How does marble’s hardness affect machining costs for custom outdoor trash cans?

Marble's inherent hardness significantly influences the machining expenses for custom outdoor trash cans through several key factors. On the Mohs scale, marble typically ranges between 3-5, making it softer than granite but still demanding specialized processing. Harder marble varieties require slower CNC machining speeds to prevent fracturing and ensure precision, directly increasing production time. The material's abrasiveness accelerates tool wear, necessitating frequent diamond-tipped blade replacements that contribute substantially to operational costs. Additionally, harder marbles often demand water-jet cutting systems rather than conventional saws, requiring greater equipment investment and energy consumption. The relationship between hardness and waste generation is equally crucial - denser marbles produce more stone dust during cutting, reducing material yield and increasing disposal expenses. Fabricators must balance these technical challenges with design complexity; intricate patterns on harder marble further escalate costs due to extended machining durations and higher rejection rates. Proper hardness assessment during material selection ultimately determines both the feasibility and economic viability of marble trash can projects, where even a single point increase on the Mohs scale can elevate final costs by 15-25%. Understanding these correlations enables designers to make informed decisions about material specifications and budget allocations for outdoor stone furnishings.