If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, you may have come across several terms that are unfamiliar to you. One of these is cultured marble.
You probably saw that there are several cultured marble bathtubs, showers, sinks and vanities services in Indian River County, but you still aren’t quite sure of one thing:
Is cultured marble the same as marble?
As you may know already, marble is a natural stone that can be extracted from earth and worked into different shapes, which range from tiles to sculpture. Because it’s a natural product, marble can vary widely in colors and patterns (veins of different coloring).
Unlike marble, cultured marble is a man-made product. However, it’s not completely artificial, because crushed marble dust makes up about 75% of a cultured marble product. The dust is combined with liquid polyester resins and the finished product is sealed with a gel coat.
As a result, cultured marble products have a glossy appearance and uniform veining and color. It is also worth noting that they are made directly in a mold, which makes every piece different from other cultured marble products.
If you’re planning to get a new surface for your bathroom, cultured marble is a great option. However, you will probably have some questions regarding its maintenance in the long run.
Can you repair cultured marble?
At first sight, repairing cultured marble may seem difficult considering that each piece is unique due to being made in molds. However, it’s not very hard to do. You can even do it yourself with gel coat.
Still, keep in mind that this works better for minor chips and holes. When there are cracks, big chips or too many scratches or blemishes, it’s better to get professional repair or to consider another method of updating your cultured marble surface.
Can you refinish cultured marble?
Refinishing is a great option for cultured marble. Unlike repairing, it must be done by a professional, but it will give you a fresh new look for your cultured marble surface that will upgrade the whole bathroom.
Refinishing your cultured marble bathtub, shower, sink or vanity will save you many of the costs that you would have if you were to replace the surface, such as re-plumbing. Make sure that you hire a licensed professional who can guarantee the quality of their work.
Can you replace cultured marble?
Replacing cultured marble is the hardest of the three options, and the most expensive one, too. It can be done by yourself, but hiring a professional is the best option.
As cultured marble comes in molds and not tiles, some surfaces may be too large for you to remove and carry out on your own. It also means that you will need a whole new bathtub, shower wall, sink or countertop to replace. If your current surface is non-standard, you will need custom-made pieces that will increase the price of the replacement.
If your cultured marble surface only suffers from some chips and scratches, repair and refinishing are better options. You should consider replacement only when the damage is too big or if you believe the surface’s look is outdated and want to change it completely.
Whichever option suits your needs best, remember that you can count on Surface Specialists of the Treasure Coast for cultured marble bathtubs, showers, sinks and vanities services in Indian River County. We are experts at repairing and refinishing kitchen and bathroom surfaces to look like new.
You may call us at 772-888-6595 for a free estimate!
Cultured marble bathtubs, showers, sinks and vanities services in Indian River County