Cultured marble is a man-made material formed from marble dust and resin. The liquid is poured into a form and allowed to cure. Cultured marble countertops can have the veining and translucency of marble, or they can be formulated to look more like a solid-surface material.
Cultured marble countertops cost more than laminate, but are about half the cost of solid surface or granite. Cultured marble is an economical replacement for real marble and a great upgrade from laminate countertops.
Great, But Not For Kitchens
Cultured marble countertops are durable and easy to clean. They are not, however, designed to stand up to the wear and tear of kitchen use.
Bathrooms are where cultured marble countertops really shine. The non-porous surface of cultured marble makes it the perfect material for vanities, tub surrounds and whirlpool decks.
Cultured marble countertops are also perfect for wet bars, wainscoting and wall paneling.
The Flexible Countertop
Mold formed cultured marble countertops offer the ultimate in flexibility. Custom edging or a seamless backsplash are simple options for cultured marble fabricators.
A bathroom or wet counter can feature an integral sink, where the counter and sink are one piece. Cultured marble countertops can also have a separate, drop-in sink. For a dramatic look, the counter and sink can have contrasting colors and still be integral!
To DIY Or Not To DIY?
Cultured marble countertops are easy to install and could be a do it yourself project. Integral sink bathroom or wet bar countertops are an easy, drop-in project. If you're planning a shower or tub surround, the cutting and installing of cultured marble panels is probably best left to a professional.
Options To Consider
One of the benefits of cultured marble is that it is available in dozens of colors. Choose a simple color to go with any décor or match your countertop to a paint color or decorative theme.
Integral sink bowls come in a number of shapes and sizes. It's easy to pick a sink that matches your lifestyle or design goals.
A standard, glossy finish will give your cultured marble countertops the look of real marble. As an upgrade, you can select a matte or stain finish that will give your countertops the look of solid surface at a fraction of the costs.
 | Dreaming of the look of marble countertops? You'll either need to stay out of the kitchen or put in a lot of work to keep them looking new. |
 | Marble produces a beauty that lasts. Think about the ancient Roman statues that still stand today. This durable beauty does need a bit of help though; maintaining marble countertops will help them last a lifetime-or more. |
 | Granite is a durable stone that was once volcanic lava. Tough and beautiful, granite is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Caring for granite countertops is a simple chore that will keep your investment looking new for years to come. |
If you are renovating or have moved into an older house, you may be wondering how to clean old, unfinished marble countertops. |
Marble is quarried all over the world and is sold as slabs that are custom cut for each installation. Marble's unique veining comes from being formed at great pressure over millions of years. A marble countertop is a one-of-a-kind work of art. |
