We’ve all been there — at someone else’s house looking longingly at a beautiful brick fireplace or stone kitchen tile before trudging back home to the plain walls or 1970s wood paneling in your own home.
You tell yourself that one day you too will have those things in your home, but deep down you know it probably won’t happen. Home improvement always seems to fall to the bottom of the financial priority list after student loans, medical bills, and the expenses that come with having kids.
However, having an expensive-looking house doesn’t necessarily take a lot of money. Faux panels are the perfect solution for redesigning your space in way that will make you proud to call your house or apartment a home and show it off to friends and family.
Panel Basics
Faux panels are made from polyurethane and are cut and painted to look exactly like the original, whether it’s brick, stone, or wood. Companies like Faux Direct put a lot of time and energy into making sure they look as realistic as possible.
“Adding faux stone or brick panels provide a higher quality look to a house without the cost and pain of buying the real thing,” says Lathan Fritz of Faux Direct.
Panels come in a variety of sizes and are on the cutting edge of design trends like Venice brick and rich bamboo wood. You can choose from one of the predesigned options or create a custom design.
Just because the panels aren’t real does not mean they are any less durable. They will last for decades with little to no maintenance and are safe for the whole family (even pets). Inexpensive touch up kits are available to repair any nicks or scratches that may occur during everyday use.
Uses
Panels can be used indoors or outdoors in a home, office, or other setting. There are a variety of materials available and the uses are only limited by your imagination.
You can alter the entire feeling of a space by making just one little change. Here are just a few possibilities to get the creative juices flowing:
● Line the walls of your shower with stone for a rustic look that beats white vinyl any day. Panels are mildew resistant so they are safe for use in the bathroom.
● Give your kitchen island or backsplash an elegant feeling with brick or stone. Panels are easy to clean and will stand up to the toughest kitchen messes.
● Use wood panels on your home’s exterior to provide contrast to traditional siding and achieve a mountain-inspired look no matter where you live.
Panels are a great way for Millennials to add value to their home without a lot of work, Fritz says. Faux Direct provides free samples and a discount on orders placed within seven days of receiving a sample.
Installation
Once you have decided what type of panels you want and where you are going to use them, it’s time to focus on installation. Panels are easy to install and require minimal tools. All you need is a screwdriver and screws, sandpaper, construction adhesive, a caulking gun, and a saw for custom cutting if needed.
Panels take about two to three weeks for delivery and are shipped right to your door along with detailed installation instructions. There is no need to spend money on hiring a contractor for installation — grab a few friends and a few hours on a weekend afternoon and you’ll be finished in no time.
Unlike stone or wood, you do not need to worry about cracking or splitting the panels. The synthetic polyurethane material is very durable and ready for even the most novice DIY-er.
Once installed, you can hang artwork, photos, or other wall coverings on top of panels as long as they are in a wall stud or secured with a fastener.
Savings
Using faux panels will provide a huge cost savings, which means you have more money to spend on other parts of your home or whatever else you want to do.
Travel the world knowing that you will come home to a space you feel proud of. Add extra money to your retirement fund. Heck, throw a big party to celebrate your lavish new space and have your home be the one that everyone else admires for a change.
Panels will also increase your home’s value, which means you’ll see a better return on investment in the long run. Prospective buyers may never know that the beautiful finishes they see are not real. They are also a great option if you are getting ready to put your home on the market and do not have the time or money to invest in a full remodel.
Take the first step
If you are interested in a quick and easy way to remodel your home, office, or other space, look no further than Faux Direct. Their knowledgeable representatives are available to assist you from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.