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Cultured marble

Cultured marble, also referred to as engineered marble, is a type of fabricated solid surface ^[1] that resembles marble.^[2]. ^[3]Cultured marble is a mixture of resin and ground marble or limestone. ^[4] ^[5] Though it is a less expensive alternative to natural marble, it can provide more tensile strength. ^[4]

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Because cultured marble is made with a moulding process,^[6] it allows greater design flexibility than with stone. For instance, manufacturers of cultured marble can make a bathroom vanity with integrated bowl (or bowls). This eliminates grout lines around the bowl.

The manufacturing process encompasses several steps. ^[7] One step uses a non-porous gelcoat on the counters and sinks which seals the product and prevents mold and bacteria growth and staining. The process does not use hazardous material; the main risk is the flammability of the polyester resin. ^[7]

The cultured marble industry is represented in many locations world-wide. ^[8] The Kansas City, MO area is very prominent, with several manufacturers who lead in quality of this product. Some of these are Leathers Cast Polymer, Bakers Marble, Complete Home Concepts, and The Onyx Collection. Some products carry a long guarantee. ^[9]

References

^ The International Solid Surface Fabricator Association
^ Marble Institute of America
^ Sunrise International Company "Designs, Formulas & Techniques"
^ ^a ^b Marble Matrix, LLC "What is cultured marble?"
^ American Marble "Manufacturing Process"
^ Sunrise International Company "Cultured Marble Molds" Training, Support
^ ^a ^b Sunrise International Company "FAQ - Starting a Cultured Marble factory"
^ Sunrise International Company "Starting factories" in Nigeria, Romania, Mexico, China
^ The Onyx Collection "Yes! Guaranteed Forever"