cost, which can run anywhere from $1,000 to nearly $10,000, with the average being $3,000.

Handling and Installing Marble & Stone

Marble and stone are very heavy and typically only available in thicknesses of either 2 or 3 centimeters. Likewise, they can weigh 6 pounds or more per square foot—per centimeter thick, or 12+ pounds for 2 centimeters and 18 pounds per square foot for 3 centimeters. You will need a solid, sturdy base to support the installation of these materials, not to mention the special equipment and labor to fabricate, deliver and install.

Should these materials need to be cut for any reason, a diamond blade and a circular saw will be required. Water can help make the cutting process easier but will still result in tremendous dust and grind particles. Those doing the cutting will need to wear a respirator, ear protection, and eye protection.

We already mentioned this, but it bears repeating—since marble and stone are porous, they absorb liquid and will need to be sealed at least once a year to remain looking incredible as well as increase its lifespan. Typically, marble and stone are installed in high use applications as, it is advisable to have it sealed every six months.

The Same Look with Glass Minus the Cost & Maintenance

For anyone who wants the look of marble or stone without the expense and upkeep, there are cost-effective alternatives, the foremost being Alice® Direct-to-Glass Printing. Decorative glass is wonderfully versatile, capable of mimicking a wide variety of materials and providing builders, designers, and end-users with a lot more flexibility than traditional materials.

Digitally printed glass designs are completely customizable, allowing architects and designers the ability to offer a value-add solution that saves money and time throughout the supply chain and ultimately benefits the end user. Unlike real marble or stone, the material’s thickness can be customized per application with Alice®.  A range of glass thicknesses can be utilized including: 6mm (1/4″), 10mm (3/8), 12mm (1/2″) and 19mm (3/4″). Insulating glass units and laminated glass configurations add even greater flexibility.

Unlike heavy marble or stone, 1/4″ of glass weighs 2.89 per square foot, is lighter and easier to handle as a result. Not only does this save money and streamline the installation process, it does so without compromising the stone or marble aesthetic the end user desires.

In addition to design and installation flexibility, as well as cost, decorative glass has a myriad of additional benefits. It doesn’t require a surface sealant or periodic resealing of any kind, nor does the customer need to worry about spilled juice leaving behind a lingering stain. There is no risk of fading with repeated cleanings or exposure to various substances. In fact, Alice® Decorative Glass Solutions can be cleaned the way one would clean traditional glass. Glass solutions also won’t degrade if placed in high use areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms.

The cost of real marble and stone can also be affected by imperfections in the material that must be either handled at an additional, considerable charge or simply accepted as-is. This possibility is eliminated with direct-to-glass printing; you are guaranteed a consistent design.

Applications

Decorative glass also provides a more complete product for the customer. Shower doors and mirrors are a given, but bathrooms can be truly dressed up with backsplashes, countertops, and wall-cladding. Even wall-cladding for the shower walls. View our Inspiration Gallery for creative glass applications and design options.

Altogether, direct-to-glass printing offers customers a solid surface material that is durable, easy to clean, and at a fraction of the cost of real marble or stone. For architects and designers, this decorative glass solution provides greater allowance for creativity and more products and services to help customers fully realize their design goals.

View our Redefining Marble and Stone Surfaces brochure to learn more about using glass as an alternate material solution.