Living a little attention to your home’s exterior goes a long way. By making just one change, you can dramatically boost curb appeal and increase the value of your home. However, depending on how extensive your plans are, these renovations may come with a hefty price tag.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to improve the look of your home’s exterior, consider a DIY approach. Not only can DIY renovations cost less, but they can also be enjoyable, easy, and rewarding.
One of the most impactful ways to beautify your home is adding faux stone or brick paneling to its exterior. According to Remodeling by JLC, adding a stone veneer to your home has one of the best returns on investment – allowing you to recoup up to 153.2% of your costs.
For some homeowners, using real stone or brick isn’t possible due to the weight and expense of purchasing and installing it.
By choosing faux exterior wall panels, you get the same look and feel of real stone and brick without all of the hassles. In this article, we explain what faux wall panels are, share helpful outdoor wall paneling ideas, and walk you through the DIY wall panel installation process.
What Are Faux Wall Panels?
Faux wall panels are made of high-density polyurethane foam, making them usable both indoors and out. Each panel is handcrafted by skilled craftsmen to mimic the look and texture of real brick and stone. Then, panels are painted by artisans to be practically indistinguishable from the real thing.
Faux wall panels are extremely versatile. Use them to enhance your home's curb appeal, dress up your front porch, or create a rustic-chic exterior accent wall. Available in a wide selection of authentic colors and styles, there’s a faux wall panel to match any home’s aesthetic.
Compared to real brick and stone, faux exterior wall panels offer the following benefits:
- Lightweight - won’t add unnecessary strain to the structure of your home
- Cheaper to purchase, ship, install, and maintain
- Easy to install using common tools and equipment
- Resistant to damage from pests and normal weather conditions
- Resistant to fading in the sun
- Requires little to no maintenance
7 Ideas Using Exterior Wall Panels
Because faux panels are weather-resistant, they can be used for outdoor projects just as easily as indoors. To give you some inspiration, check out these seven outdoor wall paneling ideas to improve your home’s exterior.
1. Use Outdoor Paneling to Dramatically Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
One of the most common ways to use outdoor wall panels is to cover a portion of your home’s exterior. Brick veneer can be transformative with minimal effort. The same is true for faux brick panels.
Choose panels that complement your home’s existing colors and style. This home’s exterior has more personality with the addition of Old Medford Faux Brick Panels in Whitewash.
Old Medford Faux Brick Wall Panels in Whitewash
Lexington Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Sienna
2. Bring Texture and Rustic Charm to Your Front Porch With Faux Stone Panels
Especially in warm climates and in the summer, your outdoor space can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your home. Just as the interior of your home should reflect your style, your outdoor space should too.
Faux stone panels provide a rustic and cozy feel, particularly if you choose paneling with diverse stone shapes and sizes.
Lexington Dry Stack Faux Stone Panels in Sienna give this front porch the splash of color and visual appeal it needs.
3. Use Faux Stone Outdoor Wall Panels to Mimic the Look of Natural Stone Columns
Looking for an outdoor wall paneling idea that really pops? Cover your columns with stone paneling to frame your home’s entrance and draw the eye to your porch, deck, or covered patio.
This home’s unique red front door is beautifully framed with columns wrapped in Fargo Dry Stack Faux Stone Panels in Cliff Gray.
Denver Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Cliff Gray
Fargo Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Oxford Gray
4. Enhance Your Outdoor Kitchen and Entertaining Area
Wow your guests with an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area that mimics the natural foliage that surrounds it.
Upgrade your grill cover, bar front, outdoor fridge surround, or seating area with the beauty of faux stone wall paneling.
This outdoor grilling station blends seamlessly with its surroundings using Fargo Dry Stack Faux Stone Panels in Oxford Gray.
5. Make Your Outdoor Fireplace a Stunning Focal Point
Outdoor fireplaces are serene and luxurious places to gather through the summer months and even into the cold seasons. Make it extra cozy by covering your fireplace surround with exterior wall paneling.
This tall outdoor fireplace surround is adorned with the rugged look of Sedona Dry Stack Faux Stone Panels in Warm Pewter.
When installing outdoor paneling around a fireplace, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for clearance of combustible materials.
Sedona Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Warm Pewter
Spencer Chiseled Faux Stone Panels in Frosted Gray
6. Use Faux Stone Outdoor Paneling to Create a Relaxing Poolside Oasis
If you have a pool, spruce it up by installing features with faux stone or brick paneling.
For example, use Spencer Chiseled Faux Stone Panels in Frosted Gray to create a beautiful accent wall behind your outdoor fireplace and poolside lounge.
7. Frame Your Front Door to Create a Welcoming Entryway
Instead of ordinary vinyl siding, cover your home’s exterior with faux stacked stone panels. Compared to vinyl, faux stone gives your home’s exterior more visual interest, depth, and character.
This home’s entryway features Sedona Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Frosted Stone. This classic stacked stone design calls attention to the home’s front door and creates an inviting aesthetic.
Sedona Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Frosted Stone
How to Install Exterior Wall Panels
Installing exterior faux stone and brick wall panels is an easy, DIY process. Throughout one weekend, you can completely transform the look of your home’s exterior using simple tools and materials.
Below, we share the basic steps to give you an idea of the process. When you’re ready to install your panels, follow our detailed exterior panel installation guide.
Before You Get Started
Before anything else, make sure your walls are structurally sound and in good condition. Repair any cracks or imperfections. Clear away any debris. Next, install exterior sheathing and house wrap. Then, if you’re working around corners, determine the best approach for your project using our corners instruction sheet.
When you’re ready to begin installation, gather the following tools and materials:
- Caulk gun
- Chalk line/laser
- Clean cloth
- Color-coordinating textured caulk
- Cotton swabs
- Level
- Loctite® PL® 3X Premium Construction Adhesive
- Panels
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Small paint brush
- T-Square
- Tack cloth
- Tape measure
- Touchup kit
- Water
- Wire brush
- Wood cutting saw with finish blade
- Wire brush/clean cloth
Note: (1) tube of Loctite® PL® 3X Premium Construction Adhesive is typically needed for every (3) panels. (1) tube of textured caulk is typically needed for every (4) panels.
Adhesive-Only Installation Over Concrete/Masonry/Metal
- Disposable gloves
- Great Stuff applicator gun
- Great Stuff pro gun cleaner
- Great Stuff Pro Construction Adhesive
Adhesive and Fastener Installation
- Deck screws
- Drainage mat
- Screw gun/drill driver and driver bits
Step 1: Orient the Panels
Note: If you are installing Sardis Fieldstone panels, consult the style-specific installation instructions.
Depending on the panel style, outdoor wall panels can only be installed one way: from right-to-left, or left-to-right.
Take one of your panels and orient it so the flat lip on the long side (A) is up. If the fingers project to the left, the installation will run left to right.
If the fingers are on the right side of the panel, the installation will go right to left.
Step 2: Prepare Your Installation Surfaces
Make sure your installation surfaces are in good condition, and free from cracks and holes. Brush away any dust or debris to ensure solid and lasting adhesion. Then, wipe the back of your panels to remove any dust or dirt.
Step 3: Install Drainage Mat
To reduce the chance of water leaks and increase energy efficiency, install a drainage mat according to local building codes.
Step 4: Trim Your First Panel
If you have to navigate corners as part of your installation, you will skip this step and refer to the corner installation guide.
Using a wood-cutting saw with a finish blade, trim off at least ¼ of the panel. Save the remainder of the panel for use later in the project.
Step 5: Draw A Level Line
Using a level, find the highest point on the ground. Place a full-size panel against the wall and mark its height. Then, extend that level line to the length of the wall.
Step 6: Apply Adhesive
Clean the back of the panel with a tack cloth. Then, either follow the adhesive-only application or the adhesive and fastener application depending on your installation method.
Step 7: Adhere the Panel to the Wall
Align the top of the panel with your level line. With a healthy amount of pressure and a slight twisting motion, adhere the panel to the wall.
Step 8: Reinforce With Screws
If you are using the adhesive-only method, skip this step.
If using the adhesive and fastener method, reinforce the panel with screws after you’ve adhered it to the wall with adhesive. Apply one screw per square foot around the perimeter of each panel and through the middle of the panel.
Step 9: Apply Adhesive And Textured Caulk
Apply a bead of adhesive along the lip of the panel, 1” from the face. Then, apply a bead of textured caulk where the face meets the panel.
Step 10: Repeat Steps 6-9 To Complete The First Row
Step 11: Start The Next Row
Start your next row directly above the first panel. Trim the first panel of the next row so the same are offset. Offset seams give you a more realistic finished look.
Before installing each panel, apply adhesive to the top lip of the panel below. Take care when placing the panel to ensure a tight fit with the panel below. Panels should come together to create a shiplap joint.
Step 12: Touch-Up As Needed
Apply textured caulk to fill in any gaps, holes, or joints. Be sure to blend the caulk with a small paintbrush before it dries.
Use your touch-up kit to blend the caulk and cover blemishes. If your touch-up kit includes a base coat, apply a light layer with a cotton swab. Allow this coat to dry.
Then, apply the tint with a small paintbrush. Finally, if you have a wash, apply the wash using a paintbrush and blend it with a soft cloth.
Durable, Affordable, and Stunning: Outdoor Wall Paneling for an Exterior Transformation
Our gorgeous selection of outdoor wall paneling can be used for a variety of exterior projects. Choose from multiple styles, textures, and authentic colors to achieve any look.
Feeling inspired? Browse our faux wall panels and get started on your exterior transformation today!