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The Complete Guide to Faux Stone Panels

The Complete Guide to Faux Stone Panels

Faux stone panels, also called stone veneer, are a lightweight alternative to real stone. They can be used to add a rustic, rough-hewn look to any space, whether you want to spruce up the inside of a room, or add some texture to outdoor areas.

This guide will help you get started using faux stone inside or outside  your home.

Commonly Asked Questions About Faux Stone Panels

Some of the questions commonly asked about faux stone panels include the following.

Does faux stone look like real stone?

Faux stone is made to look exactly like real stone. From the molding and texturing to the staining, each panel looks convincing, both from a distance as well as close up.

What is faux stone made out of?

Most of our faux stone veneer is made out of high-density polyurethane, a kind of foam that is both hard and lightweight. This material is very resilient, and it takes textures beautifully. On top of that, its weight is only a fraction of that of real stone, which means there are lower load-bearing requirements when installing it.

Is faux stone weatherproof?

Faux stone panels can withstand heat and moisture. Additionally, while these materials may expand and contract slightly with the weather, it’s not nearly as much as what you’d see with other materials.

How easy is it to install stone veneer?

Stone veneer can be easily installed without requiring heavy machinery or specialized skills. Real stone or brick requires masonry tools and skills to put together, but you only need some basic DIY knowledge and woodworking tools to put up faux stone panels.

Cost of Stone Veneer

Stone veneer is far less expensive than real stone. For example, a 24” by 46” panel would cost about $100, whereas natural stone used to cover that same area would cost about $320 on average (or $40 per square foot). 

When it comes to installation, the average cost is about $0.92 per square foot, and that includes the price of caulk, adhesive, and screws. That cost does not include the price of the tools needed for installation, such as a drill, screwdriver, tape measure, level, saws, and so forth.

It’s also worth noting that the cost does go up when installing on concrete (since there are extra steps required), and it will be lower for materials like sheetrock.

How to Install Faux Stone Panels

Faux stone panels can be installed anywhere indoors or outdoors, including:

  • Siding on exteriors
  • Texturing on garden walls
  • In your living room to cozy things up
  • Anywhere else you want to add a stacked stone look 

To get started installing faux stone panels, you’ll need:

  • Caulk or construction adhesive
  • Cabinetry screws
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Rag or sponge
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Chalk Line
  • Pencil or chalk
  • Table saw

1. Clean and prepare surfaces

Start off by wiping down the backs of your panels and the applying wall. If it’s concrete or another tough surface, you may want to use a wire brush to clear away any debris.

2. Measure spots for panels

Use the chalk line and level to draw a level line a panel's height from the base of the wall.  

3. Cut panels

Next, orient the panels with the lip up.  You will need to cut the first panel in half. To start the first row install the slot side of the cut panel flush with the side of the installation. 

4. Glue to wall

Apply construction adhesive to the back of your first panel, putting a line about an inch from the border and some spaced out lines throughout the center. Press to the wall, twisting it slightly to achieve better adhesion.

5. Secure with screws

Drill a spot for a screw every square foot and around the edges of the panel, and secure the panel with sturdy cabinet screws.

6. Prep for next panel

Add a bead of caulk and a bead of adhesive to the slot side of the installed panel before installing the next panel. 

7. Repeat row by row

Repeat the process down the row, then move up to the next row. Continue placing panels until the area is covered.

8. Finishing touches

Some caulk or textured paint can be used to cover up any visible screws or gaps left from installation.

Getting Started with Faux Stone Veneer

If you’re interested in adding some stone to your home, faux stone veneer panels allow you to do that without spending exorbitant amounts on materials and installation. To choose the right panels for your project, you’ll need to think about the following.

Colors

Choose colors that will either enhance those already present in the space or else contrast it to add some visual interest. For instance, if your living room has only cool colors, you might decide to add some reds or warm browns to cozy things up a little.

Textures

The texture you choose is a matter of personal preference, but it’s important to consider that some textures offer a rough cut aesthetic while others look more refined.

Square footage

The amount of space you want covered will influence how much faux stone veneer you purchase. It pays to measure things out in advance of placing an order.

Installation

Do you want to install it yourself, or would you rather pay someone else to install it for you? This will come down to what you’re most comfortable doing.

Quality

Not all faux stone panels are created equal. Choose a good quality brand with rich details and excellent service. AZ Faux Beams is a great place to start!

Shop Stacked Stone Veneer

A Guide to Faux Stone Panels