Can You Use Cultured Stone As a Backsplash in Your Kitchen?

Cultured Stone Description

• Cultured stone, also called manufactured stone, is a manmade surfacing material created to look like natural stone or brick. It is made from a mixture of polyester resin, fillers, catalyst and stone dust and colored with chemical pigments to resemble different types of popular natural stone including marble, onyx, granite and red and beige brick. After the components are combined and placed into molds, the catalyst is activated to harden the resin. After hardening, the stone is treated with a protective coating and cut into different shapes and sizes.

Cultured Stone vs. Natural Stone Backsplashes

• Natural stone is heavy and difficult to cut to fit into small areas like wall spaces behind sinks and ranges. Cultured stone is lightweight and easily molded and cut. The cost of cultured stone is considerably less than quarry stone and its colors are consistent, which makes it easy to create several backsplashes in the same room with uniform hues. Since cultured stone can be formed into exact shapes and sizes for backsplashes, there are no seams in the backsplash to trap dirt or debris. Cultured stone is mold and mildew resistant and surface scratches are easily removed by buffing the surface with fine steel wool. Both cultured and natural stone must be periodically sealed to prevent absorption of grease and liquids into their porous surfaces.

Backsplash Colors

• It’s best to choose cultured stone in colors that match the kitchen cabinets and fixtures rather than appliances, as appliances are more likely to be replaced with different colored ones. Test different colors and textures in the proposed backsplash area to gauge how the light affects them. Natural light will wash out some earth tones, and fluorescent lighting can adversely alter the appearance and colors of cultured stone. Neutral colored cultured stone backsplashes are more likely to blend in with common changes in kitchen decor such as wall colors, curtains and floor coverings.

Cultured Stone Designs

• Cultured stone made in the image of bricks and natural rock formations works well for fireplace facades and retaining walls but is too overpowering for most kitchen backsplashes. These options also have rougher surfaces than synthetic marble or granite, which makes them more difficult to clean and seal.