The cultured marble countertops are beautiful. They look like real marble, but they are an artificial resin that costs much less than real marble.

Some interesting things to know about cultured marble (cultured onyx and cultured granite as well):

• They are a cast polymer product. The artificial resin is liquefied and the material is poured into a mold to form the countertop or sink.
• It is a non-porous surface, so it resists stains and mildew.
• They usually come in a glossy finish (a gel is used in the manufacturing process for this), but these tops can be ordered in a flat finish to mimic solid surface materials like Corian, at a fraction of the cost.
• They can be ordered with built-in (or form-in) sinks directly. These types of sinks are called integral (vs. drop-in sinks or self-rimmed sinks).
• If you have a belt sander and are handy, you can install cultured marble countertops yourself.
• They’re easy to keep clean (but make sure you never use an abrasive cleaner on them).
• They come in a wide variety of colors and marbling (although the exact pattern of color and marbling, or marbling, cannot be guaranteed, as each top is made individually).
• They come in various styles and patterns. The veining in cultured marble countertops is always varied, but your countertop doesn’t even have to be veined. Tops can be solid color, two-tone, onyx, or granite.
• Get a cultured marble vanity with a different colored integral bowl for a dramatic effect.
• Cultured marble countertops cost more than laminate countertops, but if you get an all-round bowl, they’re not much more than a laminate countertop with a built-in sink.

These tops look great in the bathroom, but are rarely used in a kitchen area. They will easily scratch, scratch, and chip with normal kitchen use. The bathroom usually doesn’t wear out as much as the kitchen, and using cultured marble countertops (or cultured marble in the shower, around the tub, or as a wainscoting) in the bathroom can really “dress up” the bathroom. bathroom.

There are several companies that make good cultured marble countertops. You don’t have to buy your blouse through a big company to ensure that you have a good blouse. The equipment to make these caps can be easily managed and affordable for smaller businesses. Some small companies create the best tapas.

These caps typically come with a 3-year or 5-year limited warranty against defects.

What is cultured marble used for:

• bar sinks
• Flat and custom sheets used for bathtub surrounds
• whirlpool covers
• shower frames
• Wall covering (wooden covering)
• Makeup tables (basically a vanity without the bowl)

The cost of cultured marble countertops:

They are more expensive than laminate countertops, but generally less expensive than solid surface countertops (such as Corian or Visioneer).

These caps are priced by the foot. Additions such as finished ends, side splashes (to fit against walls), and bowls other than the manufacturer’s standard, or additional bowls (such as having two or three on a top) will cost more and are upcharges.

Be sure to let your supplier know if you are not purchasing a standard faucet and handle (4″ centers) for your vanity sink. Cultured marble vanity tops come with pre-drilled holes for your faucet and handles. If special, order a faucet, or have any idea it may be different than standard, please let your supplier know they will put the holes where necessary depending on the type of faucet you buy but only if you let them know I DON’T WANT!!

Installation of Cultured Marble Countertops:

If you’re handy, as a homeowner, you can install these covers yourself. When it comes to hot tub tops, shower walls, wainscoting, or anything that requires additional cutting to fit the pieces together correctly, you may want to have your cultured marble installed by a professional.

To install a normal dresser, write on your wall. I always tape the top, then use a marker to write on. Use a belt sander with coarse grit sandpaper (such as 40) to remove material from the backsplash or sides of the vanity top. Be sure to only sand the sides that will be against the wall. Why? The sides that are not going to be against a wall and will be seen are finished and polished. You don’t want to have to try and polish them yourself, or have a professional come in and re-polish them.

Once the top is sized, plumbing and fixtures can be added. Be sure not to overtighten the fittings. Less is more when it comes to cultured marble countertops, as they will crack if too much pressure is applied.

Once all the hardware is assembled, you can use silicone to adhere the cultured marble countertop to the top of your cabinet, but you don’t have to do this. Often your plumber will do this for you. I’ve lived in my house for over 8 years, and I’ve never actually siliced ​​the marble surfaces down, and they’re fine.

Also, you can put caulk between the counter top and the wall to give it a finished look. If you’ve built a new home, you may want to wait a year or more before doing so. New houses move and change a lot. The wood in your home will shrink and swell. If you add caulk right away, it may crack and come off the wall or top, and you’ll have to dig it all up and put it back in a year anyway, so why not wait until the house has settled in a bit. ? Some houses never stop settling. You will only have to play it by ear and use your common sense.

Care and maintenance of your cultured marble countertop:

• Wash the top with a non-abrasive cleaner and a damp cloth or sponge. Never use anything that will scratch the lids and always make sure the lid is wet while cleaning. Cultured marble countertops are durable but scratch easily.
• Do not use harsh cleaners, bleaches, peroxides, or other harsh chemicals on the top.
• You can periodically apply paste wax, any wax product that is designed specifically for cultured marble tops (I’ve even used car wax), to maintain the shine of your tops. Apply it with a soft cloth or sponge and wipe it off with a soft cloth.