Affordable Cultured Marble Shower Replacement

In these trying economic times, many people are choosing to renovate rather than build or move. One of the easier and more popular rooms in the house to update is the bathroom. Usually, the first item to draw a scornful eye is the 20 year old, soap-stained bathtub. If your like most people, this unsightly beast has been the object of your disdain for quite some time.

But before you load up the family for a trip to a big box hardware store to purchase another bathtub, consider an alternative solution. A growing trend in remodeling is to replace your tub with a larger and more functional shower. This trend is advantageous for the customer who wants greater accessibility and more room in the shower. Several materials, including ceramic tile, can be used to accomplish this task. But what many customers do not consider is a material known as cultured (man-made) marble.

Cultured marble is a product that has been around for nearly 40 years. It is used for a variety of products (vanity tops, window sills, whirlpool tubs, to name a few). Cultured marble is manufactured in a multitude of colors and patterns. In most cases, cultured marble is manufactured locally and custom designed for each job, giving the customer a more hands-on experience. Cultured marble makes not only an aesthetically pleasing finished product, but also a well functioning and low maintenance space.

Most cultured marble manufacturers can be found in the phone book, or simply by asking your contractor or local hardware store. Just make sure to find a reputable manufacturer. Unfortunately, in every industry, there are individuals you should avoid, especially for a product such as a shower that is designed to contain water. Don’t be scared to ask for references or photos of previous jobs. Also, the longer a cultured marble manufacturer has been in business, the better his or her reputation should be. A manufacturer with an up to date and well kept showroom will also be beneficial in the decision making process. Finally, if the representative with which you speak can’t comfortably and easily explain the process of preparation and installation of your new shower, be leery. That being said, most cultured marble manufacturers are knowledgeable and willing to assist in any way they can.

In most cases, cultured marble showers are more affordable than other substitutable products. For example, ceramic tile requires more preparation before installation and usually takes 2 to 3 times as long to completely install. Ceramic tile is also porous and demands more maintenance to retain its function of containing water. Cultured marble has a non-porous, high-gloss, scratch resistant finish which requires little, if any maintenance. However, cultured marble showers are component showers, meaning they are installed in pieces and do have silicone joints. These silicone joints need to be inspected from time to time to ensure there are no openings in which water could penetrate. This can be done by the homeowner and requires no special training, only a keen eye. If the silicone is compromised in some way, simply apply some additional 100% silicone to the affected area.

A cultured marble shower can be a beautiful and affordable addition to any bathroom remodel. Before you purchase another soap magnet fiberglass bathtub, give cultured marble a chance. You’ll be happy to you did.