FAQ’s for Shower Wall Panel A-Frame or 53’ Truckload Program
What is an A-Frame?
An A-Frame is a large pallet 46”x104”x75” that weighs 440 lbs. Designed for cultured marble and shower base transportation
How many A-Frames fit in a 53’ Truck?
12
How many 3-panel shower wall kits fit on an A-Frame?
A-frame can fit 8 individually packed kits or not individually packed 10 3-panel kits
How much does an A-Frame weigh with loaded maximum quantity?
Example: Ten (10) x 3-panel kits in sizes: two 30” side panels, and one 60” back panel at 96” height plus 2” trim sticks (10lbs each) stored on the top of the A-Frame – total = 1,760 lbs.
Wider side panels (32”, 34” or 36”) will add more weight – see price sheets for weights on each panel.
How many 3-panel shower wall kits fit in a 53’ truck?
Each A-frames can be loaded with 8 individually packed 3-panel kits or 10 not individually packed (loose) so the total number of shower kits is 96 to 120 per 53’ truckload depending on package selection.
Why do I need individually packed wall kits?
For smaller projects handled by different crews, as well as to minimize potential breaking during transportation
Can I mix the order and pick any wall design?
Yes
Is it the same price for different textures and colors?
Yes
How long does an order take to be delivered?
5-6 weeks to make the order and another week or two for it to be delivered.
Is your tallest panel 96”? If so, can you make accommodations?
96” is our height limit, if needed we can send two of our smaller panels to fill-in any additional space necessary or have a custom cut done.
What adhesive do you need to use for the tub surrounds and shower walls?
100% Silicone must be used for both shower wall and shower base.
On what type of surface can the wall panels be installed over?
Over drywall, plaster, painted walls, plywood, or any solid wall, stud or existing tile surface however we suggest to crack existing tile for better grip to surface.
FAQ’s for Shower Base Pallet, A-Frame or 53’ Truckload Orders
How many shower bases can be fit in 53’ truck?
The shower bases are packed on pallets and safest is to pack maximum 5 shower bases per pallet. We can ship 100 bases per truck (20 pallets). Although it is possible to pack up to 8 bases on a pallet, you will run the risk of bases breaking – “not guaranteed”. So, the minimum for a 53’ truck is 100 bases or maximum could be 160 (8/pallet).
Are drains included with shower bases?
No
Can I order trench drains?
Yes – for photos and available sizes click here.
What is Cultured Marble?
Cultured Marble is a pour molded mix of Polyester Resin and a granulate filler, usually Calcium Carbonate, commonly called Limestone. Limestone is the same mineral that has become natural marble in some areas of the world. It is covered with a layer of clear, high grade of polyester resin called gelcoat, which provides the smooth, easily maintainable and polished surface. It is manufactured locally in our San Diego factory in the shapes, colors and sizes that you may need.
The process is much like baking a cake, only we put the glazing on first. The molds are first assembled as needed, then waxed and sprayed with clear gelcoat. When the gelcoat hardens, a mixture of polyester resin, aggregate fillers, hardeners and pigments are poured into the upside down mold and let cure. After de-molding the product is trimmed and polished before being shipped and installed to your bathroom.
What are the benefits of Cultured Marble over other products?
The main benefit of Cultured Marble is the ability to eliminate all but a few seams. Therefore there are fewer areas for mildew to grow, and leaks to start. Cultured Marble baths are not totally seamless but compare 247 inches of smooth 25-year silicon to the 4000 inches of rough and porous grout line found in the average tub-shower walls.
Sinks and countertops can be one piece doing away with the always hard to clean lip around china bowls. Unlike tile, where the porous grout is not waterproof, or natural marble were the stone itself will leak and stain without constant maintenance, Cultured Marble with silicone seams is absolutely watertight.
Silicone is the same sealant that is keeping the water inside all glass aquariums all around the world. Fiberglass units are watertight, however they constantly flex and therefore are prone to cracking over years of use. Additionally, they are not customizable and since their surface compound is pigmented, it is softer and wears faster than the clear gelcoat that covers our colored products.
But aside from the technical aspect, Cultured Marble gives you, unlike any other product, the ability to coordinate your bathroom the way you want to. Choose items in matching or contrasting colors from the sink to tub or shower and surrounding walls, all sized and shaped to fit your particular needs. We have over 14 shower pan molds, 14 tub- molds and 16 different sink styles in over 200 colors.
Why Use Cultured Marble or Granite Instead of Tile For Showers?
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. Also, building structures will shift with the change of temperatures, this may cause grout lines to crack and crumble. This problem is avoided with the use of cultured marble/granite.
How do I care for Cultured Marble?
Cultured Marble takes very little maintenance. No regular stripping and resealing like stone, no scrubbing of grout lines, just a little wiping. However there are some things to keep in mind…No abrasive cleaners, and never use a scouring pad. Powdered cleaners should not be used. Avoid prolonged exposure to solvents, acids and lye. Wipe down regularly using spray or aerosol household cleaners for the tub and tile, windows, dishes or appliances. Ammonia based cleaners also work well. Hardware stores also sell products that are specially made to care for gel coated products and fiberglass.
Can Minor Scratches Be Removed?
Gloss Finish, Yes. Fine scratches can be removed with automotive paint buffing compound and a hand held polisher. A company technician should take care of deeper scratches.
Matt Finish, These textures will not show minor scratches.
Will My Cultured Marble or Granite Stain Easily?
Cultured marble/granite 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.
How many 3-panel shower wall kits fit on an A-Frame?
A-frame can fit 8 individually packed kits or not individually packed 10 3-panel kits
Question: How is CM mounted?
Answer: CM can be put on top of an existing tile or on a green board. Use suggested mold and mildew resistant caulk and any of the following adhesives or as otherwise suggested by your contractor. 100% silicone is suggested as glue for cm panels. Also if the panels installed over existing tile, the tile must be cracked with hammer for a better grip
- pl 200 adhesive
- 2. Bondo (white in color, and I buy it from the cultured marble manufacturer here)
- 3. Lexell Super Clear Adhesive/Sealant
- 4. Thinset mortar