Cultured Marble – your factual guide

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If you are wondering what cultured marble is, it is a mixture of fiberglass resin and crushed limestone. If you are the type of person who needs a more technical explanation, you should read the following (if you don’t care about reading the technical explanation, feel free to skip over it and pick up your reading at the second paragraph: Cast polymers are a mixture of an unsaturated polyester resin, highly filled with inorganic particulates and pigments. Fillers used are engineered calcium carbonates (for cultured marble), aluminum tri-hydrate (for cultured onyx) and aluminum tri-hydrate with a suspension of specialty formulated color chips (for cultured granite.)

Now that you have gotten the simple and technical explanation about what cultured marble is, you are probably wondering what it is used for. Because it is such a popular material, cultured marble is actually used in a wide variety of products. The most common type of products that cultured marble is used in are fixtures for the bathroom. Cultured marble can be used to make the following fixtures for use in the bathroom: vanity tops, bar sinks, pedestal sinks, undermount sink, bathtubs, whirlpool tubs, custom shower bases and wall panels.

As you may know, cultured marble is less expensive than traditional marble (which is why it is such a popular option for people who want something that looks great but don’t want to spend an excessive amount of money). However, the interesting thing about cultured marble is that although it is less expensive than traditional marble, it can actually be stronger than traditional marble!

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Cultured Marble Repair

Filed under: Cultured Marble - 19 Aug 2010  | Spread the word !

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We have a desire to make our work surfaces look extra special. Whereas we are more than happy to allow our desks and our cupboards be made of simple plywood, the thought of our surfaces being made using the same materials makes us feel a bit uneasy. Perhaps it is an aesthetic reason; if everything was made of the same material the house would look rather drab and boring and would slowly drive you insane. Or perhaps it is for sanitary reasons; it is much easier to clean a marble surface than it is to clean a wood surface – it is also less prone to staining. The net result of this is that many of our surfaces are made of cultured marble.

The only issue is that this sort of material can be rather prone to becoming chipped or cracked; particularly at the edges where there is less protection. All it needs is a rolling pin or the like to fall and your surface is broken. Naturally, you will want to get this seen to fairly quickly, so it is fortunate that there are many places where you can find people that will repair cultured marble. It is a very quick process (as long as the marble isn’t chipped so much that it needs replacing) and is very cheap; both in man hours and in cost. Your marble will be back to normal in no time at all without you being out of pocket; it’s the best of both worlds!

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Cultured Marble Shower Walls

Filed under: Cultured Marble - 21 Jun 2010  | Spread the word !

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As time moves on, fashions change and we are now seeing a resurgence of many styles that we thought had disappeared forever. In the world of clothing, vivid colors and flared trousers are coming back into fashion after 40 years away and even cars such as the mini are seeing a rise in popularity. In the world of interior design, marble is the new most desired effect that is wanted throughout the house. The beauty of marble is undeniable and it certainly gives a house a sophisticated look, yet the real beauty also lies in the fact that it is so easy to maintain. Unlike wood, it will not age so badly or wear away through use and is completely safe to use with water (making it ideal for shower walls). The surface is also very smooth which means that if there are any spillages they can be very easily cleared up.

If you are looking to purchase cultured marble shower walls then it is advisable to speak to a plumber before doing so. What must be remembered is that the marble is very hard which makes it very difficult to break through cleanly if something needs to be fixed. It is worth ensuring that any work that needs doing on the pipes or on the shower is done before the installation of the marble. Also, be wary that marble isn’t for everyone; you may not like the style and decide to get rid. However, it has to be said that if you don’t like it, you are in a bit of a minority.

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Cultured Marble Shower

Filed under: Cultured Marble - 20 Apr 2010  | Spread the word !

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Anyone who is serious about installing a cultured marble shower in their bathroom will need to sit back and pay close attention to the tips and tricks listed here. In case you are wondering exactly what cultured marble is, here’s a clear cut definition. Produced from crushed marble dust, cultured marble is a product of fiber glass and is blended with resin. The color swirl pattern you adore is made using fiber glass dye. Stated a little differently, old marble is basically recycled, crushed and then manufactured. You’ll be happy to learn that cultured marble is cheaper than genuine marble.

The simple fact of the matter is that when you put in a cultured marble shower, you’ll only spend half of what you pay using genuine marble. As you plan on purchasing cultured marble, you’ll quickly discover that it is durable, strong, leak free, and extremely easy to keep clean. You also have the option of buying custom designed cultured marble that is surprisingly affordable. Cultured marble is also a great choice because real marble can be a headache. Because marble happens to be naturally porous, it stains very easily.

Hair coloring products, shampoos and conditions that are chemically reactive, and colored liquid can wreak havoc on a natural marble show. On the other hand, high quality, top notch cultured marble is able to withstand all sorts of stains that would damage natural marble. Because your cultured marble is a molded product, a manufacture is able to design limitless designs that can be tinted to any color you choose. A cultured marble shower is easy to install and when it has lost its shine, it can be easily restored.

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Cultured Marble Vanity Tops

Filed under: Cultured Marble - 09 Mar 2010  | Spread the word !

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Vanity tops are one of the great things about luxury bathrooms which could set the pace for the entire bath design. One of the best options is marble to fashion the perfect vanity top. Of course, marble is not always available at an appropriate price or the natural coloration can be off for the purpose of use as a vanity top. There is a solution to these problems and that is to use cultured marble instead. Cultured marble is a special compound which is manmade and features special marble-like material however needed and in whatever quantity.

These cultured marble vanity tops are made to order and can come in any color variation, including expensive options which include real gold or other types of imbedded materials in the marble. These amazing marble vanity tops can be made to look like the real thing or incorporate unique, but obviously manmade colorization and patterns. The cultured marble vanity tops can be made to order and provide the perfect getaway when homeowners wish to relax and do their make up or simply enjoy themselves. These vanity tops are so luxurious that many owners are even afraid to touch them after installation.

The best possible options to look into are those which are available for cultured marble. These are not only lower cost, but offer higher durability and can easily be replaced in the event of damages occurring in the material. The material can be custom cultured for any needs, molded into vanity top shapes and placed into the proper location for a much nicer bathroom setting. This can also be accented with the use of several cultured marble options such as a toilet, tiling and other custom molded pieces. It is not uncommon for all portions of cultured marble to match in bathrooms.

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A Cheaper Alternative to Traditional Marble

Filed under: Cultured Marble - 22 Feb 2010  | Spread the word !

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When we consider a house to buy or build most of us would like to have marble countertops in house because they can be considered a form of a status symbol to some. Traditional marble is very expensive to purchase and have installed in your home. It can also be damaged very easily. There is an alternative option that is available to individuals that are considering having marble installed in their home. It is known as cultured marble. It is a much cheaper alternative that is available to you than a traditional form of marble.

Cultured marble is a mixture of fiber glass resin and crushed limestone. It can be molded or sculpted in to any shape; therefore, there are no seams that are visible on the cultured marble. It is very easy to keep maintained, and it is resistant to stains unlike the traditional marble. It is also waterproof and it tends to resist chipping unlike its more expensive counterpart that is available. It is so well made by the manufacturers that it is difficult to tell the difference between it and traditional marble. It tends to be stronger the regular marble.

There are many uses for cultured marble that are available. It is most often used as countertops for a bathroom or a kitchen, but it may also be used in sinks and bathtubs.

If you are one of the many people that enjoy the look of marble and the importance that it holds then you might consider using cultured marble instead of the much more expensive traditional marble that is available. If you choose to have cultured marble installed then it may result in saving you a tremendous amount of money. Not only will you have the wonderful look of marble, it will also save you money.

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Design Tips Using Cultured Marble Options

Filed under: Cultured Marble - 29 Jan 2010  | Spread the word !

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Many people wish to have marble in their homes because it is a status symbol. Although real marble is very fragile and can be damaged in many ways, even for its high price tag, alternatives are available which can turn any space into a luxury space. This alternative option is known as cultured marble and can be produced in several ways. One of the most expensive cultured marble options will include flaked gold in the structure. This is often one of the highest luxury options available for those who have the money to spend. The best thing to do is determine where the cultured marble will be going and design your project around that fact.

Several people enjoy marble in their bathrooms for their sinks, and even the whole floor and parts of the decorative trim of the walls. Others will prefer their kitchen countertops to be made of the cultured marble. The best thing to do is to ensure that your budget can accommodate everything you will need. Since the cultured marble can be made into any shape through molding and sculpture, you can make almost anything out of cultured marble. Getting your plan ready and asking professional installers or manufacturers of the manufactured marble for their estimates is a good idea, especially when you have very large design projects. You can live in the lap of simulated luxury for a much lower cost than authentic marble which could be very expensive and even hard to match for large projects.

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All About Cultured Marble

Filed under: Cultured Marble - 15 Jan 2010  | Spread the word !

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Cultured marble is a mixture of crushed limestone and fiberglass resin. It belongs to a family of cast polymers and is made by blending a catalyst with polyester resin, and filers and pigments into open molds. After filling the mold, it is coated with a gelcoat that will produce a durable, tough, shiny surface. This surface is resistant of stains and very easy to maintain, resembling that of real marble at a fraction of the cost.

The shape of the cultured marble depends on the type of mold that is used. The colors depend on the techniques employed by the manufacture. Each manufacturer creates a unique color and finish. The catalyst that is used creates a chemical reaction that results in the production of a hard mass. Chemical curing occurs after which point the products are taken out of the mold, trimmed, polished, and are ready for installation. Typically bathtubs, showers, vanities, toilet seats, counters, and wall panels are made out of cultured marble.

There are many advantages for using cultured marble. The best part about this product is the versatility. Due to the gelcoat that is used, the final product is water proof, stain proof, and resists chipping. It is nearly impossible to harm a cultured marble surface. Another advantage to the cultured marble is the lack of seams. This is due to the fact that they are cast in a mold and come out whole. This presents a beautiful product that is pleasing to the eye and makes a nice addition to any part of a home.

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Beautiful Low Cost Cultured Marble Options

Filed under: Cultured Marble - 04 Aug 2009  | Spread the word !

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Many people need to have a marble style bathroom and various other items in the home. Since real marble can cost a very large amount, especially when using a large portion of it, most people will opt for a different option in their homes. Cultured marble is a man made marble substitute that looks enough and feels enough like real marble to really tell the difference. It is important to really look into how much you are able to take advantage of with savings in using cultured marble substitute rather than a real marble option.

Not only can cultured marble be made into whatever shape and thickness you need, but it can be made to look even nicer than real marble. Cultured marble can take on various different forms and can most certainly fool many different people, especially those who are non experts on the subject of marble. Many home interiors in kitchens and bathrooms use cultured marble to have a more expensive feel to the home without being so expensive. Cultured marble can cost a fraction of the cost of traditional marble, especially when doing it all in the same consistency and style which is nearly impossible for really large projects.

Cultured marble can simply be made in the amount needed and can be easily replicated with special mixers and various other tools. It is important to remember that it looks close to the real thing but you can make alterations in color and make yourself some unique marbleized patterns with the many options available to you. If you really want to increase the value of your home, you may even want to opt into having gold flake marble in your home to impress anyone that sees your new marble home interiors in your kitchen and bathroom!

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Cultured Marble

Filed under: Cultured Marble - 14 Jul 2009  | Spread the word !

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Cast polymer or cultured marble forms with the help of a moulding process from an a mixture of polyester resin and marble dust or limestone. In other words, it is a man-made product, which closely resembles marble.

Cultured marble finds usage as materials for your bathtub or bathroom sink, kitchen counter tops, shower pans, vanity tops and more. In fact, it is an inexpensive alternative which has more tensile strength.

The process of culturing the marble is found in almost every part of the world. It is present in different regions of the US and India alike, as well as in the Far East and the fashionable west. Among locations in the US where cultured marble is prominent, Kansas City has a large amount of cultured marble manufacturers. Brands manufacturers like The Onyx Collection, Home Concepts and Leathers Cast Polymers are famous worldwide.

Its advantages are varied. Apart from being stronger, since it undergoes a molding experience, cultured marble is amenable to flexible designs, which marble (being a stone), cannot offer. Thus, you have the option for your bathtub to come in different shapes, or for your bathroom sink to look like a piece of art, such as an artifact.

It is available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and patterns. The cost of cultured marble depends on the quality and of course, your budget. If you are a pro at doing work around the house, installing cultured marble can be done without any professional help.

Unlike marble, the longevity of cultured marble is uncertain, and is dependant on the type of formulation processing that it has gone through. Technological changes have consistently improved and helped to increase its quality. If you can maintain it properly, cultured marble will stay intact for a significant amount of time.

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