Cultured marble is man-made, blending pulverized natural marble with synthetic resins and dyes. Once formed into a countertop, it's coated with a clear, protective gel. The way cultured marble is made means it's comparable to
Synthetic marble, an alternative to natural marble, is also known as artificial marble or artificial granite. Some people also refer to it as a synthetic picture agate. Synthetic marble gets called by all these names as synthetic marble resembles all of the stones mentioned earlier.
If you're looking for countertops that look like marble, then quartz, quartzite, and granite provide excellent alternatives. They are more durable, potentially cheaper, and lower maintenance.
Scagliola is a composite substance made from selenite, glue and natural pigments, imitating marble and other hard stones. The material may be veined with colors and applied to a core, or desired pattern may be carved into a previously prepared scagliola matrix.
Quartz that Looks Like Marble
White quartz has been extremely popular in recent years and it's clear why. These marble look-a-like quartz countertops require less maintenance and offer a great variety in terms of veining.
Use granite countertops in place of marble if you are looking for better durability in a natural stone. Granite countertops are considered to be the most appropriate alternatives to marble countertops. Granite has a natural eye-popping beauty, and will easily fit in any kitchen design.
Carrara. The most common and affordable type of marble, Carrara marble countertops cost approximately $40 per square foot. Although it's technically classified as white marble, it comes in varying shades of white and light gray with gray veining, and it can have hints of gold.
Artificial marbles are a combination of marble debris, stone powder, plastic cement, sand, and a few other items, along with acrylic glue mixed in a predetermined proportion.
Marble quartz countertops are a non-porous and stain-resistant artificial stone that never needs sealing. Warm water and soap are enough to keep it looking its best. White marble quartz countertops will look just like marble but will wear perfectly and require minimum maintenance.
Composite Marble Countertops for Kitchens. However, composite marble is about more than its looks. Also called engineered marble, composite marble offers greater ease of installation and affordability compared to natural marble flooring.
Calacatta Marble Laminate Top
This laminate formica countertop offers a realistic representation of natural marble stone that provides any kitchen design with a luxurious countertop look at a realistic price.
Laminate is the most affordable material for use in countertops. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, many of which are created to look like granite, marble or other high-end materials. Most laminate countertops are attractive and surprisingly durable.
Slate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, with an approximate cost of $20 to $60 per square foot. It is a stunning countertop material that offers a variety of colors including blacks, greys, blues, greens, browns, and even reds. And because each slab is uniquely made, it provides uniform countertops.
Cultured marble can be considered a 'faux marble' too, but it has a slight advantage over a painted surface. Cultured marble uses various stone particles, pigments, and resins to simulate marble and other natural stones. The slabs are made from molds and can be either a polished or honed finish.
- Porcelain is similar to quartz in terms of price but the looks are for sure much much better. You just need to find the right fabricator who knows to work with 12mm or 20mm porcelain slabs. - Granite are in general also a bit cheaper than marble, and is the easiest material for stone fabricators to work with.
While most homeowners are familiar with the timelessness of marble, many are discovering soft quartzite as an excellent alternative. With its marble-like appearance, but characteristics that make it more low-maintenance, soft quartzite might be the perfect natural stone for your upcoming project.
Quartz countertops (also know as engineered stone) are the answer. Quartz countertops are fabricated from sheets of material manufactured using a process that combines a specialized blend of 93% quartz “chip and dust” and 7% polyester resins and pigments.
Gemstones synthesized in a lab that simply imitate natural stones are called simulated gemstones or simulants.
Affordable: Faux marble countertops are significantly less expensive than natural marble countertops. They offer an affordable way to achieve the high-end look of marble without breaking the bank.
Engineered marble is recycled natural stone that has been crushed, pressed, heated and bonded with a very small amount of resin. Unlike natural stone which is porous, engineered mable is less pervious to moisture which can cause mildew.
Cultured marble is an excellent choice if you want the look of expensive marble without the cost. However, be sure to recognize the limitations of imitation stone. With proper treatment, your cultured marble countertop should last you approximately 20 years.
Typically, Carrara is the most affordable marble. And although most Carrara is mined in Italy, the beautiful stone is found in China and other countries, too.
White kitchens are classic, and they gained popularity in recent years likely due to Joanna Gaines' modern farmhouse renovations on HGTV's Fixer Upper. Her countertop stone of choice was often marble, with light colors and stunning veining.
Marble tops the most-expensive list due in large part to its elegant looks. The good: It will instantly lift your kitchen or bathroom to another level. The bad: It requires some regular maintenance to ensure its legacy.
Quartzite (not to be confused with quartz) is a natural stone that, like marble, can look like almost anything. It's a go-to for many designers for capturing the dramatic quality of marble, but the crystalline nature of quartzite means it often has a softer, more ethereal patterning than most types of marble.