While natural marble and other stones are increasingly popular with homeowners, these materials are expensive, difficult to maintain, and hard to work with and install. Cultured marble, on the other hand, is a less expensive alternative, and many homeowners find it just as attractive as natural marble.
"Cultured marble's big benefit over natural stone is price. It's more affordable than real granite or marble," says Bill Kennedy of Gruber Systems, a supplier to cultured marble and granite manufacturers.
Cultured marble is a cast polymer product, along with solid surfacing, cultured granite, and cultured onyx. A filler of crushed limestone or marble dust gives it a natural stone appearance and feel. Primarily used for bathroom applications, cultured marble can be cast into vanity tops and sink bowls, shower pans or shower wall surrounds, tubs, tiles, flooring, and wall panels. It can also be used for fireplace surrounds and molding accents. Shapes, sizes, finishes, veining, and colorations depend on the capabilities and specialties of the manufacturer. A gel coat protects the material from stains and scratches and provides a non-porous surface.
"It provides the most bang for the buck," says remodeler Patrick Benkowski of Roadrunner Custom Remodeling, Fountain Hills, Ariz. Benkowski specializes in bathroom remodels and says he prefers using cultured marble because it is easier to install than natural stone or tiles.
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