Cultured stones differ in appearance

Q. My husband and I are considering replacing the vanity tops in our two bathrooms. We have heard a lot about "synthetic marble" and "synthetic onyx." Can you tell me what these products are and the differences between the two?

A. The products to which you refer are called cultured marble and cultured onyx. These happen to be two of the most popular finishes for bathroom vanity tops. Although the products are very similar in construction and equally durable, there are distinct differences in appearance.

Cultured marble is a material composed of a mixture of natural stone and polyester resin. It has a gel-coat finish, which provides a nonporous, stain-resistant surface. No two pieces are ever the same. Cultured marble products have a deeply veined colorization throughout the substance, not merely on the exterior, which results in the appearance of real marble.

Cultured onyx also is made of natural stone and polyester resin with a gel-coat finish. However, onyx products have a radiant translucence, giving it depth, which is produced by superior materials.

Q. I tore out and replaced the concrete on my patio and sidewalk with pavers over crushed rock. Joints are filled with sand. Should I use a sealer on this, and if so how often?

A. No -- crushed rock covered with pavers is not a solid mass and therefore does not require sealing. Sealers are used to keep a surface clean and to shed water. With a paver system water is designed to pass through so a sealer is not needed.

For the cleaning part, simply use a degreaser, such as an automotive type degreaser, for your next cleaning project. Pressure washing is still an option even though the joints are filled with soft material. Just be careful.