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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 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

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

How To Make Your Columns And Posts Look Great

What are some of the most outstanding parts of your house?

Some of the most influential characteristics of a house are the very elements that support it like the columns and posts. Columns and posts are very common in traditional home design. Therefore, many people notice posts or columns because they are a dominant characteristic of the house. Secondly, people notice them because they are exposed. Posts and stone columns are not very forgiving when it comes to highlighting the flaws in the posts and columns. If there is water damage or cracking paint on the post it will be very noticeable due to its high visibility. So it is important to take care of these elemental flaws.

The flaws in the columns and posts are highly visible due to their exposed nature. How can people find ways to spruce up their columns and posts without simply replacing them? With faux stone column wraps you can do it yourself and have fun making a column and post look great. Stone columns look great and have wonderful texture but they are expensive and time consuming to produce but this does not mean you have to lose the great look it brings to your home. Using faux stone or imitation brick and stone can easily cover those unwanted blemishes and make your house look great in the process. Check out the difference it made in this poolside paradise.

Great Example of faux stone column wraps
Great example of faux stone column wraps

Due to the different styles of homes there are a variety of column wraps available. Some come in PVC white or some are made out of wood the list is long but so are the problems associated with them. The main thing to remember is instead of using traditional elements to fix your posts and columns use faux stone wraps to make your life easier. Fixing up those faded pillars might not be something that strikes the average person as important but when you look at the difference between the cookie cutter basic columns and the ones wrapped in stone the contrast is jaw dropping.

A bare post tends to look dirty and plain over time which detracts from the beauty of that unique home. The key is to embrace the style of the house and to rectify the parts falling apart in order to accent your good parts and hide the bad. Faux pillars can provide a solution to your remodeling problems at a greatly reduced cost and give your house a new look in the process.

Faux Stone Entrance
Faux Stone Entrance

The main goal when remodeling your house is to increase the value by making a good impression. Making a good impression is not simply about vanity or ego but about feeling great. What we see effects how we feel therefore we can control how we feel by making our surroundings more beautiful. This is one of the driving factors for renovating homes, which is to feel better about their surroundings. Naturally, it helps the consumer to feel better to know there is a definite bonus in increasing the value of your home.

Interior Post Wrap
Interior Post Wrap

In order to wrap a column, pillar, or post in faux stone or brick simply the panels in the correct order following the instructions given and you will have a new post or column in no time. So for the do it your selfer in you, take a look at your home or business and decide if it is ready to be brought into the 21st century.

 

 

 

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages

How to Cut Faux Stone Properly

Tips on Cutting Faux Stone Panels Correctly

Faux stone is one of the most versatile products to hit the home improvement market. In this article we will discuss how to properly cut faux stone. Cutting faux stone is simple and easy to do. The polyurethane is durable yet light enough to allow for an easy cut with any saw. The recommended saw for this product is the table saw. It ensures the straightest and highest quality cut. If you look in your garage and your toolbox and do not find one do not worry you will still be able to use any other kind of saw such as a jigsaw or circular saw in order to finish your product.

The main thing you should be focused on while doing your project is the proper preparation in order to secure the panels into place and to ensure the correct measurements for your needs. Do not fret because installing faux stone only takes minutes. The amazing difference is jaw dropping and highly gratifying once you see your redesigned porch and realized that you did yourself or got somebody to do it at a fraction of the cost of real stone. Take a look:
http://www.fauxstonedepot.com

Avoiding Problems

Deciding On Right Approach
Correct Preparation Saves time.

Some problems that arise while cutting is dealing with pipes or fixtures that they want to panel around which highlights the beauty of faux stone which is simply that you can cut anywhere to fit your needs. After you receive a panel you simply face it where you want and draw out the line where you need to cut in order to fit the piping. If you run into any problems such as having too much or little of a panel the large assortment of finished edges will fit to your needs thereby giving you the customized look and professional finished result when you are done with your project.

Indeed, if the surface you are looking to cover has windows and other fixtures a simple calculation can be done in order to ensure you get the right amount of material. Essentially, all you have to do is calculate the area of the windows or doors but the best way to do the calculations is to let support staff and customer service. Multiply length by width of the window or door then subtract that amount by the whole area of the wall. The answer you will have is the square feet of area you need to cover.

After Faux Stone Siding Is Installed
After Faux Stone Siding Is Installed

Once you have established the exact area you need to cover draw out where the panels will go. Then apply how many you will need according to your design. Triple check your measurements and then confirm with the actual panels where you want them to go. Make sure to do the cutting as you go. Do not start cutting right away or else you will not be able to keep a continuous flow of pattern. The goal is to stack the panels properly cutting off the edges in order to place them in a pattern. The edge that you cut off goes onto the level right above it and interlocks them into place that is why it is important to do your cutting as you go along.

A great place to find a picture step guide is by searching Google or Youtube for how to install faux products.  So keep your saw and marker handy. Always, use your tape measure in order to ensure you are cutting off the right pieces. In order to ensure a professional look make sure edges are cut straight. Be safe and have fun with your next home transformation project.

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages

The Essentials of Home Improvement Made Easy

Don’t let this happen to you.

Has this ever looked like you ? Improving any home takes time and consideration but it also takes a little research on what material to use. There are many ways to skin a cat my grandpa always used to say, but the truth is there is only one right way. When considering any project knowing the right material for the job is key, so don’t limit yourself. Free your mind with the application of imitation stone or brick guaranteed to immediately give it a drastically unique look and feel. If you have never seen it think again.

Frustrated Faux Brick Painting method
Frustrated Faux Brick Painting method

After its inception a couple years ago many designers, business owners and home owners have applied it in a variety of ways. Look around at the bricks or stone in the next restaurant you visit because those bricks are most likely imitation because business owners love to use it since it is easier to install and less time consuming. Home improvement is a large industry because of the two main drivers of that market which is housing upkeep and new housing developments.

House Under Renovation
House Under Renovation

The main problems to answer when thinking about home improvement is the question of how much money and time can you spend. The need for a cheap alternative and short term fix for your project is essential. If you don’t have all the time in the world like most people. In order to answer that problem ask and check the internet for example kitchen or bathroom remodeling forums. Anybody can see the stress and time it takes to finish any of these projects using conventional methods.

House before Renovation
House before Renovation – Photo credit: batchelorsupply dot com

It is hard to deal with a renovation because of the time and cost when the project is using the wrong material. Most of the heartache brought on by these long projects is because they were using the wrong design philosophy. Never sacrifice what you want due to the limitations and expense of the material.

Home improvement is about getting everything you want and improving the value of your house at the same time. Fight the urge to think inside the box because once anybody thinks outside the box more possibilities will arise for your project.  This is why the the success of imitation stone products is so widespread because people everywhere are realizing its vast possibilities.

The essentials in home improvement obviously require using common sense, which dictates that you should use the best product in order to guarantee the professional look that you want for your project. Staying within budget is also a huge part of making sure the project goes according to plan.

In order to secure a great low price and easy to use material trying faux stone will greatly accelerate your project by shortening the time of installation. Do not excite yourself by over thinking. All the steps and installation process can be done by anyone. This is why the home improvement industry has adopted this product so extensively. The success of faux stone or brick has showed people around the world that it is possible to remodel your home at a greatly reduced price and time. Check out some samples or pictures here. So take your time be creative and have fun planning your new home improvement project.

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Faux Stone Panels Advantages

The Ultimate Aid in Interior and Exterior Design.

Faux Stone Revolutionizing The Way We Build

Faux stone has been in the home improvement market for about ten years. Since then it has substantially increased in sales due to the fact that is the ultimate medium for decorating interior and exterior sections of your house without sacrificing time and labor cost. For any room in any size and shape this product can be applied.

Shower with faux stone
Shower with faux stone

Some of the most amazing applications including the use of faux stone in a shower, yes even in a shower. In this example we can see how it revolutionized the shower experience.There are no ends to it application. Another great interior example is the use of it on a ceiling. Some clients have successfully used it on ceilings making the room into a luxurious escape from the stress of the world.This gives the occupant of the room the feeling that they are in a beautiful earthy cabin with stone walls and a stone ceiling. This product enables you to transform a dead and tired master bedroom into a luxurious oasis from the stress of the day.

Perfect Fake Stone Fireplace
Perfect Fake Stone Fireplace

To the left of the text is a great picture of the different uses of faux stone to revitalize a boring looking bar into a luxurious cozy place to relax and socialize. A great example of the variety of interior uses was the application to a bar. The homeowner was tired of looking at a plain unappealing bar for his den. The bar itself was a curved surface with the span of ten feet. This product can be slightly molded and bent in order to fit the curve of the bar which goes to show how flexible and versatile this product is. The homeowner was incredibly pleased with himself now boasting he had built his own beautiful bar. The faux stone gave not only gave it a modern look but also was easy to install. Interior design was revolutionized with this product. Interior designers or set designers can easily use and reuse faux stone to transform any room or set.

Some of the biggest projects are done on the exterior of the house. These projects help make the home unique and more pleasing to the eyes. Sometimes people hide chipped paint or faded areas of the house with faux stone giving it a durable and long lasting clean fresh look. Many people love the versatility of faux stone and the value and depth it adds to any home. From mobile home skirting to column wrapping just about anything on the exterior can be reshaped and transformed with the use of faux stone. With simple measurements a couple simple tools anybody can change their house into a home. The difference is the unique customization of the house thereby making it your unique home. So if you were thinking of renovating or simply adding value to your home faux stone provides the easiest, fastest, and best way to do that while saving money.