Follow up to cutting out cultured marble sinks-PICS
vizslalover
16 years ago
I asked about a month ago if anyone had experience cutting out formed cultured marble sinks and replacing them with a drop in. No one had any experience but I think 1 or 2 people were interested in the idea. Well, DH and I did a light bathroom remodel (under $1k) for my parents over the last 3 days that included doing this (as well as removal of a soffit with fluorescent strip lighting and new towel racks).
This isn't a true 'before' pic because I forgot to take one. This is the sink in the other bathroom which is the same shape etc (but doesn't have the icky 70's faucet so you can't get the full effect).
Here's what the two old sinks look like now
The new sink and faucet (Kohler Cimmarron sink and Delta Lewiston faucets)
After some internet research that suggested using a circular saw (not useful for anything not straight) or router with a carbide blade or bit we ended up using a Rotozip (a spiral cut saw...sort of like a Dremel on steroids) with a carbide grinding bit. It worked great but WOW what a mess-even with someone right there next to the saw with a shop vac. The new sinks really look fantastic and are a huge improvement. (note-I'm not sure I love the white sink on the somewhat yellowed /off white cultured marble counters but it doesn't look as bad as I feared).
Just for some context, here's a partial photo of the master bath involved.
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Comments (8)
Happyladi
16 years agoRelated Discussions
cultured marble shower vs tile shower on 1st floor
Comments (13)would like follow up to this discussion we have older home in DFW area--getting ready to put it on the market shower and master bath need work shower is tiled but 25+ yrs old and probably sheetrock vs cement backed walls--could have some nasty stuff when it is torn out (as our contractor warned us--said he never regrouts older showers when doing remodeling--because most of them just have sheetrock and bad shower pans--but always goes down to the studs) counter tops and tub are cultured marble-- my husband thought to put in granite countertops and new fiberglass tub w/tile top and new tile shower our contractor gave us a fairly reasonable price except it does not include sinks, fixtures and the tile would be pretty basic... we had someone come measure for new cultured marble countertops and tub and also a cultured marble shower stall because most homes in our area have not upgraded their baths ... the cultured marble guy said that because the shower door is more narrow and there is a stepdown into the shower that they would probably have to cut the wall pieces and have a join/grout line vs having them the full length of the tiled walls I asked about having a tile insert line--like 6 x 6 glass mosaic sheets--which he said could be done... anyone have pictures of shower like that or have you done something like that yourself...See MoreCultured Marble vs onyx collection vs solid surface shower pan
Comments (78)Lenore, who is installing the granite slab shower? Start there and make your priority be hiring a VERY experienced tile professional - one you have vetted carefully to insure that their qualifications meet your design requirements and product selections. Stone slab installations are not for the B team, and especially in a wet area. Can it be done? Yes, depending upon the structure over which a solid surface stone is installed and the methods used. We install solid surface shower walls regularly, but from an empty cavity which we build to meet all specific design and installation specifications, including the pan. A solid stone slab cannot be supported by the pan (it is not meant to support a slab wall). A slab wall is pinned and tied so it is self supported, not supported by a pan. This is a very complex installation. A LOT to consider. As one example, the thickness of your slab? 2cm. 3cm? (effects the weight load on the space). And I could go on. After you have carefully vetted the qualified tile contractor, have this conversation with them. If you question or want to clarify their recommendations, check back or seek professional advice from other qualified sources. Please consult with a professional onsite. Good luck with your project....See MoreAchieving a "classic" (not dated) look with cultured marble
Comments (24)You'll find that Cultured marble is generally less expensive than other solid surface products and if you have a local manufacturer, it can be custom sized so there is no waste having to buy full panels. I have been doing cultured stone showers for 20 years and there is no more durable or easier to clean surface. Mainly because there is no grout and it has a permanent sealant. As far as the issue of looking dated: For vanity tops use an under mounted sink- the Kolher 'Caxton' is an industry standard with a cultured stone top. This will give the look of natural stone especially if you can get it with a dropped edge or at least 1' thick. The older integral sinks did crack around the drain-typically due to a chemical reaction to plumbers putty. But the gel coated products have improved tremendously as far as no yellowing and being very abrasion resistant. Again as far as getting a more time-less look, go with a solid white shower/tub surround or very subtle swirls. Cultured granite gives you a more typical solid surface look, but I prefer a GLOSSY surface since it is so much easier to clean than a matte finish. (Soap scum doesn't stick to it) Another timeless look in the cultured stone product line is TruStone. It's a gel-coated cultured marble that goes through a photo fusion process. It looks just like natural stone without the cost, weight, and porosity. If you have a local cultured marble manufacturer, they may be licensed to provide TruStone. Here is a link that might be useful: Trustone Products...See MoreCultured Marble or Swanstone?
Comments (5)We had custom cultured marble in our last house and we have finally decided that is what we are going to have our showers made of in the house we are currently building. It was wonderful to clean and always looked nice. Our shower never had scratches in 13 years of daily use. Our matching garden tub also looked new as well. However, if you are not careful, a cultured marble vanity top will show light scratches, sort of like a patina. I never used anything abrasive or harsh to clean them with. I am a huge believer in do it yourself. In fact, we are doing most of the construction on our house ourselves. However, in the case of either a cultured marble or Swanstone shower, I highly suggest a really good professional to do the installation. I understand the marble panels are quite heavy, and the stuff isn't cheap. I have no experience with Swanstone, but a kitchen and bath designer I have gotten to know said her husband had insisted on Swanstone for their showers, and she said she finds the matte finish is very difficult to clean. I know you haven't asked about tile showers, but thought I would add that I have always loved the look of a beautiful tiled shower....when new. I am someone who loves and prefers natural materials. However, I hate the upkeep and sooner or later the grout is an issue. We considered Corian for the showers but ultimately decided to have custom cultured marble showers in the house we are currently building, since I know that it is so easy to maintain, and it also looks nice. It also lends itself to style blending (as I'm sure Swanstone does). I like the "unfitted" cottage look, so I am considering having a large console fireclay sink rather than a standard matching vanity since the vanity gets a lot more wear and tear than a shower does. My suggestion would be to see if you can take home some actual samples of materials to test out. You will also find that it will help you make a final decision. Sometimes you just have to follow your heart....See Morevizslalover
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