Dear James: We are planning to use cultured marble in our bathroom upgrade instead of tile. Is it easier to keep clean and to install myself to keep on budget? — Jay E.
Dear Jay: Cultured marble is an excellent choice, particularly if you are looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance bathroom remodel. Its vast array of colors and unique textures are very attractive. Also, for an equally stunning appearance, you may consider cultured onyx or granite materials as well.
Cultured marble is a durable material that is impervious to most chemicals and typical bathroom surface damage. It is made of finely ground real marble mixed with a resin and cast into the shape you desire. It is usually finished with a glossy gel coat, but satin finishes are also available.
Cultured marble, since it is made of fine particles, can have an even color tone throughout and across its surface which many people prefer. By adding colorants in a swirling fashion, the fabricator can create an appearance that simulates real marble more closely.
Many cultured marble bathroom items are made by local fabricators. Just because a company is small does not mean its quality is poor. To locate quality products, check your local home center store or contact the International Cast Polymer Association (800-414-4272) for the names of their certified manufacturers.
You should not have a problem installing cultured marble in your bathroom yourself. In most cases, it is just held in place by adhesive. Clear silicone caulk is an excellent adhesive to use. It is very sticky, has a long life, resists moisture and will not show through light-colored cultured marble.
Installing the vanity and countertops on the base cabinets is simple if the wall is level and square. Just spread out some silicone and place the cultured marble over it. If the corner or back wall is not square, you will have to trim off some of the cultured marble.
To remove some material, just scribe a line indicating what needs to be removed. Cultured marble files or sands easily, so it should not take long to remove the material for a good, tight fit. If you have a lot to remove, a belt sander is very effective.
Placing the flat panels of cultured marble on the shower walls may require a little fitting, too. First, dry fit the pieces on the shower walls. Size the wall panels to leave 1/8-inch gaps along the edges. This will be filled with matching silicone caulk once the panels are fixed in place.
It wouldn't hurt to paint the shower walls white before installing the panels to ensure an even background color. Vacuum and then wipe off the backs of the panels to remove any traces of marble dust or dirt that may interfere with good adhesion of the silicone caulk.
Apply the silicone caulk and position the cultured marble panels on the walls. Position the back wall first and then the shorter side walls. Jam flexible wooden sticks between them to hold the panels tight to the wall while the silicone cures. A 24-hour period should be adequate.
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