A cultured marble shower is a popular choice for bathroom renovations due its durability and low maintenance. Cultured marble is a composite material made of marble dust, cement, and resins that is used to create shower walls and surfaces. With a variety of patterns and colors available, it can provide a seamless look resembling natural stone at a more affordable price point.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to consider when installing a new cultured marble shower. We’ll explore the pros and cons, costs, common design ideas, and maintenance tips to keep your cultured marble shower looking its best for many years. Read on to learn why so many homeowners choose cultured marble for their bathroom remodel needs.
Why Choose a Cultured Marble Shower?
There are several advantages that make cultured marble an appealing choice for shower installations. It is:
Waterproof
Cultured marble is impervious to moisture, preventing mold and mildew growth like other materials. This makes it low maintenance for shower applications.
Durable
The composite material has high compressive strength to withstand everyday use without chips, cracks or scratches over time like ceramic tile or natural stone.
Affordable
On average, installations cost less than luxury materials like granite or Travertine but offer a similar polished appearance.
Easy to Clean
Just wipe down the smooth, nonporous surface to remove soap scum and moisture. No ongoing sealing or re-grouting is required.
Available in Styles
A wide array of color and pattern options mimic expensive stone like marble, onyx, or slate at a fraction of the cost for your cultured marble shower.
Some potential minor disadvantages include visibility of seams depending on lighting and staining susceptibility compared to gel coats or solid surfaces. However, with proper care, these downsides are minimal.
Popular Cultured Marble Shower Designs
When planning your cultured marble shower layout, here are some popular design ideas to consider:
- Corner shower – Maximize small spaces with easy-to-install corner kits. Great for increasing usable floor area.
- Built-In seating or shelves – Incorporate functional elements like recessed ledges for storing toiletries above your cultured marble shower.
- Multiple shower heads – Install an overhead rain shower head along with a handheld or fixed wall head for spa-like indulgence.
- Custom patterning – Juxtapose panel colors, textures or mixing patterns like veins and solids within the same cultured marble shower space.
- Large format – Create the feeling of a spacious oasis with extra-wide cultured shower stalls, slip-resistant flooring, and dual shower fixtures.
With creativity, you can achieve a stylish, personalized cultured marble shower to suit your family’s needs. Be sure to sketch out designs before purchasing materials.
Cultured Marble Shower Installation Process
Installing a new cultured marble shower involves preparation, material layout and proper sealing between steps:
- Remove existing wall materials and prep subsurfaces. Allow for backer boards, moisture barriers and waterproofing.
- Measure and cut cultured marble shower pan to fit space using a wet saw. Polish cut edges smooth with a wheeled tool.
- Apply continuous silicone sealant in straight lines where panels will touch.
- Position bottom row panels and secure with construction adhesive.
- Continue stacking and affixing subsequent panel rows, checking for level lines.
- Caulk panel seams and makes it clean and smooth. Allow full curing before use.
- Reinstall any fixtures, hardware or finishing touches once the cultured marble shower has fully set.
- Apply protective sealer like recommended by the manufacturer.
With proper materials and techniques, a basic cultured marble shower installation is within most DIYer’s reach. Consider hiring a pro for more complex custom designs. Allow 1-2 days for a standard shower.
Cultured Marble Shower Costs
Typical pricing for a basic cultured marble shower project ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on:
- Size and configuration (corner vs. walk-in) of the cultured shower surround
- Customization level (solid vs. veined panels, trims, etc.)
- Labor rates in your locale
- Additional plumbing, electrical or structural work required
On average, expect to spend:
- $500-1,000 on materials for a basic 3′ x 3′ shower
- $1,000-2,000 for a medium 5′ x 5′ shower
- $2,000-4,000 for a large walk-in or multiplex shower head fixture
Materials make up 30-50% of total costs while the remainder covers skilled labor expenses. Get quotes from 3 professional installers to ensure fair pricing in your area.
Cultured Marble Shower Care Guide
Keeping your cultured marble shower looking beautiful requires some regular TLC. Follow these tips:
- Wipe down after each use with a soft cloth to prevent soap scum buildup on the nonporous surface.
- For deeper cleaning 1-2 times per month, use a mild pH-balanced cleaner and sponge.
- Inspect caulk lines yearly and reapply if cracked or pulling apart. This prevents damaging moisture intrusion.
- Apply a recommended surface protector or sealant once or twice annually per manufacturer.
- For minor scratches, fine-grit (3000+) wet/dry sandpaper can buff areas inconspicuously.
- Call a professional regarding structural repairs for chips or cracks from impacts.
Proper care helps your cultured marble shower maintain its pristine like-new sheen and protects your renovation investment.
Cultured Marble Shower Pros and Cons
List of the Pros of Cultured Marble Showers
Water resistant:
Cultured marble is impervious to water, so it won’t sustain mold or mildew like other materials. This makes it very low maintenance.
Durable:
The composite material is very strong and impact resistant. It won’t chip, crack, or scratch easily over time.
Large selection of styles:
Cultured marble comes in a huge variety of colors and decorative patterns to match any bathroom design aesthetic.
Affordable:
On average, installations cost less than luxury natural stone options but have a similar polished look.
Easy to clean:
The non-porous surface wipes clean easily and doesn’t require ongoing sealing like tile does.
Long lifespan:
With proper care, a cultured marble shower can last 20+ years before needing repairs.
List of the Cons of Cultured Marble Showers
Visible seams:
The seams where panels join together may be noticeable depending on the lighting.
Surface damage:
Dropping hard objects can potentially chip or crack the surface if it makes a direct impact.
Staining risk:
Strong chemicals, hair dyes, or other substances left on the surface could potentially stain it over time.
Temperature shocks:
Rapid temperature changes from very hot to cold water could cause cracking at the panel seams.
Odor on installation:
New cultured marble has a mild chemical smell that usually dissipates after a few days of curing and ventilation.
Repair difficulty:
Larger chips or cracks may require full panel replacement instead of just spot repairs.
So in summary, it’s very durable but more delicate than solid surfacing materials. Proper care helps minimize cons long-term.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultured marble has proven to be a popular choice for shower installations thanks to its resilience and affordability. As we discussed, it is waterproof, durable, easy to clean and comes in a wide array of aesthetic options that can transform any bathroom into a spa-like retreat. While not indestructible, proper care and common-sense practices will ensure your cultured marble shower maintains its beauty for many years of enjoyment. With the right design, installation and maintenance approach, this versatile material is an excellent value for both DIY and professional shower renovation projects.
For any additional questions regarding cultured marble or shower installation, please contact us at 978-459-5829 or reach us at 755 Dutton St. Lowell, MA 01854. SF Marble and Granite offer expertise in both natural and engineered stone as well as full bathroom remodeling services. Their team can help you realize your vision for a luxury bathroom experience within your budget.
FAQs
What is cultured marble made of?
Cultured marble is a composite material consisting of ground marble, Portland cement, and resins bonded together under pressure.
How durable is cultured marble shower?
When properly installed and cared for, cultured marble has a lifespan comparable to natural stone and ceramic tile showers (20+ years). It resists impacts, scratches and stains better than other materials.
What colors and patterns are available?
Manufacturers offer hundreds of color and pattern options to resemble various natural stones. Popular colors include white, grey, black as well as multi-toned veined looks.
Is it easy to install cultured shower myself?
Small standard showers can be DIY installed by homeowners with patience. More complex custom designs may be better left to professionals. Proper substrate preparation is important.
How much does cultured shower installation cost on average?
Expect to pay $1,500-$4,000 depending on materials, size, and regional labor rates. Large specialty designs may run $5,000-$8,000 installed. DIY can save 30-50% off costs.