Artificial stone window sills in interior design
Artificial stone window sills fit perfectly into any style of interior. They can be cast or made of sheet and liquid material. All of these stone constructions have positive reviews and are great for both standard and bay windows.
Special features
The high demand for this building material indicates that it has a huge number of positive aspects. Consider the advantages in more detail:
- relatively low cost (in comparison with the natural counterpart);
- sufficiently long service life: the warranty provided by the manufacturer is ten years, howeversubject to the recommendations on the use and care of the surface, the product life can be extended up to fifty years;
- the production does not use the standard typical dimensions of the window sill blocks, in other words - you can purchase any size you need for the window sill;
- if there are any defects on the surface of the window sill frame, the artificial stone is perfectly amenable to restoration;
- the production of window sills from artificial stone is engaged in the manufacture of various forms: from rectangular to oval with rounded edges;
- in the case of a protective layer, the surface is practically not subject to the occurrence of scratches, chips and cracks under mechanical action;
- the lack of a porous structure does not allow dirt, fluid and various fat deposits to remain, linger and absorb into the surface;
- wide range of color shades;
- artificial stone is an environmentally friendly material, while it is not susceptible to biological damage;
- high heat capacity of the product allows the surface to maintain the temperature of the environment;
- subwindow frames made of artificial stone are distinguished by the absence of joints, on the surface of which mold or fungus often appears.
Despite the large number of advantages, artificial stone still has some disadvantages and disadvantages. Comparing this material with its natural counterpart, it can be noted that the first is not so expensive.
At the same time, both types of artificial stone: both acrylic and agglomerate are significantly less expensive for more budget options, such as: laminated chipboard or MDF, ceramic tile, ceramic granite, stainless steel and wood.
Another minor drawback of this material is the appearance of microcracks. However, without using a detergent that contains abrasive particles, this can be avoided.
Artificial stone, which is based on acrylic resin, is considered one of the best modern finishing materials. Material characteristics such as: ease of use, as well as versatility and reliability, characteristic of natural stone.
Due to its unique technical qualities, artificial stone today is one of the most sought-after materials used to create an interior. The subwindow blocks receive a lot of positive feedback from consumers, and the demand for products grows every year.
It is worth noting that the artificial stone is characterized by resistance to sharp temperature changes (one side of the surface is exposed to cold air from the street, while on the other hand, heat comes from the heating system).
Being under the influence of sunlight, this material is not subject to fading and changing the original appearance.
Kinds
Today, there are two categories that classify types of subwindow blocks of artificial stone.
- The first category includes standard subwindow blocks with a rectangular, cascade, semi- and whole bay window shape, with or without slopes.
- The second category distinguishes subwindow frames by the type of external coating. In this case, the finishing treatment plays the role: matte, semi-gloss, glossy or imitation of a natural stone.
Dimensions
Production of the window sill from an artificial stone is carried out to order. All characteristics of the windowsill are already determined by the customer. For the standard thickness of the sub-window block, made of artificial stone, take the value of thirty millimeters.
But the customer also has the right to demand an increase in the thickness of the product. The length of the standard sill is a value that is within four to six meters (depending on the length of the base of the window opening). Width varies from ten centimeters to one meter. The most common width of a window sill is considered to be a value that is within eleven to sixty centimeters.
Design
The external attractiveness of artificial stone will leave few people indifferent. The fact is that manufacturers today are engaged in the production of a variety of models with all sorts of color shades, intensity of inclusions and decorative elements.
If you are a strict supporter of the classical style, then even a white window-sill made of artificial stone will visually look much more aesthetic and respectable than a wooden, plastic or concrete window sill.An original solution would be the use of artificial stone for the manufacture of a window sill and wall covering.
It is allowed to use one shade or contrasting colors: in this situation everything depends on the chosen interior and your preferences.
How to make and install your own hands?
For the production of artificial stone sill it is necessary to start preparing a special mixture. As a binder, you can use cement or polymers, you will also need a dye and filler.
Today, in order to independently manufacture a subwindow block, there are several types of artificial stone. Of the minuses can be noted overstated cost and instability to abrasive particles. But in general, artificial stone still surpasses the natural counterpart in its characteristics.
- The most popular artificial material is acrylic. It is based on a combination of acrylic base and fillers. The result is a durable material with a long service life and an attractive appearance.
- More budget option is considered polyester stoneBased on polyester resin.In the first days of operation, you may feel a not very pleasant smell, however, it quickly disappears. The only drawback of this product is the limited format. You have the opportunity to choose only the standard sub-window block of rectangular shape, since the polyester is not deformed during processing. Therefore, if you need to install a rounded subwindow block, a polyester stone will not work for you.
- Quartz agglomerate is characterized by the presence in its composition of natural quartz, mountain sedimentary rock and various decorative additives. It is processed by vibropressing. Due to the presence of quartz, artificial stone is famous for its high quality, perfectly coping with various physical and chemical influences.
- Cast marble rarely used for the manufacture of subwindow blocks, however, products from this material, you can still meet. This material is durable and durable. It is recommended to purchase products exclusively from reputable brands that provide a guarantee on the material for at least ten years.When purchasing, pay attention to the thickness of the material: it should not be already two centimeters. Otherwise, the product will not cope with even the smallest load.
Color shades of manufactured window sills made of artificial stone will amaze you with its diversity. Therefore, make sure that the purchased product fits well into the overall interior of the room. It is not recommended to purchase a subwindow unit whose cost is lower than the market one, as it is likely that they are trying to sell you a fake. It is better to pay once for a quality product and enjoy its beauty for many years.
Installation of the window sill of artificial stone is simple, and you can easily cope on your own, without resorting to the services of specialists. The only thing worth taking care of is a clean and sturdy base for installing a window sill. It is desirable that it be made of cement.
When installing it is necessary to make sure that there is a gap of five centimeters from the cement base. Due to this, the window sill will be fixed due to a three centimeter approach under the frame. The permissible minimum overhang of the window sill is two centimeters, but not less. The width of the window sill is selected taking into account the dimensions of the heating system.
The sub-window unit should cover at least half the length of the radiator.
Tips
- Do not forget to make a quality plummet. This is followed by the final assembly and polishing of the product, that is, the restoration of shine.
- The selection and purchase of a window-siding block made of artificial stone should not cause any difficulties: this material has almost no flaws and has such advantages as: high heat capacity, cold resistance, reliability and moisture resistance. Consequently, the material will remain in its original form even with summer heat, winter cold and the presence of a heating system. In the latter case, the artificial stone will keep warm even in cold weather.
- If you open the window when it is raining or snowing outside, you can be calm over the sill surface - moisture is not able to deform the product. The same goes for sunshine. The surface of an artificial stone is not subject to fading.
- The only thing you should think about when purchasing this product is the color shade and the material from which the window frame is made. It all depends on your preferences, however, it is recommended to carefully select the combination of color and texture of materials to obtain a cozy and harmonious interior.It is worth noting that another pleasant quality of artificial stone is its simplicity in the care of the surface: it is enough to systematically wipe the surface of the window-sill with a damp cloth.
- And for those who, due to lack of time, cannot afford regular cleaning, it is recommended to give preference to the sill of a light shade. The fact is that on a light surface the dust is not as strongly visible as on a darker model. Another useful advice is to recommend not to combine artificial stone with other material. This is due to the varying degree of expansion under the influence of sharp temperature jumps. This can cause peeling of the artificial stone from the base of the chipboard.
This saving option is acceptable for the production of kitchen countertops, but not for the window sill.
Beautiful examples
An artificial stone, based on agloquartzite, will amaze you with a wide color palette. The inconspicuous inclusions of fragments of glass, seashells and other decorative elements add surfaces of originality and visual appeal.Artificial stone fits perfectly into any interior styles: from luxurious baroque to ascetic minimalism.
Thanks to its unique and original texture, the window sill of artificial stone will harmoniously fit into any interior and will undoubtedly become its main decoration. Streaks imitating natural stone will shimmer beautifully from the sunshine. In addition, such a product is much cheaper than a model made of natural material.
The sub-window block, made of artificial stone, has the unique ability to drastically change the interior of any dwelling. The loggia, made in a contrasting black and white interior, looks respectable and stylish.
Do not forget that the use of artificial stone, regardless of the type of room (office or apartment), will add a certain image to it, and the owner of the room - high status.
You will learn more about artificial stone window sills from the following video.