Unless you are an expert and know the difference, you see real marble when you look at cultured marble vanity tops. Many bathtubs, shower walls, windowsills, whirlpool decks and bathroom accents can pull off the look without summoning any onlooker doubt. Cultured marble bathroom vanity tops, though, are a lot less expensive. They are made of a mixture of the dust from crushed marble stone, limestone, color substances and synthetic polyester resin is made using a mold and is four times stronger than natural marble stone.
The strength of cultured marble makes it easy to make durable soap dishes and cup holders when the molds are set during production. It also enables manufacturers to make sinks, backsplashes and countertops as one single piece of equipment that can be installed in a bathroom rather than several separate pieces that must be caulked and connected. Because of the manner in which they are installed, they are typically more stain and water resistant than many other materials and resist cracking. Real marble cannot withstand a lot of pressure, since it gets weaker the more that you cut it.
Cultured marble is most often used as an application in bathrooms than in kitchens. The most common reason is that there is usually more traffic and daily wear in a kitchen. Cultured marble vanity tops colors come in such a wide range of colors, patterns and textures that almost any design choice is possible. This also means that no two custom cultured marble vanity tops will be the same. It is almost impossible to make the veins in one top identical to the veins in another. Each top is uniquely made as close as possible to specifications when ordered.
Cleaning cultured marble vanity tops is fairly simple, but it requires committing to maintaining the sealed surface of the material. Vanity top owners should never use bleach or anything abrasive that lends itself to scratching because these materials break the seal and begin to allow for molding, mildew and bacteria beneath the surface. Water-based cleaners on an already wet surface work best. Vinegar is also a good cleaning agent for getting rid of soap scum or other kinds of build-up that happen in bathrooms. Avoid anything that is oil-based, since those tend to stain many cultured marble vanity tops with satin finishes, despite claims otherwise.
If the finish on your vanity top is glossy, you will need to polish it after cleaning. Again, water-based products are best, as are silicone polishes. Some homeowners have enjoyed the lasting power of polyurethane on the cultured marble vanity tops. Application of this sealant takes a long time and requires protection of other surfaces in the bathroom that can be destroyed by all the chemicals in polyurethane.
It is true that granite can take more of a beating than cultured marble, but granite is more expensive. If you want to preserve your cultured marble, nicks and dings can be resurfaced with car wax. Regular maintenance and smart upkeep can make this an affordable, durable fixture material for many years to come.