3 Main Problems With Cultured Marble Showers | Pros and Cons of Cultured Marble Shower
Problems With Cultured Marble Showers | Pros and Cons of Cultured Marble Shower
What exactly is a cultured marble shower?
Many may have never heard the term “cultured marble” before, so let’s first explain what it is. Cultured marble shower tiles are man-made from a special type of marble dust that they then place into an epoxy resin to create the finished product.
These tiles are then placed along the wall and finished with colored grout to complete the look.
Problems With Cultured Marble Showers?
A prime example of the trend in realistic finishes, cultured marble showers are manufactured to look like they were cast from natural stone. They’re an attractive choice for those that want their shower to look like it was sourced straight out of a luxurious country estate.
But there are a few major problems with cultured marble showers you should know about.
The first problem is the quality issues. The process that most cultured marble showers follow may not be perfect but can leave blemishes and imperfections all over the tile face.
The other major downside of these shower tiles is their durability (or lack thereof). This type of tile requires a lot more maintenance than traditional showers and they generally don’t last very long.
Most standard stone tile showers will last decades or longer with minimal care, while cultured marble showers will very likely be stained and discolored by the first year of use and start to look terrible with use.
The other downside to these products is that they’re very heavy and difficult to install.
Many shower walls are not strong enough to support the weight of a cultured marble unit and it can significantly increase both your installation cost and labor.
Additionally, many cultured marble units have a tile pattern that’s not only unrealistic, but hard to clean.
Pros of Cultured Marble Shower
1. Cultured marble is durable:
Cultured marble shower tiles are generally more durable than standard fiberglass/acrylic products.
They’re made of a special type of stone dust that is bonded to a resin, which can withstand greater amounts of abrasion and impact. They also have a very smooth, polished look that makes them unique.
2. Cultured marble is natural:
Cultured marble may look like stone, but it does not have all the same environmental drawbacks that natural stone has.
It doesn’t release harmful vapors when you turn on your shower, and it doesn’t require sealing like natural stone. It also looks better in many instances than natural stone does.
3. Cultured marble is more affordable:
You can find reasonably priced cultured marble showers in the $30 to $70 (per square foot) range, which compares to the much higher prices of other options, including cultured marble tile.
4. Cultured marble is extremely easy to clean:
This type of shower is made of porous material, so it’s extremely easy to clean. You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or briefly use some mild soap to remove any grime.
5. Cultured marble units rarely stain:
Cultured marble units are made using a special type of stone dust that is bonded into an epoxy resin. This resin is easily removed with just some soap and water. It’s extremely unlikely that even the most stubborn stain will stick to these units.
Cons of Cultured Marble Shower
1. Cultured marble units are heavy:
Cultured marble units are constructed using a special type of stone dust that is bonded into an epoxy resin, which makes them extremely heavy.
This makes them difficult to install by yourself, and some shower walls are not strong enough to support this type of weight. It can also cause problems during installation if the unit is not correctly leveled.
2. Cultured marble units are difficult to install:
Most standard fiberglass/acrylic showers are easy to install on your own, but you’ll need the help of a professional when installing cultured marble units.
This increases both your cost and labor, which makes cultured marble units less cost effective than other options.
3. Quality Issues:
Cultured marble units are often of lower quality. This often causes problems when using them in high-traffic areas like ceilings and interior walls. Pricing tends to be higher, and warranties tend to be shorter than with other alternatives.
Cultured Marble Shower FAQs
What are some common problems with cultured marble showers?
One of the most obvious problems with cultured marble showers is the weight of such a heavy material on top of the tile and the grout. The weight of the marble will make the tile slip and there’s a danger of the grout cracking.
It is important to note that cultured marble showers are very slippery when wet, so there is the possibility of slip and fall accidents.
There is also the fact that cultured marble rock is expensive to install. That leaves little choice but to install it in a shower stall, which means few options for decoration.
What are some common Shower problems in any shower type?
First, let’s go through some of the most frequent shower problems:
Mold Growth
No one wants to talk about mold, yet it may live everywhere there is moisture and food for the mold to eat.
The wetness in a shower is undeniable, and the grout offers food for the development.
Furthermore, if the shower surface is not properly sealed, water might escape below the shower surface and create mold development.
Soap Scum
When soap is used in hard water, soap scum solidifies and becomes difficult to clean.
On a scientific level, soap scum is formed when calcium and magnesium particles (ions) in the water mix with the soap to produce the soap scum material.
This is usually produced by minerals in tap water combining with soap and grime to generate a scaly coating on the surfaces of our bathrooms.
Frequent upkeep
Every surface should be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it looking new, but certain surfaces demand more attention than others.
Cleaning and sealing grout are two examples of maintenance concerns that need constant attention and effort.
What is a drawback of cultured marble?
The biggest drawback of cultured marble is its price. As one of the most popular varieties of stone, it’s a great investment if you plan to keep the shower for a long time.
However, because it’s a natural product that can cause stains and can be damaged by water, it should not be used if your shower is going to be used frequently.
How long does cultured marble shower last?
Cultured marble is generally considered one of the more durable types of shower materials.
The material itself can hold up to wear and tear over time, but the grout may become damaged in high-traffic areas.
With appropriate care, your cultured marble countertop should endure for about 20 years.
Is cultured marble expensive?
The cost of cultured marble varies based on where you reside and where you get it. Cultured marble vanity tops typically cost between $30 and $100 per square foot.
What colors does cultured marble come in?
A stable cultured marble vanity is beige, ivory, taupe, black, or tones of gray or white in color.
These colors complement both warm and cold colors, as well as a range of styles, giving you the greatest possibilities today and in the future if you decide to remodel or upgrade.
