Artificial stone window sills: professional secrets and useful recommendations
Modern materials make it possible to create products with the required consumer characteristics at a reasonable cost. A good example is artificial stone window sills. They are successfully used to equip residential, public and commercial real estate objects. They practically do not differ from natural counterparts, however, they are much cheaper. The homemaster.techinfus.com/en/ editorial team will help you make the right choice and give the necessary recommendations for decorating window sills using modern finishes.
The impeccable appearance of a window sill made of artificial material is harmoniously complemented by a reasonable price and durability
The content of the article [Hide]
- 1 Artificial stone window sills - what is it and how they look in the photo
- 2 Advantages and disadvantages of artificial stone window sills
- 3 Characteristics of different types of countertops and window sills made of artificial stone
- 4 Leading manufacturers of prefabricated artificial stone window sills
- 5 At what price to buy artificial stone window sills: an overview of market offers with prices
- 6 Reviews of artificial stone window sills
- 7 Features of creating custom-made artificial stone window sills
- 8 Correct installation, repair and maintenance
- 9 Video: installation of an artificial stone window sill
Artificial stone window sills - what is it and how they look in the photo
The unique aesthetic parameters of natural materials are a significant advantage. However, at the same time, they differ in structure heterogeneity, which creates difficulties in the construction of architectural and design structures. Stones with complex beautiful designs are rare and expensive. The high strength explains the long service life. But additional costs arise during extraction and processing. Significant weight incurs shipping costs.
Artificial analogues are created on the basis of sand or other durable inexpensive raw materials. Granular materials hold together epoxy resin, other compositions. With the use of various additives, they create the required appearance.
Expensive heavy granite? No, there is a high-quality window sill made of lightweight and affordable artificial stone
Finding a large piece of marble without defects is difficult
The photo demonstrates the excellent aesthetic characteristics of the stone window sill. The use of modern production technologies allows you to create a flawless appearance at no extra cost. In such a product there are no streaks that impair the load capacity.
Artificial stone window sill with built-in sink and countertop for kitchen units
It is almost impossible to make such a product from natural raw materials without joints. The one-piece construction will withstand heavy loads, rough handling. The absence of crevices means less hassle when cleaning.
Window sills with complex shapes are made of artificial stone
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Advantages and disadvantages of artificial stone window sills
Some of the pros are clear from the examples above. But for an objective analysis, you should list them in full, along with the existing disadvantages:
- The relatively low weight does not increase the load on the supports, simplifies the performance of working operations.
- The thickness and width of the artificial stone window sill are limited only by the requirements of the technical assignment.
- Using certain components, you can create a one-color surface, a unique pattern, a believable imitation of natural material.
- For processing some varieties, it is quite enough to use a woodworking tool.
- The strength of artificial stone window sills is higher than wood, but lower in comparison with steel. Damping properties help maintain integrity under heavy impacts.
- The absence of pores and heterogeneous inclusions not only increases strength. Artificial stone window sills do not absorb moisture, dirt, odors.
- Products made from this material are harmless to human health.
- They are able to maintain consumer parameters in excellent condition for tens and even hundreds of years.
- Some modifications, in contrast to natural stone, are warm to the touch, like wooden window sills.
- Simple techniques are suitable for restoration using adhesive joints, grinding, and heat treatment.
- There are no significant drawbacks in quality products. But it is for this reason that it is necessary to choose a responsible manufacturer correctly.
- Famous brands are not cheap.
- Some models of artificial stone window sills are damaged by high temperatures.
Even complex damage to an artificial stone window sill can be repaired at no extra cost with your own hands
Characteristics of different types of countertops and window sills made of artificial stone
The specific composition of the functional components and the applied technology are of great importance. Below are the features of common engineering solutions. Good consumer characteristics of these artificial stone window sills are confirmed by laboratory and practical tests.
Window sills made of acrylic and polyester artificial stone
The first technologies in this category were created in the early 60s of the last century. Some of them are still in use. To create an artificial stone, they take acrylic / polyester resin and aluminum hydroxide, mix it together with pigments and other decorative fillers. The mixture is poured into a prepared mold.
After removal, the workpiece is ground, the edges are processed using an electric tool
The table shows the characteristics of a window sill made of high-quality acrylic artificial stone.
| Options | The values | Differences between products of insufficient quality |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental performance | Harmless to humans, confirmed by an official hygiene certificate. | Residues of styrene and other potentially unsafe chemical compounds are present. |
| Strength | 6-7 Kgf / m2 | At a level of 3.5 Kgf / m2 or less, the product is damaged by a relatively light impact. |
| Barcol hardness, unit | 61 | From 50 and below, scratches are formed when the flowerpot is moved, other light influences. |
| Colour | It has been preserved for decades. | Yellowness is formed when heated, after several months of operation. |
A high-quality window sill made of such an artificial stone belongs to the group of hardly flammable products according to the B1 fire resistance standard. With a thickness of 12 mm, the weight of 1 m² is 21-22 kg. The content of acrylic components is up to 30%.
Table top, apron, window sill, decorative overlay on the ceiling are made of artificial stone
Trade enterprises present a wide range of finished products
Manufacturing and characteristics of artificial stone window sills based on quartz agglomerate
In these materials, up to 92-94% of the volume is pure quartz sand. The rest is polymer binders, dyes, decorative additives. To create a uniform structure, the mixture is subjected to vibration and high-temperature effects. A vacuum environment is used to eliminate unnecessary impurities. At a reasonable cost, artificial quartz stone window sills have better technical characteristics than products made from natural counterparts.
| Options | Artificial quartz stone | Marble | Granite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexural strength, kg / cm² | 505-520 | 55-70 | 120-150 |
| Compressive strength, kg / cm² | 2150-2200 | 1850-1920 | 2050-2100 |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 5 | 6,9 |
Window sill and countertop made of quartz agglomerate
Leading manufacturers of prefabricated artificial stone window sills
A summary of the products of famous brands is shown in the table.
| Brand / country | Sizes of standard products (Length × Width × Thickness), cm | Notes, features |
|---|---|---|
| Corian / USA | 249; 365,8×76;93×4; 0,6; 1,2 | An enterprise with extensive production experience. Perfect quality in every consignment. |
| Staron / South Korea | 249; 368×76×0,6; 1,2; 2,7 | To simplify the selection, products are presented in thematic collections: Solid, Sanded, Tempest, etc. |
| Montelli / China | 365,8×76×1,2 | Affordable price, limited lineup. Acrylic stone - Ultra series, quartz agglomerate - Basic. |
| Tristone / South Korea | 249; 368×76×0,6; 1,2 | With the help of style lines ("Classic", "Modern", etc.), you can quickly find a suitable model of an artificial stone window sill. |
| Akrilika / Germany | 90-366×20-76×0,3; 0,6; 1,25; 1,27; 3 | Delivery of products with non-standard dimensions on request. Wide color palette. |
| MiGran / Russia | 90; 120; 150×20; 28; 30×2,7;3,2 | Inexpensive artificial stone window sills from the manufacturer are offered. The products are made from polymer-concrete mixtures. Reinforcement with wood chip inserts. Glossy and matte surfaces in stock. |
At what price to buy artificial stone window sills: an overview of market offers with prices
The cost of individual modifications of the same brand may differ significantly. Its formation is significantly influenced by decorative characteristics.
| Material manufacturer | Photo | Length × Width × Thickness, cm | Average price (as of July 2018), rubles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staron |  | 70×20×2,7 | 7500 |
| MiGran |  | 300×20×2,7 | 7950 |
| Corian |  | 300×60×2,7 | 37200 |
| Montelli |  | 300×60×2,7 | 23600 |
| Tristone |  | 300×60×2,7 | 30700 |
Some sellers offer artificial stone window sills with a specific price per square meter.
Reviews of artificial stone window sills
Having studied the opinions of users, it is easier to make a decision when choosing.Below are the comments about the different products made with artificial stone. In addition to window sills, countertops are considered.
Features of creating custom-made artificial stone window sills
This method allows you to purchase a product with certain aesthetic and technical characteristics. In any case, the specific purpose is essential:
- If you intend to place heavy flower pots on the surface, choose models that are more abrasion resistant.
- When a window sill made of artificial stone is not covered with thick curtains, its appearance is selected taking into account the peculiarities of the style of room decoration.
- The width of the "visor" should be no more than 30% of the total size. Otherwise, additional supports are installed.
- Are you planning to use the windowsill as a desktop? Purchase a modification of acrylic 50-60 cm wide. The surface will be pleasant to the touch, warm in the winter season. Check the user-friendly installation height.
At the production stage, in an artificial stone window sill, you can inexpensively order a hole for a decorative lattice. With the help of such a device, the efficiency of the heating system is increased.
Correct installation, repair and maintenance
After purchasing an artificial stone window sill at an acceptable cost, the total costs can be reduced by performing the installation work yourself. Use the following guidelines to avoid making mistakes:
- Make a protrusion beyond the wall 4 to 6 cm.
- A slight tilt towards the room (5-6 °) will simplify cleaning and prevent moisture accumulation.
- A technological seam is left between the end parts of the window sill and the walls to compensate for thermal expansion.
- In order not to worsen the convection process, the distance to the heating radiators is made more than 10 cm.
When dismantling the old structure, remove foam and other materials up to the main wall. The new window sill is installed on a concrete screed or stiffening ribs specially created from wood / steel. A suitable adhesive is used for firm fixation. Sealing of large gaps and additional reinforcement is made with construction foam. Next, the slopes are plastered and painted. Also, for finishing the openings, they use plastic sheathing, moisture-resistant drywall.
For the care of artificial stone window sills, conventional detergents without abrasive components are suitable. Do not use metal scrapers or other tools that can damage surfaces. Do not expose acrylic models to temperatures above + 185 ° C.
To remove scratches, successive grinding with materials with different abrasive parameters is used. Reduce the roughness gradually until a perfect surface is obtained. Using glue, you can restore the integrity of acrylic artificial stone window sills.
Clamps fix the product in the desired position
After hardening, remove the remnants of the adhesive. The surface is polished using a power tool. The entire recovery procedure will take no more than an hour. For more information, use the comments on the publication. Share your personal experience of buying, operating and repairing. Ask questions for qualified advice.
Video: installation of an artificial stone window sill
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