LargePorcelainSlabs.com
Finally, an affordable alternative to cultured marble

CULTURED MARBLE INFORMATION

What is Cultured Marble actually made of?
  • Cultured Marble is made primarily of Calcium Carbonate and resin. It is much closer to fiberglass or plastic than natural stone. It rates about a 3 on a MOHS scale (a fingernail has a MOHS 2.5 rating). Porcelain Slabs have a surface hardness of about MOHS 7 so they are about 40 times harder than Calcium Carbonate (cultured marble) panels.
  • Calcium Carbonate (cultured marble) panels are poured into a mold and are typically about 1/4" thick. The rear wall can be made in one section, although a 60" x 96" panel must be handled very carefully and can break easily, especially in cold climates.
  • Porcelain Slabs are manufactured and heated to about 2300F degrees. They have virtually no water absorption; they will not fade even in direct sunlight; they could even be used outdoors.
How Do Calcium Carbonate (cultured marble) panels hold up over time?
  • The best answer to this is ask someone who has had Calcium Carbonate (cultured marble) panels for a few years. Feedback typically includes the material tends to crack, discolor (fade), the gel coat finish will become scratched, have maintenance issues over time.
Are there any advantages to Calcium Carbonate (cultured marble) panels?
  • The biggest selling points have always been the cost (compared to Granite or Quartz) and the fact that rear panel can be made in one section. Because the Porcelain Slabs are manufactured with a rectified edge they can be butt together and do not require any grout. A thin silicone bead between the two panels makes for an easy installation. Because extention panels are offered by the manufacturer, 36" widths and 96" heights are not a problem. And as for the cost, the price is about the same as Calcium Carbonate (cultured marble) panels sometimes slightly less.