Stones have been used by humankind from ancient times- from striking fire to beating tools, from carving paintings to sculptors. When civilization evolved and the shelters grew into an expansive structure, stones became the main component of building architecture. Natural stone has been used in interior and exterior decoration for thousands of years. However, with innovations in modern technologies, synthetic stones have grown into prominence in modern times. Polyurethane (PU) stone is one such innovative stone that offers offer equal aesthetic appeal, and texture and has its benefits. It has given rise to more PU Stone Manufacturers in recent times. In this blog, we shall compare PU stone and natural stone, and why it is crucial to choose the right PU stone manufacturers.
Making of PU Stone
In terms of aesthetics, PU stone is no different from natural stone as it mimics the texture and appearance of natural stone. PU stone is synthetically manufactured by molding polyurethane resin that resembles natural stone. Polyurethane resin is mixed with hardeners, colourants, fillers, and reinforcements. The mold is poured into a panel and vibrated to remove bubbles, after which it solidifies at a high temperature known as the curing process.
After the PU stone solidifies, the panel is removed and the stone is trimmed into the desired shape, painted, and dried. A coating is done for a long long-lasting appearance to maintain resistance to weathering PU stone manufacturers follow this standard procedure. In exceptional cases, they may alter some steps.
PU Stone v/s Natural Stone
PU Stone is lighter in weight, cost-effective and more durable than natural stones. It requires low maintenance and can be installed easily. For these practical reasons, PU stone is preferred if we take out the factor of perceived value. While natural stone is still a good choice, PU stone stimulates the properties of natural stone and is therefore widely used for a wide range of applications. There is no difference in visual appeal between PU stone and natural stone. Carving and cutting of PU stone is easier, allowing a high degree of customization for achieving various patterns and textures. Being lightweight, it is easier to transport and handle too.
One of the key benefits of PU stone manufacturing is it is more sustainable than extracting and processing natural stones. Hence it reduces energy consumption and overall carbon footprint. This also preserves our natural landscapes.
Applications
Here are some examples of PU stones used in various applications in interior and exteriors:
- Accent walls
- TV background walls
- Building facades
- Patios, decks, and garden walls
- Hotel reception
- Parks
Variants of PU Stone
PU stone manufacturers like Ryan PVC avail many variants of these stones, suiting the various styles, textures and quality preferences of clients. Some of these popular variants are:
- PU Mushroom Design
- PU Feather Panel
- Pu Rock Panel
- PU Partition Panel
Conclusion
PU stones are versatile synthetic stones switch mimic the qualities and look of natural stones. These are practical choices for commercial and domestic use considering they offer an aesthetically pleasing look at a lower budget than natural stone. They also help in conserving our earth’s natural landscape. There are many PU stone manufacturers in our country. However, we recommend you choose Ryan PVC as they follow stringent manufacturing practices and ensure their output adheres to client specifications and complies with international standards.
