Budgeting for Marble, Travertine & Limestone Packages

Budgeting for marble, travertine, limestone and other natural stones is one of the first steps when planning an architectural or interior project. Turkish suppliers offer a large range of stone qualities and finishes, meaning the overall cost depends heavily on material type, thickness, formats, and logistics. This guide summarizes the key factors to help you plan your stone package effectively.

For a full overview of the materials available from Turkey, explore our stone collection.

1. Material Category & Grade

The largest cost driver is the type and quality of the stone:

• Premium white marble (e.g., Afyon White, Mugla White)
• Beige marbles such as Bilecik Beige & Burdur Beige
• Grey stones including Tundra Grey and Savana Grey
• Travertines from Denizli in classic, Noce, silver or ivory tones
• Limestone varieties such as Limra Limestone

Higher uniformity, rare colors, or stronger structural integrity generally increase pricing.

2. Format: Slabs, Tiles or Cut-to-Size

Each project requires different stone formats:

• Slabs – ideal for countertops, vanities, feature walls
• Tiles – cost-effective for large floor and wall areas
• Cut-to-size pieces – used for lobbies, facades or custom layouts

See: Slabs vs Tiles vs Cut-to-Size: Which Format to Choose?

3. Thickness & Technical Requirements

The most common thicknesses are:

• Marble & limestone tiles: 1.2 cm or 2 cm
• Cut-to-size interior panels: 2 cm
• Exterior cladding panels: 3 cm
• Countertops: 2 cm or 3 cm

Learn more: Stone Thickness Recommendations.

4. Finishes & Their Cost Impact

Finishes can significantly change production cost:

• Polished – standard for marble slabs
• Honed – popular for beige and grey marbles
• Tumbled – used for rustic travertine
• Brushed or antiqued – for exterior and interior designs
• Bush-hammered or flamed – for anti-slip surfaces

Related reading: Understanding Stone Finishes

5. Factory Workload & Lead Times

Factory capacity affects production speed and sometimes pricing. Large projects may require:

• Block reservation
• Early scheduling of cutting lines
• Priority polishing and packing

See: Project Timelines for International Stone Supply.

6. Packing & Logistics

Export costs depend on the packing system used:

• Wooden crates for tiles
• Bundles for slabs
• Pallets for smaller format pieces

Learn more: Crates, Bundles & Pallets and Container Loading Methods.

7. Allowances in Budgeting

Professional stone procurement includes allowances for:

• Waste factors (2–10% depending on layout)
• Possible color variation
• Extra pieces for future repairs
• Contingency for shipping delays or currency fluctuations

For pricing inquiries, visit our contact page.

Summary

Budgeting a complete natural stone package requires understanding material selection, thickness, production methods and export logistics. Working with an experienced Turkish stone supplier ensures accurate planning and transparent cost breakdowns.

Related Articles

• Key Questions to Ask Before Ordering Turkish Stone
• Project Timelines for International Stone Supply
• Exporting Turkish Marble: Step-by-Step