Faux paneling is a building material used to mimic the look of brick, stone, wood and other finish products. It offers a light-weight and economical alternative to traditional wood or stone products, and is designed for easy installation by DIY homeowners. Before choosing faux paneling for your home, it's important to compare different materials and determine which one will best meet your needs. When selecting paneling, consider factors such as design, finish, texture, installation requirements and fire-resistance to help you make your choice.
Instructions
1. Evaluate finish options and colors. Think about whether you'd like your paneling to resemble stone, brick, wood, bamboo or some other finish. Compare color and finish options offered by each manufacturer and find a product that will complement your existing decor.
2. Ask for samples. Depending on the brand, faux paneling can vary dramatically in terms of texture and quality. Before committing to a specific product, ask for samples that you can examine at home. You may find that some products are more realistic or visually appealing than others.
3. Decide whether your paneling will be used indoors or out. Some faux paneling is designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, while others are meant only for indoor use. Before installing a product outdoors, make sure it is both waterproof and strong enough to withstand damage from wind or sharp impacts.
4. Review installation requirements. Check the manufacturer's installation instructions to see what substrates can be used below each panel. Determine how each product is fastened and whether adhesive or mechanical fasteners are required. If you want a seamless look, choose interlocking panels instead of units designed for butting or lapped installation.
5. Check available panel sizes. Some manufacturers provide large panels, while others have a limited selection of sizes. Larger panels may be more difficult to install, but will create fewer seams. Smaller panels will be easier to handle, but will create a larger number of seams.
6. Consider whether you'll need flexible or contoured panels. Contoured paneling is designed to bend around curves and other non-linear surfaces. Not all manufacturers provide this feature, so be sure to choose the best product based on your application.
7. Look for faux paneling that is fire-rated under ASTM E84. If you live in an area that's at a high risk for wildfires, or if you plan to install your paneling near a fire place, choose fire-rated products. ASTM E84 is the international testing standard for paneling products, and offers reassurance that the paneling will resist the spread of fire.
8. Determine what products each manufacturer offers. Depending on your application, you may need more than simple flat panels. Your project may require corner pieces, molding or trim as well. Make sure that the manufacturer you choose offers a sufficient product range to meet your needs.
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