A stone, brick or concrete-look feature wall can be a great way to add atmosphere to a room, restaurant or retail store. However, the cost of materials, the availability of specialist trades-people, the hassles and mess of construction and the structural reinforcement requirements can all rule out the use of real stone, brick and concrete.
Panespol® stone, brick and concrete wall panels are made in Spain and are a unique and easy to use alternative to real materials. The panels are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and each fire-resistant panel only weighs around 6-7 kilograms, allowing it to be used in a wide range of settings. The 3D finishes on the panels are incredibly realistic imitations of classic brickwork, concrete, slate, stone and wood and are difficult to distinguish from real stone and brick walls.
Our Top 7 Reasons To Use Stone, Brick & Concrete-Look Wall Panels
So when and why would it to be ideal to use wall panels over real materials? Here our the top 7 reasons:
1. Decorative Stone, Brick and Concrete panels are cost-effective compared to the overall cost of installing ‘real’ materials
The raw materials of stone, brick and concrete can be inexpensive but the cost of the specialist trades-people to install the materials can add thousands of dollars to the cost of the job. The weight of real stone, brick and concrete can also require extensive reinforcing to be added to a space. Panespol panels can be installed by just about anyone and can be cut using standard wood-working tools. When the total cost is calculated the panels generally save a significant amount over equivalent ‘real’ materials.
2. The Panels Are Easy to Install & Don’t Require Specialist Tradespeople
Wall panels are light and easy to install, so you don’t have to worry about the time, hassles and extra expense of specialist professionals like tilers or stonemasons. With the simple and easy installation process the panels negate the need for any building or messy wet-cutting tools. The only tools you’ll need being woodworking tools, adhesive, joint filler and retouching pigment, thus allowing for installation by a handyman, builder/carpenter or homeowner. With a little care and attention on installation some spectacular results can be achieved by almost anyone.
3. The Wide Range Of Styles & Designs Provides Options For Any Space
The options of finishes include brick wall panels, slate, stone, wood, and concrete-look panels in a range of colours, styles and textures. The finishes can produce an amazing result in a wide range of settings. To see examples visit the project galleries below:
- Residential Feature Wall Gallery
- Restaurant & Cafe Design Project Gallery
- Commercial Office & Retail Design Gallery
4. The Result Can Be Achieved In Hours & Creates An Immediate Transformation Of An Area
If you’re looking for a quick and easy refresh or room fit-out, wall paneling is the perfect option. The panels are pre-painted so as soon as they are placed on the wall the result starts to take shape. Once the joints are filled and the touch-up paint is applied the result is complete.
By adding a new backdrop to your room, it will instantly refresh the space and create opportunities for a new design direction. Adding different textures with wall panelling will also create an inviting and interesting focal point for the space.
5. Panespol Wall Panels Are Strong and Long Lasting
Panespol wall panels are strong and long lasting. The core of Panespol panels is made from a rigid polyurethane that is impact resistant and the surface layer is a polymenr that contains real mineral to create an authetic look and feel. The panels have oxide based paints that offer better longevity, allowing the panels to be used for internal feature walls and commercial fitouts, or for exterior cladding applications.
6. Fire Resistant To Australian Standards and Environmentally Focused
Panespol panels come with an Australian fire safety certificate, verifying that they are made using a fire-retardant polymer and are tested in accordance with Australian Standard 1530.3-1999 and AS/NZ 3837-1998 to assess fire hazard. Other faux brick and stone panel companies either don’t have fire certification at all, or are only certified with International certificates which are often weaker standards than Australian standards. The materials in Panespol panels do not generate toxic gases or fumes in the event of fire, increasing the safety of people and property.
Panespol continues to advance projects to reduce the carbon footprint of their manufacturing. The company’s factory in Spain is largely powered by solar energy and the undertakes sustainability initiatives that it has independently assessed by the ISO 14001 standard and an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration). Every square meter of Panespol now includes 40 recycled plastic bottles in the raw materials.
7. Achieve Outcomes That May Have Been Impossible With Real Stone or Brick
The weight and volume of real brick, stone and concrete features is enormous. It restricts the applications that these materials can be used in or requires substantial building works to reinforce the structure of the building. Panespol panels weigh around 6-7kg per square meter, which compares to an estimated 33kg-40kg for concrete and stone panels of a similar thickness (15-20mm thick). The combination of a reinforcement wall and the real brick, stone or concrete would also take up much more space in a room.
This allows designers and architects to create design concepts that would not have been viable with real materials and opens up a range of possibilities that may have been ruled out in the past.
There are many benefits to installing wall panelling, so it’s clear to see why it’s a popular choice when fitting out retail spaces, restaurants, and even homes. The panels are also perfect for those who love a bit of DIY, as they are easy to install yourself.
If you want to learn more about our decorative wall paneling visit our Panespol faux brick & stone wall panel page or get in touch with Advanced Display Systems for friendly, expert advice.
