When it comes to elevating the look and feel of a home, stone is a go-to material. The rugged aesthetic and versatility of stone add a touch of natural beauty and texture to any room. As design trends change and budgets differ, homeowners often compare the benefits of real stone versus faux stone panels.
In this blog, we compare real stone to faux stone polyurethane wall paneling, to help you decide which is the best fit for your project, budget, and your lifestyle.
What Are Polyurethane Wall Panels?
Kentucky Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Beach Bluff
Before we compare polyurethane stone wall panels to real stone, let’s discuss faux stone wall panels.
Faux stone wall panels are decorative materials hand-crafted from high-density polyurethane, a material known for its durability. With advances in technique and artistry, faux stone wall panels have become a popular alternative to real, natural stone.
PU stone wall panels, short for polyurethane stone wall panels, are perfect for covering surfaces like walls, bookshelves, fireplace surrounds, and outdoor living spaces.
Pros and Cons
AZ Faux’s collection of faux stone panels brings a warm, rustic vibe to any room. Each panel is handmade and painted by skilled artisans to mimic the same look and feel of real stone. To the naked eye, you won’t be able to tell the difference between a meticulously crafted faux stone panel and real stone.
Aside from looks, there are many advantages to choosing faux stone over real stone.
Pros of Polyurethane Stone Wall Panels
- Have the same look and feel as real, natural stone
- Cost less to purchase, ship, and install
- Lightweight and easy to handle on your own
- Easy to install using simple tools and materials
- Resistant to damage from pests and extreme temperatures
- Resist fading in harsh sunlight
- Made of durable high-density polyurethane
- Require little to no maintenance and are easy to wipe clean
- Available in several colors
Cons of Polyurethane Stone Wall Panels
- PU stone wall panels are combustible so they require an offset from heat sources
- Faux panels are painted on the face so, when cut, exposed foam, if not adjacent to another surface, will require finishing
What Are Real Stone Wall Panels?
Real stone wall panels are quarried from stone that has formed over hundreds or thousands of years. Then, they’re sorted, sliced, and pressed into a thin veneer form.
Most often, real stone is used on home exteriors, columns, and other vertical surfaces.
Pros and Cons
If you’re considering using real stone to clad your walls, consider the following.
Pros of Real Stone Wall Panels
- Adds a beautiful, natural element to any room
- Have natural variations in color and veining
- Highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions
- Resistant to damage from pests
Cons of Real Stone Wall Panels
- Heavy and difficult to manage on your own
- May require additional structural support to bear the weight
- Complicated to install, and must be installed by a professional
- Expensive to purchase, ship, install, and maintain
Choosing Between Faux Stone and Real Stone
Denver Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Sienna
When deciding between polyurethane decorative wall panels and real stone panels, there are a few factors to consider. First, consider the price. Next, look at how they will look and how easy they are to install. Finally, consider how much time you can dedicate to maintenance.
Fortunately, faux stone panels give you the same long-lasting natural beauty of real stone without the hassle of complicated and expensive installation. And over time, you’ll spend a lot less time cleaning and maintaining faux stone compared to real stone.
How to Choose the Best Polyurethane Wall Panel
Sedona Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Brown Earth
Not all PU stone wall panels are created equal. For the best result, be sure you keep a close eye on details when choosing between panels.
When comparing polyurethane stone panels, pay attention to the following:
Natural Stone Look
Look closely at the panels. For the most realistic look possible, you want to see subtle variations in color from panel to panel. If every panel is exactly the same, you won’t be happy with the final product.
Our faux stone panels are all hand-painted for the most realistic look possible and are designed to interlock for a seamless installation.
Natural Stone Texture
If you can touch the panel, check the texture. You want to feel the same rough texture as real stone. PU stone panels without texture don’t look realistic.
Panel Size vs. Cost
The size of the panels is important when comparing prices. One faux stone panel may seem cheaper but could be much smaller than another option. With a small panel, you’re likely to spend more in the long run.
Ease of Installation
If available, skim through the installation guide before making a purchase. Make sure the instructions are clear and detailed. If installation requires complicated tools and materials, you may want to look elsewhere. Our products include simple installation instructions and require only basic tools to install. See for yourself how easy they are to install indoors and outdoors!
The best way to determine what products are high quality, and which ones aren’t is to order samples. At AZ Faux, product samples are always available, and the price of up to five samples can be deducted from your panel purchase!
How to Use Faux Stone Panels
Each of our polyurethane panel varieties is available in several authentic colors to suit any design. Whether your project vision is cottage-style, modern, coastal, or industrial there’s a stone wall panel to match.
Below are just a few of our favorite faux stone wall panel varieties, and how you can use them.
Denver Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Terra Brown
Denver Dry Stack Faux Stone Panels
Denver Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Terra Brown give this modern living room a cozy feel.
The color distinction from panel to panel makes the finished product look even more realistic.
Sedona Dry Stack Faux Stone Panels
Stacked stone in light, airy colors produce an effortless, beachy feel. This homeowner used Sedona Dry Stack Faux Stone Panels in Rich Beige to create a welcoming entryway wall.
Whether you install faux stone panels as an accent wall, wainscoting, or fireplace surround, you can completely transform a room in a matter of hours.
Sedona Dry Stack Faux Stone Wall Panels in Rich Beige
Spencer Faux Stone Wall Panels in Frosted Stone
Spencer Faux Stone Wall Panels
This PU stone panel mimics the classic block look of bluestone. Here, Spencer Faux Stone Wall Panels in Frosted Stone are installed as an outdoor fireplace surround.
Against the crisp white background and modern furniture, this faux stone variety adds much-needed dimension and visual interest to this outdoor oasis.
Faux Stone Panels: The Affordable Way to Achieve a Timeless Look
Faux stone and real stone panels offer unique advantages depending on your needs and preferences. But for those who prefer to save some cash without sacrificing looks or quality, faux stone panels are the smart choice.
Faux stone panels provide a cost-effective, lightweight, and versatile option that is easier to install and maintain. They allow you to achieve the beauty of natural stone without the high cost and the complicated installation process.
Ready to start your home transformation?