Stone TO HOMES
Portuguese Marble
A practical guide to Portuguese marble — what it is, where it shines, how finishes change the look, and how to specify tolerances that installers love. We also explain how to buy “cheap marble” wisely, without sacrificing aesthetics or durability. Based in the Estremoz–Borba–Vila Viçosa belt — the core of Marble Portugal.
Portuguese marble comes mainly from the Alentejo triangle of Estremoz–Borba–Vila Viçosa.
The palette is broad: warm creams, nuanced pinks (notably Rosa Aurora and Rosa Portugal), elegant whites, and greys with lively veining. This diversity lets architects and homeowners achieve “classic European marble” looks at very competitive price-to-look ratios thanks to a short quarry-to-factory supply chain.
Portuguese marble is widely specified as an alternative to Italian whites, offering comparable density and polishability at a lower landed cost. See our Prices page for starting-from guidance by color family.
The palette is broad: warm creams, nuanced pinks (notably Rosa Aurora and Rosa Portugal), elegant whites, and greys with lively veining. This diversity lets architects and homeowners achieve “classic European marble” looks at very competitive price-to-look ratios thanks to a short quarry-to-factory supply chain.
Portuguese marble is widely specified as an alternative to Italian whites, offering comparable density and polishability at a lower landed cost. See our Prices page for starting-from guidance by color family.
Popular colors
Recommended uses
- Countertops
choose appropriate finish (honed is more forgiving in kitchens), plan edges and mitres early, and specify sealing in the care plan
Value tip: 20 mm + honed in busy kitchens. - Flooring
calibrated tiles in classic formats; consider honed or brushed for softer reflections and better slip comfort
Value tip: calibrated tiles, honed/brushed underfoot. - Bathrooms
book-matched feature walls, shower surrounds; plan movement joints, waterproofing, and ventilation
Value tip: honed + clear sealing schedule. - Stairs
treads/risers with nosing options and anti-Slip treatments
Value tip: honed/brushed with anti-slip nosings.
Finishes
- Polished — maximizes shine and contrast; every vein pops.
- Light Sandblasted — softens contrast and lightens the perceived tone with a gentle texture.
- Honed (matte) — refined, low-gloss surface that’s forgiving in daily use.
- Brushed/Leathered — tactile feel; great for walling and lower-gloss floors.
Honed delivers the best value-to-maintenance ratio for most residential projects.
Our work in progress
Bar top, tailored from a single 40 mm slab of deep-black marble.
Portuguese marble concept piece — a monolithic look from five panels (part of Marble Portugal projects).
- Shape: two straight runs (2 000 × 650 mm + 1 840 × 650 mm) plus a quarter circle corner — total 2.9 m²
- Finish: mirror-polished face, sand-finished back, all edges cut at 90° with a crisp 2 mm bevel
- No mounting holes — the bar floats on a concealed frame for a pure monolithic look.
Portuguese marble concept piece — a monolithic look from five panels (part of Marble Portugal projects).
- Shape: two straight runs (2 000 × 650 mm + 1 840 × 650 mm) plus a quarter circle corner — total 2.9 m²
- Finish: mirror-polished face, sand-finished back, all edges cut at 90° with a crisp 2 mm bevel
- No mounting holes — the bar floats on a concealed frame for a pure monolithic look.
FAQ
Often yes; short quarry-to-factory routes reduce handling. Final cost depends on selection, finish and formats.
After layout approval, partner factories start quickly; delivery depends on destination.
No—independent sourcing & delivery via trusted Portuguese factories.
Yes—sample sets on request.
See also