Frequently Asked Questions

Cultured marble/granite panels and shower pans are solid pieces with no grout lines to clean or keep sealed.

The seams are sealed with a mildew-resistant 100% silicone caulk that requires little in the way of maintenance.

Building structures shift with the change of temperatures, which may cause grout lines to crack and crumble. This problem is avoided with the use of cultured marble/granite.

Firstly, cultured marble/granite showers are constructed solid and strong with very little give and flexibility. Therefore, over time they do not tend to crack or leak as an acrylic insert does.

Secondly, cultured marble/granite wall panels come separate from the base and thus are easier to maneuver than a bulky one-piece shower insert. Cultured marble/granite can be custom-made to fit nearly anywhere.

Vanity tops can be installed by the homeowner. They are heavy and usually require two people. See our Blog section for instructions. Tub/shower wall panels & shower pans require more skill, yet some homeowners elect to do it. It is a cut-and-fit process that requires certain tools and, although possible, it is recommended that plumbers and/or skilled installers handle the installation.

Vanity tops:

Place a few dabs of Liquid Nails on top of your vanity cabinet (you do not need more than this).

Please vanity top where you’d like it to sit on your cabinet.

Once your top is in place, dab a few spots of Liquid Nails on the back of your loose side splash.

Move the side splash left and right against the wall a bit to smear the Liquid Nail adhesive against the wall.

Use paintable acrylic latex caulk where the side splash meets your wall (so that you have the ability to paint the caulk later, if desired)

Use 100% silicone (either white or clear; personal choice) where your loose side splash meets the vanity top. 

Paintable acrylic latex caulk can also be use where your vanity top backsplash meets your wall.

Shower walls:

You can use either Liquid Nails or 100% silicone behind our wall panels to adhere them to your bathroom drywall. Use liberal quantities as the wall panels are heavy.

Use 100% silicone where each wall panel meets one another (aka at the seams).

Use paintable acrylic latex caulk where your wall panels meet your wall (left/right sides and around the top, if your panels do not go to the ceiling)

ONE wall on either side:

If your vanity top only sits against ONE wall (either left or right wall), then you want to take your tape measure from your WALL to the far edge of your cabinet. Typically we would add 1” to this measurement (1” overhang is industry standard).

To find your sink center, measure from the WALL (left or right) to the center of where your sink should sit.

Vanity top depth is typically 22” as cabinetry depth is typically 21”. If you have a special-depth vanity, specifically inquire to whomever is selling you your countertop.

Between TWO walls:

If your vanity cabinet sits in between both a left & a right wall, then you need to take wall-to-wall dimensions in the back AND in the front.

The larger of the two measurements will be your vanity top length. NOTE that, in this case, you will likely have paint or drywall touchups required post-installation. The reason for this is that almost no wall is perfectly straight, and so your countertop will inevitably scrape your wall on its way down. If you cut the countertop down too small in an effort to avoid this, then you risk your side splashes not sitting properly on your vanity top because your vanity top will be too small for the opening in which is sits.

Yes, absolutely. All of our shower pan molds have a no-slip grip texture in them (feels pebbly).

Unless otherwise ordered/requested, our backsplashes are integral. This means they are one piece with the vanity top.

Our side splashes are loose; they are not integral. They are coved so that they fit snug into the integral backlashes. 

Everything is ¾” thick.

Yes. This is typically an upgrade in price, and may mean that your product take a little longer to produce.

This means that your sink bowl is one piece with the vanity countertop. This makes for a simpler production process, and it’s also really low-maintenance for the customer. Super easy to clean!

Yes, no problem. We currently inventory two types: a porcelain oval and a porcelain square.

If you want to use your own bowl that is perfectly fine. We need the bowl onsite in order to manufacture appropriately.

*NOTE: This can potentially cause an increase in your price.

The short answer is yes. Most experienced carpenters, handymen, plumbers, GCs, etc can install our vanity tops with relative ease. You can too, if you follow the instructions. (See our other content about how to install a vanity top)

What will you need?

-Handheld grinder with a diamond blade or a belt sander (for any trimming that is required)
-Paintable acrylic latex caulk
-100% silicone
-Liquid Nails adhesive 

Many plumbers, carpenters, etc are willing & able to install our wall panels. You can too, so long as you take great care in doing so. Our panels are fragile (similar to porcelain tile) and need to be treated as such.

You can install our shower pans, yes, although we always recommend having a licensed & insured plumber to do so if your budget allows. This will ensure that you don’t have leaking/etc that can harm other areas of your home.

Case Study: Gloss Finish vs. Matte Finish Countertops

When selecting bathroom countertops/showers, the choice of finish can significantly impact the overall look and feel of the space. Two popular options are gloss (high-sheen) and matte (low-sheen) finishes. This case study compares and contrasts these two finishes based on aesthetics, maintenance, durability, and suitability for different environments.

Aesthetics

Gloss Finish:

- Appearance: Gloss countertops have a shiny, reflective surface that can create a sense of luxury and modernity. They tend to make spaces feel brighter and more spacious due to their light-reflecting properties.

- Color Enhancement: The gloss finish enhances the depth and richness of colors, making patterns and veining in materials like granite or quartz stand out more prominently.

Matte Finish:

- Appearance: Matte countertops have a non-reflective, smooth surface that offers a more understated, contemporary look. They create a warm and inviting atmosphere, often perceived as more natural and organic.

- Color Perception: Matte finishes tend to mute colors slightly, giving them a softer and more subtle appearance. This can be advantageous in achieving a more cohesive and relaxed design aesthetic.

Maintenance

Gloss Finish:

- Cleaning: Gloss countertops show smudges, fingerprints, and water spots more readily, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain their pristine look. However, the gloss acts as a wick-away surface, so a quick once-over with a soft cloth and your favorite NON-abrasive cleaner will do wonders.

- Scratches and Damage: Scratches and imperfections are more visible on gloss surfaces, making it important to handle these countertops with care.

Matte Finish:

- Cleaning: Matte countertops are more forgiving when it comes to hiding smudges and fingerprints, but hold onto everyday 'grime' a bit more than the wick-away surface of Gloss finish.

- Scratches and Damage: Minor scratches and imperfections are less noticeable on matte surfaces, which can make them a more practical choice for high-traffic areas.

Suitability for Different Environments

Gloss Finish:

- Modern Bathrooms: Gloss finishes are ideal for contemporary designs where a sleek, polished look is desired.

- Small Spaces: The reflective quality of gloss surfaces can make small kitchens or bathrooms appear larger and more open.

Matte Finish:

- Rustic or Minimalist Designs: Matte finishes complement rustic, farmhouse, or minimalist aesthetics, offering a more grounded and natural look.

- High-Traffic Areas: The forgiving nature of matte surfaces regarding smudges and scratches makes them suitable for busy households or commercial spaces.