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Custom Marble Inlay — Architectural Stone Surfaces
Factory-Direct · Waterjet Precision · Since 2008
What Is Marble Inlay?
Marble inlay is the technique of setting shaped pieces of contrasting stone — marble, onyx, travertine, granite, or semi-precious material — into a prepared stone substrate, creating a flush, permanent decorative surface. The result is structural, not applied.
Distinct from painted surfaces, printed tiles, or marble-look porcelain, genuine marble inlay uses natural stone throughout. The technique derives from Roman opus sectile and was refined in Renaissance Florence as commesso di pietre dure. Contemporary production at Art Inlay combines that design heritage with CNC waterjet equipment operating at tolerances under 0.2mm.
Types of Marble Inlay We Produce
Art Inlay produces marble inlay across four primary construction types. Every piece is fabricated to client specification from your drawing or brief.
- Waterjet Floor Inlay — Geometric and organic patterns cut to 0.2mm tolerance. Borders, field panels, and full-room compositions.
- Floor Medallions — Circular or multi-sided inlay centrepieces. Diameters from 600mm to 6000mm+. → Marble Medallions
- Pietre Dure Panels — Hand-cut semi-precious stone inlay in the Italian Florentine tradition. → Pietre Dure
- Marble Marquetry — Thin-section stone veneer for vertical surfaces and cabinetry.
Materials
We source marble, onyx, granite, quartzite, and semi-precious stone from Italy, Spain, Turkey, Iran, Brazil, and China. All slabs are reviewed for colour consistency before cutting begins.
- White bases: Calacatta Gold, Bianco Carrara, Thassos White
- Dark contrasts: Nero Marquina, Emperador Dark, Black Galaxy
- Warm accents: Crema Marfil, Giallo Siena, Rosso Verona
- Semi-precious: Malachite, Lapis Lazuli, Tiger’s Eye
- Finish: Polished, honed, brushed, sandblasted, leathered
- Thickness: 18mm or 20mm standard. Structural backing available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between marble inlay and marble mosaic?
Marble inlay sets individually cut stone pieces into a prepared recess in the substrate — the result is flush and structural. Mosaic applies cut tesserae to the surface with adhesive. Inlay is more labour-intensive and produces a smoother, more permanent finish.
What stone is used in marble inlay?
Any natural stone can be used. Common choices: Calacatta and Carrara for base fields; Nero Marquina, Verde Alpi, and Rosso Verona for contrast. Semi-precious stones such as malachite and lapis lazuli are used in pietre dure and high-specification panels.
How long does production take?
Typically 6–10 weeks from approved design. Complex pietre dure commissions may require 12–16 weeks. We confirm a production schedule before work begins.
Do you handle international shipping?
Yes. Art Inlay ships factory-direct to 40+ countries. DDP shipping is available to the US, EU, UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Export documentation and installation drawings are included with every order.
Can you work from an existing design or pattern?
Yes. Send a photograph, architectural drawing, or reference image. Our CAD team produces a specification drawing for approval before production begins.
Have a Marble Inlay Project?
Send your drawings or brief. We respond within 24 hours with a production estimate.

