Decoding The Price Tag: How to Determine the Cost of Your New Cultured Marble Vanity Countertop or Shower

VANITY TOPS

Are you contemplating a cultured marble vanity countertop for your bathroom but puzzled about the pricing? At Brandt Molded Marble, we believe in transparency and value, ensuring our customers receive quality products without hidden costs. Let's delve into the factors influencing the cost of your custom cultured marble vanity top and shed light on the pricing structure.

Several factors contribute to the variability in the cost of a cultured marble vanity countertop:

1. Backsplash Options: Choosing a detached backsplash over an integral one may incur additional costs, as detached backsplashes are typically considered an upgrade.

2. Bowl Type: Opting for an undermount or drop-in bowl instead of the standard integral bowl may result in higher costs.

3. Size and Number of Bowls: Larger countertops with multiple bowls will naturally cost more than smaller, single-bowl tops.

4. Field Measure and Installation: If you opt for professional installation, additional fees may apply. A field measure is required for installation, ensuring precise fitting. Material-only purchases do not require a field measure, but customers are responsible for all components of their order.

5. Depth: While standard vanity top depth is 22” to match standard cabinet depth, non-standard depths or sizes may affect the final price.

Comparing Your Options: Cultured Marble, Quartz, Natural Stone, and Laminate.

You are afforded many options when it comes time to select a countertop material. Laminate will forever be your least expensive option, but also the lowest in quality. Laminate is simple plastic which means it will not withstand long-term use. It absorbs water which means you will likely have rotting issues over time. You also need to purchase a bowl separately, unlike our product which offers an integral bowl. Cultured Marble is often purchased around 1-1.5x the price of laminate. Quartz & natural stones are available in a vast variety of colors, patterns, and designs – but will certainly remain your most expensive option. If you are a DIY-er, you will also struggle to install your own quartz/natural stone tops due to their weight and their inability to be cut with basic tools. Our Cultured Marble vanity tops are quite simple to install and certainly easy to modify onsite as needed. Same as laminate, quartz/natural stone will require a bowl be purchased separately. Cultured Marble typically prices out at approximately 50% of the cost of quartz/natural stone. 

SHOWERS

Embarking on a bathroom renovation journey can be exhilarating, but it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the costs involved, especially when it comes to installing a cultured marble shower. From materials to labor, various factors influence the final price tag. In this guide, we'll unravel the mysteries behind the cost of your new cultured marble shower, empowering you to plan your project with confidence.

1. Material:

The primary cost component of a cultured marble shower is the material itself. Cultured marble is a blend of marble dust and resin, offering a luxurious appearance at a fraction of the cost of natural marble. Prices can vary depending on factors such as color, finish, and customization options. Consider your design preferences and budget constraints when selecting the material for your shower. (For example, our least expensive shower pan option is our standard 36x36 pan w/center drain.)

2. Installation Labor:

In addition to material expenses, labor costs play a significant role in determining the overall cost of your cultured marble shower. Installation may require skilled craftsmanship to ensure precise fitting and a flawless finish. The complexity of the installation, such as the size and layout of the shower, accessibility, and any additional features, can impact labor expenses. Obtain quotes from Brandt Molded Marble or other reputable contractors to estimate the labor costs accurately. (Yes, we offer installation through a trusted third-party.) 

3. Increased Customization:

Options such as tile-pattern, built-in benches, and shampoo-holder accessories can add a touch of personalization to your cultured marble shower but may also increase the overall cost. Discuss your design vision with our team or your contractor and explore available customization options within your budget. Strike a balance between aesthetics and affordability to create a shower that reflects your style without breaking the bank. 

4. Other Features That May Affect Price:

Aside from the “basics,” the below are factors that might increase the cost of your shower project:

• Jobsite location (if Brandt Molded Marble is supplying installation)

• Our price is affected by the proximity of your jobsite to our location.

• Custom shower pans

• We have about a half-dozen ‘standard’ shower pans which will also be your least-expensive option. For example, our standard 36x60 shower pan with a center drain is our most affordable. Oftentimes, however, a customer’s space doesn’t allow for the use of standard sizes so we fabricate a custom shower pan. The design of this custom pan will dictate the cost.

• Custom threshold

• Our shower pans typically feature one standard 4”x4” front threshold. We can certainly supply half-thresholds, double thresholds, or accessibility/curbless pans, but all of these features will impact your final price.

• Odd-shaped showers/bathrooms

• Oftentimes we help customers whose homes were built long ago and have odd angles/shapes. The great thing about our product is that it can be customized to fit nearly any shape/size. This, however, might affect your price.

• Taking your wall panels to the ceiling

• Installers will often charge customers a premium to take their wall panel height all the way up to the ceiling due to the increase complexity of installation

5. Planning for Maintenance and Longevity:

While upfront costs are important, it's also essential to consider the long-term maintenance and durability of your cultured marble shower. Cultured marble is known for its durability and resistance to stains and moisture, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. Factor in the incredibly low-maintenance nature of your new cultured marble shower when assessing the overall value of your investment.

Comparing Your Options: Cultured Marble, Quartz, and Tile

Cultured marble showers offer a luxurious aesthetic reminiscent of natural stone at a fraction of the cost. With its seamless, non-porous surface, cultured marble is easy to clean and resistant to stains, making it an ideal choice for busy households. In comparison, quartz showers boast exceptional durability and low maintenance, thanks to their engineered composition. But quartz comes at a substantially higher price point. A typical quartz or Dekton shower will price around $20,000. Tile showers provide unmatched versatility in design, allowing for endless customization with a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures. However, tile showers may require more frequent maintenance to prevent grout discoloration and water damage. Ultimately, the choice between cultured marble, quartz, and tile showers boils down to personal preferences, budget considerations, and desired maintenance levels.

IN CONCLUSION

The answer to “how much will it cost?” is ultimately “it depends.” Work with your distributor/GC/plumber/etc to get an accurate quote. If you are not currently working with someone, please contact us directly and we can help point you in the right direction!