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Installation Makeover Ideas

Conquering Cinder Blocks

Cinder blocks were invented as a way to increase the structural integrity of buildings at a faster rate but they were not made to be pleasing to the eye. They provide builders with a lot of great advantages, but covering it up with regular siding or paint is cumbersome and requires a lot of maintenance. Nobody wants to have the cinder blocks showing on their home.

There are many siding options are but they require skilled veterans who are very familiar with the material. In addition, most siding options are bland and boring. These options don’t make the house pop with unique qualities and characteristics. Fortunately, the cinder blocks can easily be covered with the right siding material the trick is making sure it is water and moisture proof.

Exposed Cinder Block
Exposed Cinder Block

Most people don’t like the uniform look that every other house has so in order to customize your home and cover up that boring cinder block the best option would be using some new and innovative material.

Today’s synthetic resins can be made to look incredibly realistic and it can be formed into thousands of different sizes and shapes enabling people to get different architectural elements. There are some resin panels that save a great deal of installation and general labor time. There is no need for mortar or grout. Simple construction adhesives or screws will fasten the panels to the wall. The panels can be adhered onto any flat surface because it is light and durable. You can instantly remodel your home so it can be the envy of the neighborhood. These panels come in a large variety of styles and colors so that way even neighbors can customize their homes and still have a very unique look. Some more ideas for and pictures for installation can be found by clicking here.

Rock panels in a studio
Rock panels in a studio

A great advantage for developers and contractor is the fact that it can save money on labor and installation. Developers looking to cover up foundations or cinder blocks quickly represent great candidates for this product.

Cinder block fences also pose the perfect application for this product because builders can easily do hundreds of square feet in a day. Those fences can look their best by being given the impression of an actual stone fence.

These products also have a number of different elements that can be used to satisfy the needs of any project. Developing housing communities requires developers to find a fast and cheap way to make them unique which is very hard. Staying inside the budget and deadline range is very important. These panels help save builders’ time and money for their developments. Imagine driving into a community where all the homes were similar yet they had their own special design. The marketing power behind such a community would be very strong because people value a home that is different than any other home.

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages Makeover Ideas

Fireplace Remodeling Without The Hassle

The fireplace is one of the hardest areas to remodel. Finding a product that speeds up the process is essential to getting a great professional project. Using imitation stone can give you the best look at the best price. You save on installation and labor costs and you can make your home look great.

Perfect Fake Stone Fireplace
Perfect Fake Stone Fireplace

Every stone project requires a long time to complete. The best way to avoid a long construction period is by utilizing faux stone walls to create that great stone look in a tenth of the time.

If the fireplace looks blank and boring and it is in dire need of remodeling, then don’t fear a long construction process.

With the following information you will learn how to avoid expensive contractors and tedious masonry labor.

  • First we have to start with the surface. If your fireplace already has brick or stone facing on, it’s no problem. All you have to do to cover it is by using some sheets of plywood that can be screwed onto using masonry screws. This way homeowners can avoid taking off the actual stone facing without an expensive and messy tear down process.
  • Once a flat surface has been created around the perimeter of the fireplace then it is time to take the dimensions. Write down as many dimensions with the tape measure as you can in order to get the most accurate estimate of how many panels you will need to use.
  • Most projects will require cuts to panels. Find a place outside that is easy to clean so when the dust from cutting the panels falls on the project area it can be easily dispersed or swept up. Cutting them on grass is great since it only takes a quick shower from a hose to wash away the dust without any trouble. It is important to remember to cut as you go so that you don’t make any mistakes.

    Mitered Faux Stone Panels
    Mitered Faux Stone Panels
  • Here comes the fun part of applying the actual panels to the project site. When you are putting them on the surface hold the panel in its place for about a minute or two with your full weight to secure the panel onto the substrate. Drive some screws into it.

    Adhering Panels
    Adhering Panels

Once you are done use your touch up kit to paint any spots that may require it. Now you have a new fireplace.

Remodeling the fireplace makes a big difference and adds value to the house.

Creating a unique fireplace means making the best possible product without taking a long time. Finishing that long project in less than a day is worth it because it makes the renovation process a lot easier.

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages

Cheap Renovation Ideas

It is not difficult to find the old houses in a neighborhood because they stick out like a sore thumb. If the front yard has an old mailbox or chipped paint those are telltale signs of an old house in desperate need of a renovation. It is very important that people focus on the fixing the front of their house before anything else if they want to increase the resale value.

Home Renovation Drawings
Home Renovation Drawings

Finding ways to spruce up the home is difficult because of many different factors. The main obstacle people face when remodeling is usually related to budget.

The second most common factor is time. After those two main obstacles there are more unique reasons why homeowners can’t renovate which will be discussed in further articles.

The financial hurdle is a common problem people face when they want to remodel. There are many ways around that because of different products that were designed to make the remodeling process easier and cheaper.

It is important to remember that the highest expense during a project is the labor. Labor costs are higher when skilled labor is needed which is the case for masonry projects. That expense drives up the bill which brings in another detrimental obstacle; time.

Home renovation before picture
Home renovation before picture

When a project goes over the deadline it can become fatal. Over time means over budget which can stop a project dead in its track whether it is an addition to a house or a tall skyscraper. This can leave homes looking like this picture for months.

Finishing renovations in a short amount of time enables many people to have the freedom to fix their home without losing it to creditors.

So the best way to save money on renovation projects is by simply doing as much of the work yourself as you can. Doing it yourself also gives you more quality control. With the wealth of information on the internet, it is easier than ever to find out ways of fixing up the home yourself.

With Youtube among other resources people can find thousands of different helpful videos. Plus there is a long list of different websites aimed at informing people of home improvement tips. Find the help you need to finish your project within yourself and enjoy the fruits of your labor. There is no price tag on getting the home of your dreams with your own two hands. It is essential to keep in mind the amount of labor the stone panels can save because it is expensive to have a crew of people working in your home.

Home Renovation After
Home Renovation After

 

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages Makeover Ideas

Traditional Design And How It Has Evolved

When people mention a traditional design what is the first thought that comes to mind? Most people tend to think about old antiquated genres of style. Perhaps Victorian interiors or Greek masonry come to mind but in reality traditional design has evolved as our perception old has changed. Every generation has its own style. The way we view traditional home design reflects how we think about the past.

Polyurethane brick
Penthouse faux brick panels application

Some luxury designers like to use traditional concepts to create their own brand of luxury. Many modern penthouses and condos combine exquisite modern improvements with traditional styles.

As of 2013 designers have created a strong push for a well balanced approach when designing. There is a hint of utilitarian efficiency that can be seen in modern showers that are designed with basic amenities and no extra pieces.

“Simple, yet elegant,” was how one of the home owners in the prestigious Canyon Ranch in Miami Beach have described the styles of condos being created. Many condos are selling fully furnished which give people a chance to see just what direction style is taking. Plus it saves them time and money so they don’t have to find furniture themselves.

Industrial space redesigned
Using white brick to redesign a modern space

The designers are establishing more influence amongst the construction industry. More and more clients have flocked to the advice of interior designers and the contractors in turn follow the clients’ wishes. With the onset of new products to the home improvement market many designers have increased their flexibility by using the newest, most advanced technology and products available to them. Some of this advanced technology has created an exploding market of polyurethane architectural elements. It is an incredible solution to the problems that come with stone because it helps save on installation cost, labor cost, and time expense.

Most designers have the need for using products that help extend their creative needs. Polyurethane architectural elements, like the high quality products we distribute, are one of the ways designers have extended their capabilities in their field.

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages

Seeing Is Believing

Some of the best products or services in the market do not need any advertisements because they sell themselves. Once potential customers see it they believe it is a great innovation or invention. Offering free samples of a product is a great way to show potential customers that companies stand behind their product. In the design and home improvement industry it is highly important to show samples because people love to see what they are buying before they buy it..

free-samples
Free Samples After Rebate

The same reason car companies want people to test drive their cars is the same reason we offer product free samples because we know customers will appreciate the high quality and attention to detail that we put into each architectural element we make. This product has become an important piece of the market that cannot be ignored by the home improvement industry.

Many people are skeptical of using imitation stone panels because they feel like the panels look “fake” or don’t add depth to their home or business. The truth is, everyone who uses the panels loves the outcome. Everyone from contractors to do it yourself homeowners is extremely pleased with the ease of installation and great look the panels provide. The product looks incredibly realistic and surprises everyone when they realize it isn’t real stone.

Great example of stone wall
Great example of stone wall

“Seeing is believing” which is the reason we offer samples for our panels and architectural elements. We believe that people deserve the highest quality product for the lowest price. Anybody should have the financial ability to beautify their home and save time doing it. The best feeling is when somebody can look at their home and say “I built this”. Supermarkets love to offer samples of food because they know once people taste the quality, they will become customers which is why we offer free samples with a rebate voucher. When you have a great product it sells itself.

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages

Using Fake Panels Of Stone To Cover The Skirting Of Trailers

Making simple additions to your trailer can increase the value and beautify the neighborhood at the same time. There were over 7.3 million mobile homes in the United States as of 1990 and the amount has consistently increased since then. Using metal sheet skirting may cover the foundation but does not look good after it has been installed. Faux stone panels make a big difference in quality and resale value.

Stone Below Siding
Stone Below Siding

Mobile home developments are popping up everywhere due to their mobility and affordable prices. Trailers are usually designed with the same color and design persuading most people to look for ways to make their home unique. Unfortunately, some of the metal sheet skirting being used does not boast the professional quality look that faux stone panels can provide.

The main reason for customizing any mobile home is to make sure people can find it among the rows of similar trailers. The constant monotony of the identical trailers creates a strong demand for unique ideas that can not only improve the trailer but make the neighborhood look better.

Stacked stone on mobile home
Stacked stone on mobile home

It is important to remember that these panels are so easy to use that anyone physically able to lift 15 pounds. In addition, they can also be removed if the owner wants to move and take them where ever they go.

Do Your Homework

The best way to calculate the cost of any addition to your home is by checking the labor and material cost. Without accurate research the project could suffer a delayed deadline.

Once your research is complete look at the maintenance costs over a year. For example, wood needs painting and staining so that would have to be a factor when considering siding.

Faux stone or brick panels have virtually no maintenance costs enabling it to take over the remodeling and siding market. Although, the material cost is comparable to that of the alternatives. Once you do away with the contractor or masons then you can really save a ton of money.

Mobile Home Skirting
Mobile Home Skirting

Fake panels of stone are designed and priced for people in every demographic. Therefore the mobile home market is a prime example of the perfect consumer for imitation stone panels. The skirting around the bottom is usually covered with a thin rapidly constructed piece of wood or wooden terrace that gets dirty and destroyed easily. Sometimes people use a metal sheeting that resembles stone but doesn’t stand up to the test of time. Faux stone panels stand up to the test of time which makes them the solution not the alternative to other siding materials.

 

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages

Using Real Stone Equals Real Problems

Stone may look great but the alternatives have made the antiquated method of laying natural stone obsolete. Take a look at the large heavy blocks in the picture below and try to imagine how long and tiring it must be to build a wall. Why would anybody use this old method when they could finish the project in a fraction of the time and cost?

Laying Heavy Stone
Laying Heavy Stone

Real stone has many setbacks that can turn a simple building project into a nightmare. The hardest part of starting a building or renovation project is the budgeting process.

Many factors must be projected and calculated to perfection. When using conventional masonry calculating for maintenance must also be a factor into the budget plan or else a nasty surprises could occur that will sink the whole project. Making sure this doesn’t happen should be a number one priority.

Frustrated Contractor
Frustrated Contractor

Investors look at the bottom line for the immediate project, but do not consider certain problems that may arise in the future because they are focused on the present revenue. Many people have the natural tendency to look at the face value of things without evaluating the true cost. A great way to avoid this would be to consult the online masonry guide. Any research will prove that faux stone is the best way to get the stone look without all the headaches. Most people forget about repair or maintenance costs when they are doing a project this oversight can sink a picture.

Homeowners also get trapped in this budgeting oversight. Failing to account for loose bricks or mislaid stones that fall off equals a serious repair cost that doesn’t happen with faux stone. These problems will turn a professional looking project into a disaster zone. Masonry maintenance is very expensive because it requires a mason to come out on site with an expensive wet saw and other materials. In addition, humid climates can create a lot of moisture which can cause serious damage if there is not a proper drainage system by the substrate.

Hard Stone Project
Hard Stone Project

Stone is not only heavy and hard to install but dangerous. There have been serious incidents where joints inside the interior wall have deteriorated due to a lack of drainage for moisture which led to the overall collapse of the wall system.

Even larger buildings like universities and apartments have all experienced this problem at one time or another. This is a serious issue with masonry which is very expensive to fix.

Thankfully, imitation stone panels have avoided this problem by combining a cladding system that is also waterproof and dissolves the need to create a flashing system. Once the panels are adhered to the surface the builder can caulk the sides of the panels to make sure they are water proof and it is done. People have even created retainer walls and fences with this product.

Faux Stone Fence
Faux Stone Fence

The weight of the panels does not pose a problem.  to the surface When they are being applied to because they are so light they do not need any lateral support beams.

Moisture poses no problem to the panels because they create a closed cell structure when they are hardened.

After the home is sealed with any form of licensed waterproof barrier(consult building code for your state because they may differ) then you can simply apply the panels and the project is finished in no time. Faux Stone Veneer is the perfect solution to the drawbacks and problems of using real stone.

 

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages

The Elements of Fake Stone And Brick Panels

 

Fake stone and brick panels have been made possible by the chemical compound known as polyurethane. The best way to describe it would be by calling it a hardened resin. This resin can be molded in any shape or form enabling it to become anything from architectural elements to panels resembling stone or brick. These products have a diverse range of applications because they are so easy and convenient to install.

Cut Faux Stone Polyurethane
Cut Faux Stone Polyurethane

The hardened polyurethane resin has many qualities that make it the most marketable product in the industry.

When the material is formed and hardened it creates a closed cell structure that makes it impermeable to water. In addition, the panels are UV proof because of the numerous layers of high quality acrylic paint used in its construction.

 

Durability And Longevity Combined

The rate that the paint fades is 1% every 25 years. It is easy to cut and even easier to adhere to any flat surface. The panels can even be heated to a point where they are flexible enough to adhere on a curve with a ten foot radius. With simple construction adhesives you can be glued and gone in no time.

Faux Stone Close Up
Faux Stone Close Up

The numerous applications for the polyurethane panels are one of the main reasons for the success of this product but one of the greatest assets of this product is the ability to reduce the amount of time spent on any construction project using a stone design. Check out the various colors and textures you can get with Faux Stone Depot just click here.

 

 

 

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages

Post Wraps Done Right

Post wraps are a great way to spruce up the house and increase its marketability. Post wraps simply refer to the material used to wrap the bottom or full length of a support post or column. These wraps serve an important function by covering up blank and unattractive architectural elements.

Ugly Post Bringing Down Value Of House
Ugly Post Bringing Down Value Of House

One of the keys of marketing any product is by making sure it has a great presentation. Wrapping posts or columns in faux stone ensures that your home or business looks great without breaking the bank. Usually, the first minute of the real estate agent’s presentation for a house is the guiding factor for the home buyer. The front of the house should be in pristine shape to make a good first impression. Porch post columns are one of the most visible elements of a house. A great way to make a wonderful first impression is by wrapping those plain posts or columns in faux stone panels to give it that extra touch of character.

Contemporary Faux Stone Wraps
Contemporary Faux Stone Wraps

Many people agree that once they wrapped their posts or columns in faux stone it added texture, color, and depth to their home. If you check the different renovation web sites you will find hundreds of bad testimonials regarding post wraps and how long it took to create with real stone. The people who decided to use faux stone products finished within an hour because it is so easy to install. Many people wonder how they can renovate without introducing a construction crew into their home.

Obviously, the best way to work on a project would be to find the right material and design method that requires the least amount of labor and installation material. Using polyurethane stone wraps will help alleviate any of the pitfalls that come with using real stone.

Real Stone Is Not Worth Its Weight

Real stone can be detrimental to the section of the house you want to remodel. Unfortunately, there is going to be a huge mess of heavy stones in the area where you will be wrapping the post or column. They have to be laid out over a plastic sheet.

The stones have to be cut to fit the specific size of the project area which is very time consuming. The stones are heavy and can damage anything from your hardwood deck to your lawn.Usually, the heavy stones will be placed on a pallet in the yard which can destroy part the lawn and leaving a large brown stain which you will most likely have to cover with new sod.

Ugly Posts
Ugly Posts

Another problem with using real stone on a post wrap is the grout lines. Grout lines can be uneven and create a distorted look. Fortunately, there is an answer to the problem of using primitive materials for a modern job and the answer is in the faux stone post wraps. Certain types of posts need to be wrapped in order to hide old wood as we can see in the picture.

Faux Stone wraps are incredibly important in the design of a home or business. For example, the business in the picture below used faux stone wraps in their shop which created a good impression among potential customers, setting them apart from other ski shops.

Gray Style Wrap
Gray Style Wrap

They really make the house stand out with a professional and cozy tone. Check out a couple of great faux stone wraps by clicking Here. Next time you consider redecorating or remodeling think about using faux stone post wraps to save time, money and avoid any collateral damage that might happen with construction project.

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages

Painted Brick Style Can’t Compare to Faux Brick Panels

Many people have tried to paint their house or apartment with a brick style paint job. When most people try this without having any real painting experience the unassuming person has become victim to the project from hell. This is a very tedious and laborious process that requires great painting skills and experience. Usually, the painted brick style does not look good and comes out as a little tacky which is exactly what most people describe when they review it online in different chat rooms.

faux-brick paint.
faux-brick paint

The reason it looks so tacky is simply because it does not look like the real thing and it doesn’t have the same texture. When people look at it they can see the mistakes quickly because of the pattern and design. The best way to compare would be by looking at both samples of finished work from the two different methods. Hopefully the pictures below can do justice but buying a sample of the faux brick panels is the best way in order really see how big of a difference the texture makes.

Frustrated
Frustrated Painter

These different styles give different results; one is a high quality result and the other looks tacky. Based on the painting method most people have found some success in it but it only succeeds in covering the wall with a distracting pattern. Using the imitation brick panels gives you a great look without the frustration. Only skilled and experienced painters should be doing detailed work like that which requires experience in order to handle any unforeseen issues. The imitation brick panels offer a method that is a great alternative which provides a realistic look that really stands out without the hassle. The painting method seems like a quick fix option to many people but it usually turns out to be more of a headache. On the different do it yourself project forums most of the people write about how they realized too late they bit off more than they can chew.

Painted Fake Brick
Painted Fake Brick

The most common pictures and results on websites like Houzz show a numerous amount of projects that did not use the faux brick method and went with the painting method. Around ninety percent of people were disappointed with the results of painting method because it looks tacky. Another one of the downfalls of this method is the fact that it is incredibly detailed.

The realistic look of the faux products beats the painted method every time.

People want to see the actual texture not the appearance of texture. People want to feel warm and cozy while embracing that great urban tone which is what excites most people about renovating their homes. The fact that they can change the feeling of people by redesigning what they see. Creating an emotional response is the key to redesigning any room or house.

faux-brick-gray
Bric Panels In Gray

Homeowners want to be happy with their place and feel great about the changes they made. Creating that earth toned ambiance is what most people like to combine with our modern day look in order to help bring them back into a more relaxed state of mind. So when choosing the painting method do your research and check out finished projects as well as their reviews because it can make a world of difference. This bar in the bottom section would not look right with a painted brick style which is why so many people are flocking to the faux brick panels which are realistic and easy to install. Another great advantage it does not need a large amount of installation materials or skilled labor. Customizing and redefining your home or workplace is important in order to stimulate business or increase the value of your home. Also, beautifying any area makes you feel better about yourself and invites your guests to feel more comfortable.

Polyurethane brick
Penthouse faux brick panels application