About
Why use Cultured Stone instead of tiles?
Cultured Stone materials are sold in pieces with no grout lines to clean or keep sealed. The seams are sealed with an industrial strength 100% mold and mildew resistant silicone that requires little in the way of maintenance. Unlike grout, the flexible silicone will not crack with the shifting of building structures. Cultured Stone is a soft product, which expands and contracts with heat, so panels themselves are also resistant to cracks.
Why use Cultured Stone instead of acrylic inserts?
Cultured Stone showers are constructed solid and strong, with very little ‘give’ and flexibility. Therefore, cultured stone showers do not have the same risk of cracking that acrylic inserts do. Cultured Stone wall panels come separate from the bases making it easier to maneuver than bulky one piece shower inserts. Finally, Cultured Stone can be custom made to fit nearly anywhere, as opposed to restrictive shower insert shapes/sizes.
How are the joints sealed, if there is no grout?
It is recommended to use industrial grade 100% mold and mildew resistant silicone to seal drains and joints. The right type of silicone is IMPERATIVE ensure mold and mildew resistance; off-the-shelf silicone/caulking can mold. Please contact us at 905-561-4550 to find out how to purchase the right brand of silicone for your use. After product installation, any joints where panels are meeting drywall should have paint-able DAP applied to them to give a smooth transition.
What are the thicnkesses of your panels
Wall panels, and any other product being installed vertically, are 3/8” thick. Any product which will be installed horizontally, including vanity tops, sills, Knee wall caps, bench seats, etc., will be produced in a 3/4” thickness.
Do you produce Onyx products?
Demand in recent years for this particular product has diminished greatly in our area. At this time, Onyx products have been discontinued.
Ordering
How do I place an order?
Ask your contractor if they are an authorized cultured stone dealer – most often, they will place the order for you to ensure the correct measurements and finished edges. We are also open to the public, so feel free to place the an order with your own measurements. Please be aware that placing an order via e-mail to info@mmproducts.ca can be sent to the junk folder and missed, so please follow up with a phone call on your first order to ensure it is received.
“We do full bathroom renovation from start to finish”.
We also work with your contractor to accommodate your orders.
Do I need to know which edges of my top or panels will be exposed?
Yes. In order to ensure a nice finished edge, we do need to know which edges of the panels or counter top are exposed. Unfinished edges are rough and uneven, leaving them exposed will give the finished product a less-than-ideal look.
Can I change or cancel my order once it has been placed?
There is a 24 hour guaranteed no-fee cancellation period. Beyond that you can make a single change or cancel your order up until the Cultured Stone is actually produced. Additional changes requested prior to production will incur a $50.00 processing surcharge. A re-stocking fee will apply to all orders which are canceled or changed after production has occurred. Fees may vary depending on which stage in production the product is in at the time of cancellation/change.
What are your typical lead times?
We pride ourselves in delivering high quality products in a time frame that meets the needs of our customers. Since all of our products are make-to-order, our lead times are dependent on current orders in house.
- Cultured Marble products can usually be produced in a 2 week period.
- Marble-ite can usually be produced in a 4-5 week period.
- Cultured Granite can be produced in 2-6 week period.
- Panel installations are typically booked 4-6 weeks from the time of order.
- If custom glass is involved, an additional 2-3 weeks will be required after the time of product installation.
Do you make custom sizes?
Yes! We can produce nearly any shape/size piece that you need, including shower bases, panels, counter tops, and almost anything else you can dream up.
Do you have stock or standard size items on hand for purchase?
Since we are a custom size manufacturer, we make everything to order. Therefore, you will not find finished items on-hand for purchase. Standard sizes are still made to order as if they were custom.
Sinks
What are the small veins near the drain on my old sink?
Those small veins are tiny hairline cracks found around the drain called Crazing, caused by a process called Thermal Shock and typically affects older cultured marble vanity tops. Advancements of technologies in equipment and raw materials means that today Crazing has been nearly eliminated and shouldn’t be a problem – if at all – for tens of years.
How can I avoid Crazing/Thermal Shock?
Thermal Shock is caused by a sudden increase in product temperature which creates small hairline cracks called Crazing. It is typically seen around the drains in older sinks. To avoid this, tap water should be kept cool or lukewarm (it is recommended that hot water should not exceed 125ºF/50ºC)
How can a rust spot near my sink drain be removed?
Most rust or mineral deposits can be removed with off-the-shelf cleaners from your local hardware store. Apply as stated on the label until buildup is removed.
Maintenance
How do I care for my Cultured Stone Products?
Cultured Stone requires very little mainenance, Check out our Guidelines on proper Care and Mainenance for your Cultured Stone Surface.
(Click the yellow link to open our guidelines)
Will Cultured Stone Stain
Cultured Stone is thoroughly tested to resist stains from ink, hair dye, shoe polish, iodine, crayons, Bleach, drain cleaners, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and many other products commonly found in bathrooms
Will my Cultured Stone counter top scratch?
Cultured Marble features a Gel-Coat finish that helps protect against staining, however, the surface can be scratched. All bathroom fixtures – of any type of material – will scratch if it is abused, normal care and cleaning of our materials will ensure years of enjoyment and use. Avoid placing sharp, abrasive objects on the surface to avoid damage.
Can minor scratches be removed?
Yes, fine scratches can be removed with automotive paint buffing compound, which is usually white, and a hand-held polisher with the RPM of NO MORE than 1750. Apply a liquid wax or Gel Gloss after buffing. A company technician can be called to take care of scratches. Reminder: Matte finish products do not require polishing. Instead, 600 grit sandpaper can be used to remove minor scratches
Can chips or major scratches be repaired?
If your cultured stone surface has a major scratch or chip, repairs can be made by a company technician. Sometimes, all that is needed is sanding and polishing, other times, the chip must be filled with the same material it was originally made with. A company technician has the knowledge and the correct tools needed to determine how your product can be best repaired. Colour match is not a guarantee.
Will my curling iron damage the surface of my counter top?
It can. While your Cultured Marble and Cultured Granite counter top is durable, sources of heat such as curling irons, flat irons, and candles can damage its surface. We recommend using a trivet or similar item to place them on when using. Marble-ite counter tops are more heat resistant, but caution should still be taken.
Installation
We do offer full service installation of Shower walls/ panels, ceilings, around tub area, and shower doors, vanity sinks/ backsplash with full plumbing services.
We also work closely with your contractor to accommodate your desire.
Can I install my own materials?
Vanity tops and bases will be installed by the homeowner, contractor, or a plumber. These installations usually require two people, and require a knowledge of plumbing practices. Small panel orders (example, single Sill or Knee Wall Cap) will also be installed by the homeowner or contractor and most pieces will need to be cut to fit at the time of installation. Wall panels are templated to fit the shape of the house at the time of installation, while they can be installed by the homeowner/contractor it is recommended that our skilled installers install our wall panels.
Can your products be cut? What do you use?
Yes, in fact, many of our products will require a skilled tradesman to scribe and cut at the time of installation. We recommend using a masonry or carbide blade for all cutting, but diamond blades can be used, if you prefer. Cutting our products will create a large amount of dust, so please cut outside and use appropriate dust masks and safety goggles. It is recommended that wall panels be templated – as opposed to measured – and also to support any excess that is being cut off to ensure it doesn’t snap/chip or otherwise break the remaining top or piece.
Can Plumber's Putty be used on Cultured Stone
Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES may plumber’s putty be used on cultured stone surfaces. Plumber’s putty is oil-based and can bleed into the underside of the product, leading to a less-than-desirable discolouration. It is recommended to use industrial grade 100% mold and mildew resistant silicone to seal drains and joints. The right type of silicone is IMPERATIVE ensure mold and mildew resistance. Please contact us at 905-561-4550 to find out how to purchase the right brand of silicone for your specific use.
How do I properly install my shower base?
Installation typically requires two people, at least one of whom must have a knowledge of plumbing practices. All bases are required to be set in a bed of Tile Thinset to ensure there is no movement whatsoever. Some people choose to screw the flanges to the studs – this is optional. More specific instructions are:
- Standard Bases – must be set directly against the studs, level and set it a small amount of Tile Thinset with the drain hooked up. Silicone should be used for the installation of the drain, not Plumber’s Putty.
- Custom slab Base – must be set directly against the studs, level, and set in a bed of Tile Thinset plops, or “Cow Patties”, placed 4” – 6” apart. These Cow Patties should fill all gaps between the sub-floor and the base, meaning they will be larger and higher near the outside of the base, and smaller near the drain. Strapping may be used around the outside of the base, if necessary. Silicone should be used for the installation of the drain, not Plumber’s putty.
- Linear slab Base – Must be set directly against the studs and installed with a slope of 1/4” per foot. LINEAR SLAB BASES MUST NOT BE INSTALLED LEVEL or they will not drain. The base should have strapping at the end opposite the drain, and must be set in a bed of Tile Thinset plops, or “Cow Patties” placed 4”-6” apart. These Cow Patties should fill all gaps between the sub-floor and the base, meaning they will be larger and higher near the raised end opposite the drain, and smaller near the drain. Silicone should be used for the installation of the drain, not Plumber’s Putty
If you have any questions regarding the proper installation of your base, please call us at 905-561-4550
How do I properly install my Adjustable Threshold and Ramp?
Click the yellow link to see our instruction for proper Threshold and Ramp Installation
What backer-board should I use?
It is recommended that Cultured Stone wall panels be installed on 1/2” plywood or waterproof drywall set onto the flange of your tub/base. The seamless nature of the products means you don’t need to spend your money on expensive backer-board.
How do I know if my site is properly prepped for my wall panels?
Use the checklist below to ensure you are ready for your shower/tub wall panels to be installed:
- My base/tub is properly installed as per manufacturer’s guidelines (click here to jump to the guidelines for our bases)
- My 1/2” Plywood or waterproof drywall is securely fastened to the studs and set directly onto the flanges of my tub/base
- My plumbing is roughed-in
- I have properly reinforced the walls with 2×4 blocking for my grab bars and/ or surface mounted seat
- My flooring is installed up to my slab base (For areas using Custom and Linear slab bases only)
Most aspects of site prep can be confirmed with a photo, so feel free to send a pictured of your prep to mmproducts@live.com .
How long does it take to install a shower?
In most cases, your shower/tub walls can be installed in one day. Larger, more complicated showers may require a second installation date. Installation dates are typically booked 4-6 weeks from the time of order.
How long after installation will I be able to use my tub/shower?
You should wait 24 hours after your tub surround, shower surround, or shower door has been installed before using.
Warranty
What is the Warranty on your Products?
MM Products is proud to offer a Limited LIFETIME Warranty on all cultured stone surfaces. View our Warranty.
(Click the yellow link to open our warranty)