Have you seen beautiful marble countertops or sinks but were deterred by the high cost and maintenance requirements of real marble? Cultured marble may be the ideal solution for you. Cultured marble is a synthetic material that mimics the look of natural marble at a fraction of the price. However, its composition and qualities set it apart from stone. In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly what cultured marble is and why it’s a popular option.
The Composition of Cultured Marble
Cultured marble, also called synthetic marble, is made from polyester or acrylic resins that are mixed with ground marble dust or limestone particles. This mixture is then poured into molds and allowed to harden, taking on the shape of sinks, countertops, shower walls, and more.
The ground stone particles give cultured marble its veined appearance, similar swirls and backgrounds found in real marble. However, unlike natural stone which is quarried, cultured marble is a man-made composite material.
The Appearance of Cultured Marble
One of the biggest draws of cultured marble is that it can closely mimic the look of exquisite marble at a fraction of the cost. Thanks to its stone dust content, it comes in a wide array of colors and patterns replicating many popular natural marble options.
Whether you want crisp white veins, dark gray movement, or vibrant green speckles, there is a cultured marble to suit your style. Its realistic appearance allows you to enjoy the luxury look without the luxury price tag.
The Durability of Cultured Marble
While marble is beautiful, it is prone to etching, staining, cracking and chipping. Cultured marble is much more resilient, making it a smarter choice for high-traffic and wet areas. Its non-porous surface means liquids, chemicals and impacts are less likely to cause lasting damage.
Cultured marble maintains its like-new appearance with proper cleaning. It won’t need annual sealing like marble counters. Overall, its synthetic composition provides greater strength and longevity suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
Maintenance and Care of Cultured Marble
Thanks to its non-absorbent properties, cultured marble cleaning is low maintenance using mild soap and water. Harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing aren’t needed. Wipe up spills promptly to avoid lingering marks.
Resealing cultured marble is unnecessary. With regular wiping, it will retain its shine for many years. Minor scratches may fade over time compared to those etched into natural stone. Proper care ensures a beautiful surface that stands up to daily use.
So in summary, cultured marble perfectly recreates the luxury look of marble at a much lower cost. It’s also far more resistant to damage and low maintenance. For those reasons, cultured marble has become a top choice for countertops, sinks and more wet space fixtures. Its durability and affordability make it an excellent faux marble alternative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultured marble has gained widespread popularity as an affordable and viable alternative to natural marble. Its composition of stone dust and resin allows it to realistically mimic the aesthetic appeal of luxury marble surfaces. But unlike real marble, cultured marble is highly durable, damage resistant, and low maintenance – making it better suited for high-traffic and wet areas in the home. Its upfront and lifetime costs are substantially lower while still offering an elegant appearance. Whether you appreciate the beauty of marble but are on a budget, or you want a surface that stands up to daily use, cultured marble provides a practical yet beautiful solution.
