11 Main Cultured Marble Countertops Pros and Cons | Cultured Marble Countertops Cost
Cultured Marble Countertops Pros and Cons | Cultured Marble Countertops Cost |Cultured Marble Countertops Vs Granite Vs Quartz
Cultured Marble Countertops
What are Cultured Marble Countertops?
Cultured marble countertops are made with a mixture of resins and marble powder, which is then heated and cured. It creates a variety of colors to create realistic hues and patterns that mimic the natural stone.
Cultured Marble are designed for high-end homes and luxury hotels. They are made of high-quality materials, environmentally friendly, and can be customized to any color.
Unique to these countertops is that they are formed by using natural marble that has been formed into slabs then cut into smaller pieces that are then formed into counters.
It is an inexpensive option for those who want the benefit of a natural stone that can be customized and resurfaced.
Cultured marble, as opposed to natural stone, originates from a mold created in a factory to generate the precise shape and size required for a project.
Cultured marble may be used for sinks, bathtubs, countertops, shower walls, backsplashes, and a variety of trim pieces.
Each mold is coated with a unique gel covering that bond to the cultured marble mixture. This technique results in a clear, highly durable surface.
Following the curing process, the objects are taken from their molds, polished to a brilliant sheen, or given a matte finish, depending on the customer’s preference.
Because cultured marble is a blended product, the finished product is non-porous, reducing the amount of care required by homeowners each year.
That means there are no grout lines to maintain and fewer sealing jobs to complete during the product’s lifespan.
Why Should You Consider Cultured Marble Countertops?
A cultured marble countertop is a cheaper alternative to natural stone with about the same durability, without needing to do any work on the surface
The result is a stained, polished, beveled or textured surface that can be a lighter color or take on the look of your decorating theme.
The cultured-marble countertops have the same advantages as natural stone without the drawbacks, including maintenance and repair cost.
Cultured Marble Countertop Pros:
1. Cultured marble come in many colors and styles available:
Cultured Marble comes in numerous colors. You can visit your local building supply store or online to find samples of some of the more popular colors.
Cultured marble is also available in more than just smooth tops; it can be cut into various patterns, textures, and designs.
2. Cultured Marble is Durable
Cultured marble is an extremely long-lasting product. Unlike genuine marble, these surfaces are non-porous, which makes them resistant to stains and other types of harm. Y
our cultured marble surfaces may endure a very long time if properly cared for.
3. Resistant to stains and scratches
A surface of cultured marble is infused with a coating which makes it resistant to discoloration and staining.
Should you manage to get a stain in your surface, you can remove it by using liquid cleansers and gentle scrubbing with a sponge or soft bristle brush.
4. No need for sealants
Not only is the top itself resistant to stains, but it does not require any special treatment to go along with its resistance against stains and scratches.
5. Cost-effective material
Cultured marble is a cost-effective material, especially compared to natural stone varieties.
The cost of a cultured marble countertop is comparable to that of a quartz or natural stone countertop.
6. Better for the environment
Cultured marble is made from recycled materials, making it more environmentally friendly than genuine stone varieties.
It also releases fewer greenhouse gases during manufacturing, making it a good choice for homes in areas with environmental restrictions or regulations.
7. Cultured marble is easy to keep clean
Cultured marble has a number of benefits that make it an ideal choice for a kitchen countertop. One of the most appealing features is how easy it is to keep clean.
Cultured Marble Countertop Cons:
1. Quality control issues between manufacturers:
Like most man-made materials, cultured marble is not the result of nature. It is a product that is common in nature, but has been refined and split into various categories that are utilized in manufacturing.
Cultured marble countertops cannot be considered to be completely safe because it has similar properties to real marble; however, it does not have the same potential for damaging its user when coming into contact with water or other liquids.
2. Can be scratched:
Because it is a man-made material, there is a chance that the top could be damaged if someone were to repeatedly hit it with a sharp edge or move it while it was in use.
3. Cultured marble may be damaged:
Cultured marble is a good countertop material, but it cannot be considered entirely safe due to its physical properties and chemical composition.
There is a chance of accidentally damaging the surface during normal usage.
4. Can be difficult to repair:
Even the best cultured marble countertops are not completely indestructible. If you drop something on them or scratch them, they can be damaged permanently.
The repair process of cultured marble is more complicated than for some other surfaces. A new top must be ordered and then matched up with the old top for a seamless repair.
5. The surface of cultured marble may require sealing:
Cultured marble is a durable countertop material, but it is recommended that the top be sealed to prevent staining and corrosion if it will be exposed to harsh cleaners.
Cultured Marble Countertops Vs Quartz Countertops
Custom marble countertops have a considerably higher hardness and durability than natural marble stone. This is due to the polymer resin binders used in conjunction with the crushed marble particles.
This one has a lesser hardness level than quartz and would still be scratched or etched. Nonetheless, this is an excellent choice for your kitchen marble countertops.
On the other hand, quartz countertops are a synthetic stone that is more durable and stronger than cultured marble worktops.
They are not readily scratched, have high heat resistance, and do not easily react with acidic solutions.
When compared to real marble, custom marble countertops come in a variety of hues. however, it retains the stronger veinings and color constancy found in real marble slabs.
Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are the ideal choice for finer detail and better pattern consistency. Unlike cultured marble countertops, quartz veinings are narrower, with a strong emphasis on color uniformity.
The primary disadvantage of quartz will be its visible seams, especially when utilized for smaller surface areas. Despite this, the overall beauty and reputation of quartz countertops for house renovation were unaffected.
Despite being manufactured synthetically, cultured marble surfaces have a little porous quality that contributes to the danger of staining.
However, there is no need to be concerned because the re-sealing procedure is easy and straightforward. If done correctly, you will still be able to experience the beauty of the greatest marble countertops.
Cleaning is comparable to that of quartz, in that a light dish soap solution and a soft microfiber cloth are all that is required. Never use an abrasive scrubber or towel to remove the sealant coating that covers its pores.
Because cultured marble countertops are man-made stone that still contains marble minerals, you must prevent spills and acidic solutions on its surface.
Acidic liquids and spills will react with the chemical component in marble, causing etching.
Quartz countertops are more resistant to scratches and cuts than cultured marble surfaces. However, if you want to preserve the exceptional beauty of this stone, you should never rely on its inherent endurance.
To clean the surface of bespoke marble countertops, use a neutral pH soap solution and a non-abrasive scrubber. Quartz, unlike marble, does not require yearly sealing care because to its non-porous nature.
Furthermore, despite quartz’s excellent heat tolerance, it responds to excessively high temperatures by forming a black patch on its surface. When placing hot things on quartz surfaces, you must utilize heat/hot pads.
Similarly, when exposed to UV radiation over extended periods of time, this synthetic stone responds.
The major reason why quartz is not recommended for outdoor countertops is that the color might fade when exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.
Quartz and cultured marble worktops both provide a magnificent appearance for your home renovation projects.
When utilized correctly, these stones may raise the value of your property by 90 percent to 100 percent of its original cost.
Cultured Marble Countertops FAQs
Is cultured marble good for kitchen countertops?
Cultured marble works well as a kitchen countertop. Besides the price, cultured marble is a good product for kitchen countertops because they can be cut to any size and shape which makes it easy to use.
For most homeowners, the most attractive part of cultured marble is that it is very durable compared to other countertops, which has a hardness that can easily be damaged by knobs and pads from kitchen appliances.
Although cultured marble is not a natural stone, it is a very durable alternative, particularly for kitchen usage.
Cultured marble countertops, like granite countertops, are waterproof and fairly resistant to scratches, stains, and burns.
What are some advantages and disadvantages of cultured marble?
Cultured marble is a type of stone countertop that looks very similar to natural marble.
However, the production process for cultured marble requires significantly less energy than natural marble and it can be manufactured in many different colors.
Cultured Marble has some disadvantages which include being more susceptible to staining and scratches as well as being more expensive than granite or quartz.
Whilst cultured marble is more durable than natural marble, it can still be damaged, and cleaning surface scratches can be difficult.
What are some advantages cultured marble?
There are some benefits though, such as its low maintenance cost, easy installation, durability, ability to withstand heat without warping or cracking, and resistant against acids like vinegar or lemon juice.
Is cultured marble outdated?
Cultured marble is a man-made material used for worktops, cabinet tops, sinks, backsplashes, bathtubs, shower walls, and pans that was popular in homes constructed from the 1960s through the 1980s but is still frequently used today, especially in new home building.
Do cultured marble countertops stain?
Because it is a man-made substance, it may be found in an almost infinite number of colors and textures.
Although cultured marble is recognized for its hardness, it stains considerably more easily than quartz. Because of its porous structure, it absorbs liquids rapidly, eliminating the need to scrub a stain.
How long does cultured marble last?
Cultured marble is an extremely durable material.
Even though it is made with the same ingredients as natural marble, it has a slight variation in its chemical composition that makes natural stone more brittle and likely to crack or chip when damaged or exposed to high heat.
Your cultured marble countertop should last you about 20 years if properly cared for.
Is cultured marble real marble?
The cultured marble is a cultured product and not real marble. Cultured marble is a man-made material created by combining crushed real marble with synthetic resins and colors.
It is covered with a transparent, protective gel once it has been shaped into a countertop. Because of the way cultured marble is manufactured, it is equivalent to Corian and quartz surfaces.
Is cultured marble cheaper than granite?
Cultured marble and granite are not the same, and they are both not cheap. It is difficult to say which one is cheaper because they are both not cheap to begin with. Both consist of different types of stone and both have their ups and downs.
Cultured marble is considered like less expensive than granite. Granite worktops cost between $40 and $125 per square foot installed, and cultured marble vanity costs between $30 and $100 per square foot.
Cultured marble can be used as a cheaper replacement for granite on kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops and even kitchen table tops.
Should cultured marble be sealed?
Although cultured marble is non porous material, it is recommended to be sealed with a clear, non-yellowing or waterproof sealant to keep it clean and shiny.
The spray clear sealer also protects the surface from stains that may form as a result of foods or drinks being spilled on the countertop.
What is the recommended clean up method for cultured marble?
Cultured marble is generally considered to be cleaner than natural stone because of its low-maintenance nature.
However, as with any countertop surface, spillages and stains should be cleaned as soon as possible to avoid permanent staining.
What are the benefits of cultured marble?
Cultured marble is easy to maintain and care for. Because it’s non-porous, it can be cleaned with any commercial-grade cleaner without staining.
While cultured marble may be made to look beautiful, nothing compares to the beauty of genuine stone.
Furthermore, although cultured marble has advantages, granite is a more durable and easy-to-maintain stone.
What are the best practices for maintaining cultured marble countertops?
1) Use nonabrasive cleaners on your cultured marble countertop regularly.
2) Avoid the use of harsh acids, alkalis, or abrasive cleansers.
3) Do not place hot pots directly on the cultured marble countertop surface.
4) Use nonporous materials to clean your cultured marble countertops.
5) Do not use abrasive cleaners or scrub your cultured marble surface while it is still wet.
6) Clean your cultured marble countertops at least once a week.
7) Clean spills as soon as they occur.
8) Do not use heated wax for buffing your cultured marble.