Most artificial materials are inexpressive copies of natural analogues, but this in no way can be attributed to artificial stone.
Compared to natural stone, it is lighter and easier to process and install. In addition, this material has enormous aesthetic potential and high technical characteristics. Another advantage of artificial stone is its affordable price.
Properties of artificial stone window sills
In terms of quality parameters, artificial stone window sills have a number of technical and operational advantages, including:
- strength: they are resistant to deformation and mechanical stress;
- resistance to chemicals and ultraviolet radiation;
- ability to withstand high temperatures;
- long service life: over time, artificial stone continues to remain clean and bright, does not deform and looks as if it was purchased just yesterday. There will be no traces left on it from a pot of flowers or other objects; moisture resistance: artificial stone has no pores, so harmful fungi and mold do not form in it;
- practicality: if damaged, window sills made of artificial stone can be repaired segmentally, without resorting to general dismantling.
Products from will be an excellent way to decorate windows in your home or office. The plasticity of shapes and the variety of textures and colors will allow you to realize even the most original ideas. With such window sills the appearance of the room will noticeably change.
Features of textures and colors of artificial stone
Artificial stone window sills are made in all sorts of colors, so your choice is unlimited.
Sometimes such diversity can even confuse the buyer a little. The color of the stone really plays a significant role in interior design. It is desirable that it matches the general style of the room and emphasizes its features.
For example, in classic interiors it is appropriate to use artificial stone in pastel colors, while in Art Nouveau rooms rich shades and combinations of contrasting colors look great.
Artificial stone can be colored in several ways: either by adding dye to the mixture, or by applying paint before pouring the raw material into the bottom of the mold. The latter method also gives uniform coloring.
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These methods allow the finished material to very reliably imitate natural stone. Some manufacturers use a surface painting method. It is not advisable to purchase such products, because as a result of mechanical damage, the paint may peel off from the top layer of the product.
The texture of window sills made of artificial stone is no less varied. The material can imitate all kinds of natural stone: rocks with deep relief, marble, granite, limestone, and brickwork.
The artificial stone is decorated with various hieroglyphs, ornaments and other images.
The process of making artificial stone
Some buyers confuse artificial stone with ceramic tiles, but this is a completely different material. It is similar to tile by a flat back surface, created for ease of installation, but the manufacturing technologies of these materials are different.
According to the recipe, artificial stone is close to lightweight concrete and is produced on the basis of cement binders.
Window sills made of artificial stone have such high strength and durability thanks to the special substances included in the raw material filler. These are expanded clay, quartz sand and various modifiers and plasticizers.
The process of creating a mold for casting artificial stone is quite complex from both an aesthetic and technical point of view. First, you need to make a set of samples of the original to get an idea of what the complete product will be like.
The layouts may vary in shape and size, but in general they create a single composition. Casts of the original serve as the basis for the production of artificial stone.
In this way, materials for cladding walls and floors, window sills, artificial stone sinks, etc. are produced. Vibratory casting technology is used in the manufacturing process.
The mixture is first poured into molds and then compacted by vibration to force the fine particles down. As a result, the surface layer of the material is stronger than the internal one.
The finished product is removed from the mold and left to harden. The result is a tile with a flat back side, the front side of which perfectly matches the texture, color and shape of the natural material.
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Preparing for the workflow
After developing the drawing, the necessary materials are collected. For a concrete window sill, grade 500 concrete is suitable. To finish or paint concrete, you must first select a material (wood, plastic) or select a pigment. Preparation of the window sill consists of processing the slopes and the front part of the wall. It is necessary to mark the level on both sides to avoid distortion of the surface. You should also think about a form for pouring the concrete. You can use plastic panels, but a board is better. Also, for this purpose you can use special forms that are sold in the store.
Artificial stone in the interior
Window sills made of artificial stone look very noble in the interior.
They go well with various materials: wood, plaster stucco, mosaic, ceramics, stained glass. Stone can be used to cover not only window sills, but also any surface. It looks great on floors, walls, stairs. Solid products are also popular, for example, countertops made of artificial stone or bar counters.
Artificial stone is especially good in the interiors of fireplace rooms, winter gardens, and libraries. Details made from this material diversify ceramic tiles and give the room a completely different look.
Window sills made of artificial stone not only make the room respectable, but also save you from regular cosmetic repairs.
Source: alivestone.spb.ru/podokonniki-iz-iskusstvennogo-kamnya.html
Window sills made of artificial stone are an excellent alternative to products made from natural stone. Why exactly they are beneficial and why they are constantly popular for interior design of apartments, private houses and commercial premises, you will learn from this article.
Combination of colors in different rooms
Manufacturers offer artificial stone in different shades - from white to almost black. Which to choose? Depends on the interior and personal preferences.
Remember that shades that are too dark and saturated are not suitable for small rooms. You can combine the color of the window sill with another element in the room.
In the kitchen , for example, the countertop and window sill can be made of the same material. The same applies to the bathroom.
In the living room, you can focus on the color of the furniture. Stone window sills go well with both plastic and wooden windows.
Window sills made of artificial stone look great in any room and fit into any interior style. And the main thing is that they will serve for a long time.
Production technology
An acrylic-mineral composition with pigment additives and dyes is used as the basis for the manufacture of artificial stone window sills. They are produced by casting, resulting in the formation of monolithic, durable and beautiful slabs that are easy to process and maintain.
Important! Acrylic stone was first invented by Donald Smoke in 1967. The goal of the development was to create a durable and hygienic artificial material for the formation of bone prostheses.
Later, acrylic gained wide popularity in construction and is still used in various directions, including for the production of window sills.
History of the material and capabilities
Artificial material is made from mineral filler, polymer, dyes and various additives. The result is a product that is difficult to distinguish in appearance from natural stone. Interestingly, the technology was created in 1967 and was initially necessary for bone prosthetics, and only then began to be used in construction.
In the manufacture of window sills, two types of artificial stone are used:
- acrylic composite
- quartz agglomerate
Both materials are decorative and at the same time quite durable and practical (unlike, for example, natural marble): they do not absorb dyes and oils, do not crack when temperature changes, and there are no natural defects on them that make it difficult to care for the surface. However, each of the materials also has specific properties, which are worth talking about in more detail.
Types of artificial stone window sills
There are several criteria by which the classification of types of window sills made of stone is made - these are:
- Configuration. The group consists of products of a classic rectangular shape, cascading, with slopes, window sills as a continuation of the tabletop, half- and full bay windows.
- Type of external surface. Depending on the finishing method, matte, semi-gloss, glossy, and imitation natural stone are distinguished.
Important! To understand how wide the design possibilities are when installing a window sill made of artificial acrylic stone, just look at the photo and read the reviews about this material.
Everyone who has decided to use this particular option of window sills when decorating a window opening expresses their delight at how stylish, beautiful, modern they look and how convenient and practical they are to use.
Installation features
The stone structure is installed on a screed or on a substrate. The base base is pre-leveled.
If the slab is mounted on a substrate, a frame made of slats or plywood is mounted. Then the stone slab is fixed onto the finished base using glue. The resulting voids are filled with polyurethane foam, after which finishing is performed.
When installing on a screed, an adhesive or cement mortar is applied to the surface, then the window sill is mounted on it. The side ends are filled with foam, sealant or concrete mortar.
Advantages of installing acrylic stone window sills
Why the reviews about artificial stone window sills are only positive is easy to understand if you familiarize yourself with the properties of acrylic itself:
- Fire resistance - Class B1 according to DIN 4102/1 5.1 standards.
- Toxicity - Class FO.
- Density - 1.78*103 kg/m3 according to DIN 53 479 and ISO R 1183 standards.
- Service life - from 50 years.
- Bending strength with a window sill thickness of 12.3 mm is 60 N/mm2 according to DIN 53 452 and ISO 178-75 standards.
Absolute resistance to any mechanical impact - when tested with a burning cigarette, boiling water, dropping an object weighing 0.5 kg, or exposure to UV rays, no changes in the material are observed (tests are carried out according to ISO 4586/2, DIN 53 799 standards).
Complete resistance to all types of pathogenic bacteria, including mold fungi - zero performance when tested according to ISO 486 A and B standards.
Thermoplasticity - when heated to 185 °C, acrylic becomes plastic, due to which it can be transformed into any desired shape. The same method is used to remove seams in the case of installation of window sills of complex configuration, thereby achieving a monolithic seamless structure.
Important! In addition to these technical parameters, the following advantages of acrylic stone are noted:
- a wide range of species with a color palette of more than 400 colors;
- pleasant to the touch;
- ease of care;
- no cracks, chips, or scratches form on it;
- high wear resistance;
- non-porous material;
- hygiene and hypoallergenic.
Based on these features, it is not surprising that window sills made of artificial stone are constantly in demand on the market and occupy the first position in sales.
Popular manufacturers
To buy artificial stone window sills of really high quality with the above properties, give preference to proven, reliable manufacturers.
Today these are the following brands: Corian (USA). One of the very first manufacturers of artificial stone. Today the products are represented by window sills with the following parameters:
- height - 4, 6, 12 mm;
- length - 2490, 3658 mm;
- width - 760 and 930 mm.
Montelli (China). A cheaper analogue of Corian, all products of which can be divided into 2 lines - acrylic, which bends (Ultra), and stone, which does not have plasticity (Basic). Available sheet sizes for cutting window sills:
- length - 3658 mm;
- height - 12 mm;
- width - 760 mm.
Staron (South Korea). The decent quality material of this brand has gained its popularity due to its reasonable price and wide range of products. Today, products are represented by hundreds of colors in the collections Quarry, Sanded, Pebble, Aspen, Solid, Metallic, Tempest. Size chart:
- length - 3680 and 2490 mm;
- width - 760 mm;
- height - 6 and 12 mm.
Akrilika (Germany). The price for window sills of this brand is slightly higher, but this manufacturer supplies the market with exceptionally high-quality products with the widest color palette.
All types of acrylic stone are grouped into collections - Kristall, Stone, Apietra, Desing, Polystone, Deco. This company is one of the few that sells artificial stone of non-standard sizes:
- height - 3, 6, 12.5, 12.7, 30 mm;
- width - 200-760 mm;
- length - 900-3660 mm.
Tristone (South Korea). The window sills of this company are of particular interest to consumers in the “Romantic”, “Modern”, “Renaissance”, “Classic”, “Baroque” and “Byzantine” series. Due to the correspondence of the names to the styles, it is quite easy to decide on the appropriate material for decorating any room in any artistic direction. Dimensions:
- length - 2490 and 3680 mm;
- height - 6 and 12 mm;
- width - 760 mm.
How much do artificial stone window sills cost?
The price of artificial stone window sills is determined by a set of characteristics:
- color content - coarse and shiny elements increase the price category;
- surface type - products with a glossy finish are 10% more expensive than matte window sills;
- thickness - as this parameter increases, the cost of the entire product also increases;
- method of end processing - the more complex the configuration, the more expensive the product.
Important! In addition to these parameters, take into account the specific prices of the selected manufacturer, plus the costs of measurement, transportation and installation, if you do not do them yourself, but entrust them to specialists.
Should I choose a matte or glossy window sill?
Matte window sills have become popular not so long ago. If the glossy version attracts attention with its shine, then the matte one, on the contrary, does not draw attention to itself, creating a feeling of softness and harmony.
Matte window sills are more often used in those interiors where calm colors predominate; a bright emphasis on individual details is not required. Technically, this coating is no different from glossy.
Which window sills are better, matte or glossy, depends mainly on the personal preferences of the buyer. On matte products, as a rule, dust and various contaminants are more visible, so they have to be wiped off more often. However, if the glossy finish is damaged, it cannot be restored, and the scratch will spoil the appearance of the window sill.
Matte can also be scratched, but the problem is fixable. In order to hide the damage, it is enough to purchase special substances to restore the coating.
Installing an artificial stone window sill
Correct installation of a window sill will not only give the desired aesthetic result, but will also affect its service life, as well as the amount of heat loss and moisture penetration into the room.
Therefore, before installing an artificial stone window sill with your own hands, carefully read the rules of installation technology.
General installation rules
- The minimum protrusion of the canvas beyond the walls is 4-5 cm.
- The installation angle is from 5 degrees.
- The distance from heating radiators is at least 15 cm.
- A distance of 2-3 mm from the walls at the ends of the window sill.
Important! Please also note that if the blade protrudes by more than 1/3 of the total width, you will have to install additional supports.
Optimal length and thickness of the window sill
The length and depth of the window sill depend on the window opening and your own preferences. You can move the window sill out by 10 cm, or by 30 cm, turning it into an additional tabletop. The width depends on the width of the window opening.
With thickness, everything is somewhat more complicated. Stone window sills with a thickness of 12 mm are popular, but many experts argue that this is not always enough.
In order for the product to be strong, durable, able to withstand loads and be used as a tabletop, it is better to order a window sill with a thickness of 30 mm . Naturally, the greater the thickness, the more durable the product will be and, accordingly, more expensive.
Artificial stone window sill installation technology
Before installing an artificial stone window sill, dismantle the old one. For this:
- Prepare a hammer, chisel, perforator.
- Break the slopes to a level where the window sill can be easily removed from the niche.
- Remove any remaining foam on the base and plaster from the slopes.
- Remove all large debris and construction dust.
- Make sure the parameters of the prepared product correspond to the dimensions of the window niche.
- Level the base by repairing cracks, chips, and abrasive protrusions.
- Using a ruler and a building level, measure the correct position of the new window sill, taking into account the above rules.
- Make the markings with a pencil.
Direct installation is carried out using one of 2 technologies:
Method 1. In this case, special supports are installed on the base. The rules for their proper installation are as follows:
- material for stiffeners - wood or metal, small bars are suitable;
- the distance between the supports is 10-15 cm, the direction is transverse (along the width of the window sill);
- material for attaching supports to the base and window sill and stiffeners - special glue. Preferably from the same manufacturer as the acrylic plate itself.
Method 2. This technology involves the design of a concrete screed. The rules are:
- height - up to 14 mm down from the expected installation height of the artificial stone window sill;
- brackets - recessed into the screed. The window sill itself is installed on them;
- design of slopes - sawing grooves up to 30 mm deep to finally fix the window sill.
Further actions:
- install the stove in the chosen way;
- check the clarity of the horizontal line by level;
- seal the gaps between the stiffeners or cement screed and the slab with polyurethane foam;
- wait until it hardens and remove excess;
- plaster or paint the slopes, preferably in 2-3 layers;
- maintain a technical pause until all solutions have completely set;
- wipe all surfaces of the window structure with a damp cloth to remove any remaining debris and dust;
- remove the protective film from the surface of the window sill.
Choosing the thickness of a stone window sill
Artificial stone is made in the form of slabs with a thickness of 6 to 30 mm. (the most popular option is 12 mm). The material, up to 12 mm thick, is intended either for vertical use or for structures without any significant loads.
Expert commentary
Vladislav Dobronravov
Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company
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27 mm stone can withstand almost all household loads for a long time. In addition to window sill profiles, bar counters, sink surfaces and kitchen countertops are made from such slabs.
Thicker slabs are chosen relatively rarely, since the cost of a window sill is directly related to its size, including thickness. As a rule, slabs with a thickness of more than 12 mm are necessary when implementing the specific wishes of the customer for individual interior design.
Rules for caring for artificial stone window sills
Window sills made of artificial stone are very practical, comfortable, and easy to maintain. However, it is not worthwhile to deliberately create unfavorable conditions, reducing the service life. Therefore, when cleaning your home, follow these rules:
- Use soap solutions or disinfectants (possibly with ammonia) to regularly clean the surface.
- Remove all dirt immediately - even caustic dyes do not penetrate deep into the material, but can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth. Therefore, this procedure will not take much of your time.
- Do not use sharp, hard objects to remove heavy dirt and drops of building mixtures from the surface of artificial stone window sills. It is better to use suitable, moderately aggressive solvents.
- Do not allow the surface to heat up too much - at temperatures above 185 °C, the canvas may become deformed.
If visible defects occur, follow simple restoration procedures by heat treatment and grinding, or invite a professional technician. Acrylic plates are highly repairable.
Window sills made of artificial stone are an excellent modern solution. With their help, you can easily design an original interior and avoid excessive costs for installation, maintenance and reinstallation several years later.
Choose high-quality products from trusted brands, follow the installation rules and you are guaranteed excellent results in the strength, beauty and reliability of window sills!
Source: recn.ru/podokonniki-iz-iskusstvennogo-kamnya-osobennosti-dostoinstva-montazh
Stone window sills will make your home unique
Window sill made of stone
You can place indoor flowers by the window without fear that the flowerpots will leave marks on the stone surface.
If water regularly gets on the surface, the appearance of the stone will not be affected at all. Artificial stone, unlike natural stone, is completely insensitive to such influences.
If you decide to install an artificial stone window sill in Yekaterinburg, Rezident will fulfill your order efficiently and punctually. We work with artificial stone manufacturers known all over the world. Among them are Akrilika, Samsung Staron, DuPont Corian LG Hi-Macs.
Our company will also produce not only a custom stone window sill, but also a countertop, bathtub, staircase, decorative facades and other interior elements. All products are created by hand, with inspiration, responsibility and soul.
The company's specialists have extensive experience and the necessary technical knowledge, which has allowed Resident to succeed in the production of stylish and functional interior items.
If you strive to create an atmosphere of subtle aristocratic taste in your home, then artificial stone window sills (Ekaterinburg) will help you cope with this task.
The unique texture, shine and sophistication of stone products will make the room cozy and unique. Custom stone window sills are exclusive, spectacular and practical interior elements.
Stone end processing
End finishing is a very important point that needs to be taken into account when ordering a stone window sill.
Expert commentary
Vladislav Dobronravov
Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company
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You need to choose it so that it fits organically into the surrounding interior.
If it is not possible to install a very thick, solid stone window sill, experts recommend resorting to another method - installing a product 30 mm thick with another 30 mm of gluing.
End finishing options:
- figure processing;
- protrusions of any shape, for which cutters are used;
- engraving, etc.
Why choose artificial stone
Artificial stone is a composite material that consists of minerals and resin.
It has retained all the practical properties of natural stone:
- strength;
- impact resistance (resistance to scratches and chips);
- durability.
Along with this, a window sill made of artificial stone, thanks to the resin, has a non-porous structure (unlike natural stone), which ensures immunity to moisture and dirt. Stains from water or wet objects (vases, flowerpots, glasses) will not form on the surface of the artificial stone.
Caring for a product made from this material is as easy as shelling pears. And besides, this material is much cheaper than marble or granite.
"Resident" offers the production of artificial stone window sills in Yekaterinburg in the following designs:
- rectangular;
- corner;
- radius;
- cascade;
- bay windows.
Whatever window sill the client chooses, our specialists carefully and responsibly listen to his wishes so that the finished product corresponds to the original plan. We understand that your mood depends on a cozy, refined home environment.
Source: rezident96.itfrut.ru/podokonniki
Stone window sills look great and are quite appropriate in any interior. A window sill in the kitchen can serve as an additional work surface. It will not be harmed by a hot pan or the proximity of an open fire.
A stone window sill in a nursery will not capture the “rock painting” of children, no matter what tools it is applied with. The window sill on the balcony and in the room will withstand flower pots and cat claws without a single scratch or chip.
Rock surfaces
Natural stone has long been considered an attribute of respectability and luxury. Today, in the era of digital technology, nothing has changed: everything that is of natural origin is still in fashion, despite the emergence of many polymer analogues.
It should be understood that the mineral is capricious, and its processing is a complex, time-consuming process. Hence the high price, which is two to three times higher than acrylic and polymer modifications. But if cost is a secondary issue for you, and the priority criterion is the natural beauty of the raw materials, then all that remains is to choose: marble, granite or onyx.
Marble
A marble window sill is an ideal solution for spacious rooms. Despite its considerable cost, this rock is in great demand. This is explained by its exquisite texture, variety of shades, safety and environmental friendliness. In essence, it is limestone that has undergone significant changes under the influence of physical and chemical processes. Marble does not accumulate radiation; due to its fibrous structure, it is very durable. The material has optimal hardness, making it easy to process and polish to a mirror finish.
If we talk about disadvantages, we should note the ability of marble to absorb dyes. Because of this, stains remain on it. To prevent this, treatment is carried out with impregnations, which impairs the aesthetic appeal. In addition, it does not tolerate prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures; some varieties fade over time.
Granite
This is a rock of igneous origin with a fine-grained structure. Main advantages: density, strength, wear resistance, resistance to mechanical damage and abrasion. There are no chips or scratches on it, so you can safely place flower pots and other utensils on the windowsill. Another nuance is that granite can easily withstand ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures and contact with detergents. Do wet cleaning or place hot objects on it as often as you like. And even if minor damage suddenly appears, it can be easily eliminated using special products that imitate the natural texture. Thanks to the use of modern processing methods, it is possible to create complex-shaped workpieces with a glossy or textured texture.
As for the disadvantages, this is the ability of granite to accumulate radiation. Be sure to check the relevant certificates before purchasing. In addition, this is a heavy rock, which complicates the installation process and increases the requirements for the base of the window unit. If you opt for gloss, then keep in mind that you will have to regularly treat it with polishes and periodically apply an antifungal compound. And the choice of shades is modest: various variations of gray, pink, less often dark, greenish, blue.
Onyx
This is the most expensive natural material, which is a type of quartz with a small amount of impurities. Onyx has a characteristic plane-parallel structure consisting of brown, white, orange, red or black layers. Its main feature is the ability to partially transmit light. With the right lighting installed from below, you will achieve an amazing visual effect. The mineral is moisture resistant and can easily withstand negative temperatures.
As for the disadvantages, this is primarily the high cost. You should also be extremely careful when cleaning and during the repair process: the structure of onyx is vulnerable to chemicals, and scratches easily appear on the surface.
Important point
When ordering designs, consider the following nuances:
- the length of stone slabs is limited, they are difficult to join, so this solution is not suitable for all window openings;
- the pattern structure and color of the same rock may vary depending on the place of extraction, so if window sills are selected for all the windows in the house, it is better to place the order in one place;
- pay attention to the quality of the finish, as the durability of the structure depends on this.
For production, pre-processed blocks - slabs - are used. First, the workpiece is turned, then it is ground and polished, as a result of which it is possible to achieve the necessary decorative effect. The processing process is complex. It is impossible to obtain high-quality products without professional skills and the use of special tools.
Window sills made of natural stone
The service life of a natural stone window sill depends only on the reliability of the building in which it is installed.
There are no restrictions on the choice of material for this product, so your preferences remain the main criterion.
The specialists of the Catalina stone factory have extensive experience in manufacturing window sills from marble, granite and other natural materials.
Granite window sills
Granite's natural resistance to moisture and mechanical damage is its advantage when choosing a material for the kitchen.
The color scheme is dominated by gray and brown-red shades. White, blue, green colors are quite rare in nature. In these cases, granite can be replaced with aggloquartzite.
Marble window sills
Marble has a calmer, more uniform and smooth pattern. Some types of marble appear translucent. Due to the greater water absorption compared to granite, it requires mandatory impregnation with special compounds.
After this treatment, marble’s resistance to stains becomes almost absolute. The color range is represented by pastel tones from white to brown, with or without veins.
Onyx window sills
The unique property of onyx to transmit rays of light allows, if necessary, to use the window sill in the nursery as a night light. In the bathroom, bedroom or living room, such a piece of furniture will attract attention and create a unique magical atmosphere.
Source: catalina.ru/products/podokonniki/
What to choose?
Even after comparing the characteristics, it is impossible to make an unambiguous conclusion about which is better - artificial or natural stone. Operational parameters do not differ so much, so the main selection criteria are financial capabilities and personal preferences. Do you dream of surprising your guests with a luxurious stone window sill and are you willing to pay a lot of money for it? Order a system made of granite or marble. Don't want to overpay? Then choose polymers that are no less strong and durable, but there are more color options.
Stone-look window sills – we’ll order the best for ourselves!
Strong and impact-resistant, durable and not afraid of small scratches and cracks, resistant to all kinds of mechanical damage - that’s all about artificial stone for window sills.
Do you want to keep the room warm, create a unique atmosphere of comfort and coziness, and get a product with high heat resistance? Then you can safely buy products from this material.
Artificial stone has neither micropores nor relief
In reality, the result is a perfectly flat and smooth surface.
Such an impeccable appearance of the product is appreciated by many customers. And especially housewives - after all, they are the ones who most often take care of the flowers and sometimes fill the windowsill with water. In this case, water and moisture are not a problem for you.
Taking care of such a window sill is a pleasure. We can calmly wipe the surface with a damp cloth, and it will be clean, beautiful and look like new again. By the way, antibacterial coating is valued no less than cleanliness and ease of care.
Therefore, quite often this material is used when renovating kitchens, restaurants or dining rooms (it is often used as countertops).
There are no restrictions on sizes and shapes!
Such products are valued not only for the variety of colors, but also for the ability to work with different shapes and sizes. Experimenters have long paid due attention to such window sills, obtaining products of the required thickness from this easily processed material.
Resistance to ultraviolet radiation, lack of deformation, the ability to “hold” even a lot of weight, the ability to choose suitable options for the office and an architectural design element and a bright interior detail, and a real and multifunctional assistant primarily in preserving heat, then such a new product should not be passed by you.
And let someone try to say that such window sills are not elegant and are inferior to marble, plastic or porcelain stoneware. But the price is much less. Therefore, both designers and those who already know a lot about quartzite are showing increased interest in such products.
Stone-effect window sills are a highlight of any interior design
If you want to highlight the uniqueness of your home, familiarize yourself with the companies operating in this segment in advance. It is necessary to negotiate the supply of high-quality artificial stone only through reliable companies. What does this false natural stone give us and what do we need to know about such material:
Both acrylic stone and quartzite are both completely environmentally friendly. This must be confirmed by appropriate certificates (you can request them upon purchase).
In addition, the same quartzite cannot really be called “artificial” - in fact, the share of natural and environmentally friendly components in it reaches 95%, and the rest are dyes that are responsible for the variety of colors and give the products a certain originality.
The prices for such window sills are pleasantly different from the cost of products made from the same marble or granite, and in terms of performance characteristics (such as strength and hardness) they are generally not inferior and sometimes superior.
Stone-look products are extremely durable and, importantly, they do not absorb moisture, which means they do not accumulate contaminants (thanks to this, you avoid sources of many pathogens).
Such window sills practically do not deform, do not fade and withstand temperature changes, and are also attractive in any interior.
The qualities mentioned above are not a complete list of the advantages of such material. And all because our time dictates more and more new standards and technologically advanced solutions in the field of arrangement of premises.
Requirements
In current interior solutions, a window sill is not only an element of a window opening, but also an additional surface that is used as a tabletop or storage shelf. If we talk about functionality, then when installed correctly, the window sill system participates in the circulation of air flows, retaining heat in the room and preventing the penetration of cold masses from the street.
strength
low maintenance
UV resistance
For normal air circulation, the window sill should not deviate from the plane of the wall by more than 5-6 cm. If the width of the slab exceeds these values, additional ventilation holes will be needed. The optimal thickness is 4 cm. It is important to ensure reliable installation and immobility of the structure.
You can compare the performance parameters of products made of PVC, wood and stone for a long time, listing their advantages and disadvantages. But if you want to create a truly unique and noble design indoors, then the choice is obvious. The stone element is stylish, reliable and beautiful. All that remains is to understand the characteristics of natural minerals and their imitations.
How to get what you want - tips for beginners
So, you are determined to go for artificial stone.
Despite all its advantages, you still need to be careful when using it and choose the material wisely. In addition to reliability and practicality, window sills made of artificial stone are also attractive for their unique design.
You can make window sills of any structure and texture, shape and size. But don’t overdo it - narrow or wide, rectangular or rounded, asymmetrical or curved - still consult a specialist about which ones to install.
Thanks to a huge palette of various colors and shades, you can recreate any patterns of natural stones. But don't try to get hung up on it. After all, in nature there is no perfectly accurate and repeating pattern.
Such window sills are resistant to cutting objects. But still, if you managed to scratch it, then such a defect can be easily eliminated (with the help of special means). However, such products are quite durable, so it is better to fix some parts rather than install a new one right away.
This material is able to prevent any moisture from entering the product. It also prevents the formation of dampness and the spread of bacteria. But if you still fill them every day (for example, when watering flowers), then you will not avoid problems.
It will be easy for you to wash these window sills with plain water, or you can use detergent. But in any case, it is better not to use abrasive materials. This applies to many window sills, and not only those made of artificial material.
But you shouldn’t have any problems with manufacturing and installation - specialists are happy to work with an analogue of natural stone, because the weight of such a product is relatively small. And thanks to this factor, the wall does not need to be strengthened before installing the window sill.
Development of window sill drawings
The drawing is the main stage of preparation for the process of installing a window sill. It determines whether the window opening will look organic, or whether the concrete will visually make it look massive.
At the design stage, an installation strategy is developed, the possibilities of the future design are considered, the dimensions of the window sill are calculated, etc. The drawing consists of the following measurements:
- base length;
- width of protrusions and overhang;
- width of slopes;
- window sill depths;
- length and thickness of the window sill;
- distances between slopes.
At the drawing stage, you should make all the necessary measurements, calculate the material consumption, and decide on the method of casting the concrete. Making a drawing is quite simple, the main thing is to take preliminary measurements so as not to make it too thick, otherwise cracks may appear, and not very protruding so that the heat from the radiator can rise to the window. The slopes should not be less than 6 cm to strengthen the window sill. All other measurements depend on the window parameters. If there is no battery under it, it is not necessary to make protrusions.
Rice. 2. Window slab according to GOST