Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Marble

Sankesh Bhandari
Jun 18
4 min read

Planning to give your home a luxurious upgrade with marble? Great choice! But before you head to the nearest marble showroom or start browsing online, let’s have a quick and honest chat. Buying marble in India isn’t just about picking the prettiest piece — there are quite a few things people commonly overlook and regret later.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the common mistakes to avoid when buying marble, especially if you're looking for reliable marble manufacturers in India or imported marble suppliers in Gujarat. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Not Researching Marble Types

One of the biggest mistakes people make is jumping into the purchase without understanding the types of marble available.

Indian Marble vs Italian Marble

Indian marble like Makrana, Ambaji, and Katni is durable, affordable, and widely available. On the other hand, Italian marble like Statuario, Carrara, and Botticino is more luxurious, with a smoother finish and higher price tag.

Imported vs Local Marble

Imported marbles are ideal for high-end interiors, while Indian marble is better for heavy footfall areas like corridors and kitchens. Make sure you choose based on the area of use.

2. Ignoring the Purpose of Use

Not all marbles are suitable for all purposes.

Use non-porous marble for bathrooms and kitchens to avoid water absorption.
Use thicker slabs for flooring.
Decorative walls can have softer and lighter marble types.

A common mistake is choosing based on looks and ignoring functionality. Ask your supplier, “Which marble suits this room best?”

3. Falling for Low Prices Without Verifying Quality

We all love discounts, but with marble, low price often means low quality. Some dealers may sell second-grade marble at first-grade prices.

What to do?

Always check for cracks, veins, and polish consistency.
Ask for the grade and source certification.

4. Not Checking for Cracks, Fills, or Hairline Fractures

Some suppliers fill cracks with resin or wax, which eventually wears off.

How to check?

Hold the slab against sunlight or flashlight — cracks will appear easily.
Ask for natural, untreated marble for a long-lasting surface.

5. Skipping Water Absorption and Acid Test

Water absorption is one of the biggest problems with certain marble types. High porosity means more chances of stains and fungal growth.

Quick test:

Drop a spoon of water and lemon juice on the marble. If it absorbs quickly or stains, it’s not good for kitchens or wash areas.

6. Overlooking Polishing and Finish Options

There are several marble finishes — glossy, honed (matte), leathered, etc. Each has a purpose.

Glossy: Best for decorative walls and show areas.
Honed: Great for floors (less slippery).
Leathered: Trendy for countertops.

Using glossy marble on staircases or bathrooms? That’s an accident waiting to happen.

7. Ignoring Tile Thickness and Size Variations

In India, flooring marble is generally 16mm to 20mm thick. Anything thinner will crack easily under pressure.

Also, marble tiles should be uniform in size. Uneven tiles can result in ugly grout lines and extra labour cost during laying.

8. Not Matching Marble Shade Batches

Natural marble comes in different shades even within the same type. If you buy slabs without checking the batch, your floor might end up looking like a patchwork.

Always ask the dealer to dry-lay all slabs together to ensure colour and pattern uniformity.

9. Relying Solely on Sample Pieces

Don’t get fooled by a shiny little sample. The actual slab might have very different veins and tones.

Ask your supplier to show you full slabs in natural daylight to judge true colour and texture.

10. Overestimating DIY or Unskilled Labour

Marble is not like vitrified tiles. It needs experienced professionals for cutting, polishing, and laying.

Mistake many make: Hiring cheap labour and ending up with chipped corners, uneven flooring, or stains.

Always go with a contractor or marble dealer who provides skilled artisans.

11. Neglecting Maintenance Requirements

Some marble types like white Statuario or Green Serpentine require regular sealing and polishing.

Tip:

If you want low-maintenance marble, choose Indian options like Jaisalmer Yellow or Makrana White.

12. Not Asking for Source or Authenticity

There are many fake or renamed marbles sold as imported brands. Some dealers label cheap Turkish marble as “Italian.”

To avoid this:

Ask for import certificates if you’re buying imported marble.
Stick to reputed marble manufacturers in India or certified imported marble suppliers in Gujarat like those based in Morbi, Ambaji, or Ahmedabad.

13. Overlooking Delivery & Handling Costs

Marble is heavy and delicate. Delivery mishaps can lead to costly breakage.

Before placing the order, clarify:

Who’s handling delivery?
Are breakages covered?
What is the delivery time?

14. Skipping Wastage Calculation

Never buy marble exactly as per your floor size. Due to cuts, corners, and design alignment, 7–10% extra marble is typically required.

If your room is 100 sq.ft., order at least 110 sq.ft. worth of slabs.

15. Not Considering Long-Term Trends

That flashy purple-vein marble may look unique now, but might feel outdated in 3 years.

Go for classic tones like beige, white, or grey — they are always in trend and have better resale appeal.

16. Ignoring Eco-Friendly or Sustainable Options

Many Indian brands now offer eco-friendly marble options with low-waste processing.

You can also look for recycled stone aggregates or engineered marble, especially for utility areas.

Conclusion

Marble brings unmatched beauty and elegance to Indian homes — but only if you choose wisely. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you from major headaches and unnecessary costs later.

👉 Pro Tip: Always buy from trusted marble manufacturers in India or verified imported marble suppliers in Gujarat to ensure quality, durability, and genuine material.

Want expert help with selection and installation? Speak to a local marble specialist or interior designer before you place your final order.