How To Cut A Cultured Marble Vanity Top
So, you are working on getting a new vanity, are ya? Congratulations. You even were able to get a cultured marble vanity top for it. That’s great and all, but cultured marble can pose a serious problem when it comes to cutting. It’s easy to splinter or even shatter a vanity top made of this material. So, how do you cut it?
You will need a very sharp masonry blade, a scratch-free surface, and towels where you can place the vanity top to prevent any scratched. From there, clamp the vanity down to secure it and slowly cut through it using your rotary saw. Finish it off with sandpaper.
If you are looking to cut your own vanity top, you have your work cut out for you. (Pun intended!) This guide will give you the details on cutting a marble vanity top, and if it’s right for you to do it.
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Should You Cut Your Own Marble Vanity Top?
Like with any home improvement project, the skills you have and the tools you have matter. If you’re doing your own vanity, then you probably have a decent amount of DIY skills as well as some good DIY tools. If you’re brand new to DIY and haven’t used a rotary blade before, you might want to get someone else to cut it.
If you are not sure whether you can do this, then just hire a professional. Vanity tops of any material can be pricey. When you throw marble into the mix, you really can’t make a mistake without having to pay an arm and a leg.
Why Would You Need To Cut A Marble Vanity Top?
Most marble vanity tops come with the option of getting some holes added into the top, but that doesn’t mean that they come with all the cuts needed in order to be the right size for a proper installation. Sometimes, you will need to trim the top down in order to make your vanity fit into your room’s dimensions.
How Much Would It Cost To Get Your Marble Vanity Top Cut?
Not sure if you can saw through this project on your own? Not a problem. You can usually hire a handyman to cut your vanity top for you. Of course, this means that you are going to have to pay for that service. It typically costs approximately $65 per square foot to cut cultured marble countertops. This can lead to a pretty steep price for your project.
How To Cut Your Marble Vanity Top (Without Breaking It)
It’s important to note that you need the right tools for this job. Otherwise, the chances of you scratching, breaking, or chipping your vanity top will skyrocket. To make things easier, we broke up the how-to into the tool section as well as the actual instructions.
What Will You Need To Cut Your Marble Vanity Top?
To cut a marble vanity top, you can’t use a regular jigsaw. You will need to have the following items in your arsenal to make this happen:
- A Masonry Blade and Rotary Saw
- Towels
- A Pencil
- Vice Grips/Clamps
- Sandpaper
The Guide To Cutting Your Marble Vanity Top
Got all of your tools in hand? Great. If you’re ready to venture into the wild unknown of countertop cutting, then you’re in luck. Here’s how you can cut a marble vanity top without having any scratches:
- First, measure your vanity top and use a pencil on the underside of the vanity top to mark off where you need to cut. Make sure to measure twice to confirm that you are cutting the right portion.
- Use throwaway towels to cover the workspace. This prevents your vanity top from getting nicked, chipped, or scratched during your cutting. Don’t use towels you care about, since you might have your saw go through them while you’re cutting away.
- Place the marble vanity top face-down on the blanket, aligning your “to cut” zones with easy entry points. Use vice grips and clamps to secure the vanity top in place. Before you go to the next step, double (or even triple) check to make sure that your top can’t slip.
- Cut along your pencil markings using the masonry blade. Don’t try to push the saw, but guide it gently along the lines. Take it slow, and keep your saw steady. The closer you get to the edge of the top, the slower you should go with the blade. Remove the excess vanity top and release the clamps.
- Use a sandpaper piece to remove any nicks and rough edges from your vanity top. If you aren’t sure what kind of sandpaper grit to use, check the manufacturer’s guide. It will tell you what grit you should use, as well as any other details about your top that you should know.
- Once your vanity top is sanded down, carefully remove it from the work table and place it aside until you are ready to install it. Slowly dust away all the extra grit from your work area. You’re done!
What Should You Do If You Get A Chip In Your Cultured Marble?
Let’s say that you tried your best to make your cut, but you got a chip in your marble, don’t panic. The best way to handle chipped marble is to use a sanding block to wipe away the chips and imperfections. Then, add some gel coat patch to it, and smooth things out using a fine-grit sanding block.
Why Is Cultured Marble So Hard To Cut?
The reason why cultured marble is so difficult to cut deals with its makeup. Cultured marble isn’t really marble. It’s made from a gel, marble dust, and resin. As a result, it’s more like plastic or laminate than it is real stone. If you want to keep that marble vanity look, you need to treat your cultured marble with far more care than you would regular marble.
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Related Questions
Does cultured marble scratch easily?
When it comes to countertop materials, it’s hard to ignore how easily cultured marble scratches. To prevent wear and tear, you should only use non-scratch, non-abrasive sponges on cultured marble. Even so, cultured marble remains a resilient option compared to laminate or similar materials.
How long do cultured marble countertops last?
If properly maintained, it’s possible to have cultured marble countertops last as long as 20 years. If little to no maintenance is done, the lifespan is often significantly shorter. Poorly maintained cultured marble may only last as long as 10 years or so, depending on how much damage is doled out.
What is the easiest shower and countertop surface to clean?
People who are looking for a quick and easy cleaning should stick to fiberglass and acrylic surfaces. These work well with almost every detergent, can take a serious scrubbing, and also don’t lose their luster quickly.
Can you use bleach on cultured marble countertops?
Cultured marble countertops are known for being sensitive to harsh chemicals, and that includes bleach. Using bleach on these countertops will lead to your surface losing its luster. If you own cultured marble, it’s best to stick to gentle cleaners that won’t eat away at its glossy coating. Your countertops (and wallet) will thank you.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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