Why Choose Panespol Faux Wall Cladding Panels?

Panespol’s entire range of decorative wall panels are made in Spain and feature a patented fire-resistant rigid polyurethane back panel with a polymer surface layer that contains real mineral. The panels are solid and firm to touch and the addition of real mineral in the surface layer creates a texture that feels like stone, brick, concrete and slate.

Lower quality faux brick and stone panels are often made of softer foam that can be damaged when pushed. These panels lack durability due to their vulnerability to impact. It is rare for lower quality panels to include mineral in the surface layer and the texture and feel of these panels relies on the paint only. Alternatively, some stone panels that contain crushed stone are simply a thin, flat coating sprayed onto a large adhesive sticker. This lacks a 3D profile and can resemble wall-paper or tiles rather than an authentic stone look.

The 3D profile of every Panespol panel make it extremely difficult to tell that the feature wall is not made from real stone, brick or concrete. The surface pattern of Panespol panels also contains a level of ‘imperfections’ that you would expect to find in a real version of the material.

Lower quality panels tend to have a flat texture and have the features painted on. In the case of brick or stone tiles the surface texture has the gloss finish or super-smooth matt finish that doesn’t feel like a real material. The end result is far less realistic compared to Panespol.

Panespol uses high-quality oxide based paints that contain metal-oxides that are commonly used for artistic-applications or external durability. Oxide-based paints create more ‘earthy’ tones and textures and match the stone, brick and concrete finishes Panespol seeks to replicate. The fade-resistance of oxide based paints makes them more durable for exterior applications.

Lower quality panels will tend to use acrylic-based paints which will have a glossier finish that lacks realism. The durability of these paints in exterior applications will be lacking compared to Panespol.

Panespol has been tested to Australian standards by independent fire certification testing companies. Australian standards tend to be higher than many countries that are known for cheap manufacturing.

Lower-quality decorative wall panel manufacturers either do not have fire certification or may use USA standards as a default. The installation of these panels may not meet Australian building codes and could potentially cause issues with insurance claims in the event of a fire.

Panespol has a texture and firmness closer to wood and can be cut with standard carpentry tools. This makes installation faster, less messy and avoids the need for using specialist tradespeople. With Panespol everything required for installation can be performed by a builder or home handyman.

Other decorative wall panel systems that use sliced stone or brick facings, or systems that are based on ceramic tiles, often require a specialist stone mason or tiler to install the system and grout the gaps between panels. Alternatively, these products can require a specialist mounting frame to be installed. These factors add cost and time to the installation and cause the project to become dependent on the availability of the specialist trades people.