How to Make a Fake Marble Backdrop for Photography

Everything you need to know about making your own fake marble backdrop at home for only a few dollars! It looks better in photos than real marble and is easy to clean. Includes video tutorial.

I’m sure you’ve seen the real marble cutting board surfaces from places like Sur La Table. You might even own one! I used to too, but I was able to sell that crazy heavy bulky thing once I made my own. It was so satisfying!

The craziest thing is this DIY surface it actually looks more realistic and better in photos than the real thing! It works great for Instagram flatlays, product photography and obviously food styling.

Read on for the step-by-step DIY.

Fake Marble Background versus Real Marble for Photography

Here are some examples from the Sur La Table surface. Not to be dramatic, but I hate these photos. The surface is so grey it just looks bad even after I brightened it a ton in Photoshop! It also has a blueish cast that I couldn’t fix without making the food too warm.

Contrast that to these photos taken on my DIY surface. They are super bright and really realistic in my opinion. They are don’t need a ton of editing to make them look good.

Fake Marble Backdrop Materials

• Marble contact paper
• Large sheet of foam core board
• Scissors or exact-o knife

Fake Marble Backdrop DIY

1. Cut marble paper to the appropriate size for your foam core board. You may need two pieces to cover your surface.
2. Peel off adhesive backing little by little and roll out on your core board. If using a second piece, try to line up the marble pattern where possible. Fold sticky edges over back of foam core board.
3. Care instructions: Can be cleaned with a soft damp rag as needed. Not safe to use as an eating surface. Stain resistant but may pick up strong stains such as beet or pomegranate.

Note: You might want to consider making two of these surfaces so you can use one for styling and one as a background. Check out the video for an example of how I do this!

Thanks so much for reading! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, or subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts and musings from me. If you make this DIY faux marble surface, make sure you tag me #asideofsweet. I love seeing your work!

P.S. – Need more ideas for cheap food photography backdrops? Check out this post!