The Most Comprehensive Introduction to PU Stone

Designers have always been interested in how finishing materials affect the way we see and feel. In the last two years, many classic examples have used natural stone finishes, but most have chosen to stay away.

After all, the choice of material, cost, transportation, and construction can be difficult. However, there is a type of faux stone wall panel called PU stone that looks just like the real thing and is heavily used in many countries. Since many buildings are made of wood, PU stone panel is often used to decorate the exterior walls of these buildings. So what kind of material is PU stone that looks like real stone veneer?

From a professional designer’s point of view, the most important thing is that this material is lightweight and flexible and can be used for a variety of purposes. As ordinary as it may look, its beauty needs more details to be reflected. Follow me today to learn more about PU stone!

Table of Contents

What Is PU Stone?

First of all, let’s take a look at its basic components. the Chinese interpretation of PU is polyurethane, full name polyurethane. It is the full name of the chemical group of macromolecules with repeating urethane groups on the main chain, composed of organic diisocyanates. PU stone is made of polyisocyanate and dihydroxy or polyhydroxy composite multi-additive polymers. It is very flexible and can be used to replace rubber, plastic, nylon, and other materials.

What Kinds of Products Are Available in PU Stone?

In our traditional conception, all cultural stones have the shape of a PU stone. Including the Great Wall Stone, Tile Slab, and Flowing Water Stone. More unique ones are cement concrete slabs and mushroom stones.

The most unique style of stone skin is made with an odd stone shape. As we all know, the cost of original fur stone is very high.

In addition to the material itself, a steel frame structure has to be erected during the construction process, which takes a lot of time and other resources. Even if the floors are very high in some places, there are certain safety hazards.

Therefore, PU stone has become the most popular alternative today. Great Wall Stone, Running Stone, and other common types of stones are available in lengths ranging from 1115 to 1200 mm and widths ranging from 180 to 310 mm.

Normal sizes for cement concrete slabs and mushroom stones are 1200 mm x 600 mm and 1200 mm x 450 mm. The normal dimensions of stone skins are 2400 mm x 800 mm, 2400 mm x 300 mm, and 1200 mm x 600 mm.

What Are the Characteristics of PU Stone?

Speaking of raw materials, PU stone is more like a new type of cross-border material, which uses some materials to make decorations that look like real stone. In terms of process, while the raw material is pressed into the mold, the color is also pressed into the mold.

To create PU stones with the same appearance, it is usually necessary to make two to four sets of casting molds. In order to obtain the appearance, the surface is also sprayed with a water-based environmentally friendly paint used for waterproofing exterior walls for protection.

Simulate the Appearance

The molds of PU stone products are finely processed to look like real stone. After special processing, the products look very real and delicate, no different from real stone.

Long Service Life

PU stone is both money-saving and durable. Polyurethane stone is made of high polymer material, sprayed with multi-layer high-strength coating, which makes it last longer and resist acid, sunscreen, and UV rays.

Very Good Temperature Resistance

These faux stone wall panels have excellent temperature resistance. It can be applied to many scenarios, the low temperature of minus 20 degrees and high temperature of 120 degrees will not hurt the PU stone.

Favorable to Protect the Environment

PU stone does not cause pollution, and there are no harmful chemicals or unpleasant odors. Due to the production method of the raw material, no large amount of artificial materials will be added when making faux stone wall panels.

Thermal Insulation Function

The exterior wall of the house can not only decorate the house but also has the function of heat preservation. PU stone also has the advantages of the exterior wall system, it also has excellent thermal insulation function.

Easy Installation

Installation of PU stone does not require a lot of technical knowledge of the construction workers, non-professionals can also be in accordance with the drawings of the construction. faux stone wall panels can be laid on almost any dry, flat surface in the room. Compared to traditional cultured stone products, installation time is much shorter, both for individual steps and for the entire job.

PU stone wall panels are constructed with internal clips that have tongue-and-groove edges, full grooves, and no gaps in the joints. In most construction, caulking is not required and can be replaced with screws and gunnels.

Novel Appearance

The style of Faux stone wall panels can be changed at will to suit different patterns. It has a strong texture and a variety of forms. In addition, manufacturers can make it according to specific needs.

Firm and Safe

PU stone can be fixed on the wall with matching glue or prefabricated devices, both of which are very safe.

Waterproof

Faux stone wall panels usually have a coating added to them, which gives them excellent waterproof and fire-retardant features.

Light Weight

PU stone is mainly made of polyurethane, but anti-corrosive polymers are also added. Weighing only 6 kg per square meter, PU stone is made from high-tech materials and is therefore light enough to be put in place without any other equipment. Even if there is only one person, the installation of faux stone wall panels can be done easily.

Installation Process of PU Stone

Wall Treatment

Before starting the masonry, clean the soil or dust on the wall base and make sure the wall is basically flat.

Leveling Layer

A 1:3 cement mortar should be used for the leveling layer. If it is to be used indoors, cement fiberboard or wood plywood should be used for the base.

Laying out the Bricks, Dividing the Space, and Drawing Lines

Generally, the width of the gap between bricks should be 8 mm. Whole bricks should be used for brick division and rowing. If it is not possible to use whole bricks, the mortar joints should be adjusted. If fixing is not possible, whole bricks should be cut.

Adhesion of PU Stone Wall Panels

PU stone wall panels should be applied from the bottom up with a bond thickness of 4 to 8 mm.

Pointing

Make the joints horizontally and then vertically according to the material and depth required for the design. This ensures that the end result is continuous, straight, and smooth with no cracks or holes.

Cleaning the Surface

When the PU stone installation is complete, quickly dry the surface and cement mixture. Then wipe with dry cotton gauze. Finally, rinse the PU stone wall panel that feels installed with clean water.

Application of PU Stone

Due to its high strength and lightweight, PU stone can withstand all kinds of sanding: it can be nailed, sawed, washed, and so on. As a cross-border material, faux stone wall panels have their own unique features. These characteristics make it widely used to decorate the walls of different rooms in the interior.

Nowadays, PU stone is used in a large number of places such as airports, hotels, automobile manufacturing companies, coal mines, cement factories, high-class apartments, villas, landscaping, parks, and so on.

Faux stone wall panels can be used as a TV background wall in the living room. Because it has good plasticity, it can be used to replace culture stone. PU stone can be made in various styles and colors, giving a sense of design.

PU stone wall panel can also be used as the background wall beside the bed in the bedroom. It decorates the wall while making the room more natural and calm.

The study space in the study is where all kinds of information and people come together, and the wall molding gives the space more options.

The PU stone with its own three-dimensional texture goes well with the dark-colored bathroom. It brings out the fascinating texture of the dark color.

It is becoming increasingly common for modern artists to use a combination of materials together. This provides artists with endless ways to showcase the next trend.

To Summarize

As things stand, stone has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. For example, some traditional stone is also cultural stone. Although PU stone is easier to work with, it is much more expensive than cultured stone. If the project is very focused on material costs, then PU stone is not a good choice.

Fake leather stone is one of the most unique, although it can very accurately recreate the look of real stone and save a great deal of different costs. However, because it is not real stone, the surface of fake leather stone does not feel good to the touch, while real stone is heavy. As a result, PU stone is generally considered safer, has a more realistic stone appearance, and is more cost-effective.

The Most Comprehensive Introduction to PU Stone

What Is PU Stone?

What Kinds of Products Are Available in PU Stone?