Faux stone is an easy and inexpensive way to get the natural stone look without the high cost and maintenance of real stone. In this article, we’ll look at the most budget-friendly options for creating faux stone walls, backsplashes, accent walls, and more.
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Painted Stone
Painting a faux stone finish is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to get the look of real stone. Here are some tips:
- Use a base coat of flat paint in a neutral tone like beige or gray before painting on the faux finish.
- Textured paints or acrylics that contain grit or sand can create a light stonelike texture when drybrushed over the base coat.
- Sponging on layers of paint in contrasting earth tones like browns, tans, grays and soft greens will mimic the multicolored look of natural stone.
- Use a dry brush to dab on accents of white or off-white paint to replicate the veining and highlights of real stone.
- Finish with a matte, stone-textured clear coat spray to protect the finish and enhance the realistic look.
Painted faux stone is great for DIYers on a tight budget. With some simple paint techniques and tools, you can transform walls, furniture, flower pots and more to get the stone look for just a fraction of the cost.
Wallpaper
Stone wallpaper is another wallet-friendly option, often available for around $10-$30 per roll. Some things to consider if using removable wallpaper for faux stone:
- Choose a high quality, durable, vinyl or non-woven wallpaper, so it holds up and is easy to remove later.
- Look forwallpapers with realistic three-dimensional textures that mimic the look of stacked stones, flagstone, or tumbled limestone.
- Select subtle, natural-looking colors like gray, tan, off-white and mossy green rather than bolder colors that look obviously fake.
- Use wallpaper primer before installation for best adhesion.
- Take time to carefully cut seams and smooth out bubbles for a seamless stone look.
Faux stone wallpaper can transform a room quickly. Use it to create a stone accent wall, rustic backsplash or industrial chic feature wall on a budget.
Concrete Overlay
For interior and exterior surfaces like walls, floors, countertops and walkways, a concrete overlay is an affordable way to get a stone finish. Here’s how it works:
- Start with a smooth, clean, primed concrete or plywood surface.
- Apply a base coat of thin overlay material like quikrete countertop mix.
- Use molds and stamps to create impressions of stone textures.
- Color the concrete using powdered pigments or liquid concrete stains.
- Seal and protect the overlay with a concrete sealer or epoxy.
Concrete overlay kits can be found at most hardware stores for $50 or less. With some simple tools and DIY skills, you can apply this durable faux stone finish to patio pavers, furniture and more.
Tile and Panels
For a quick and easy faux stone project, look for budget-friendly peel-and-stick tiles or panels made of lightweight materials like vinyl and plastic. Key advantages of these products include:
- Realistic stone-like texture with natural color variations.
- Low cost – often $3 or less per square foot.
- Self-adhesive backing for simple do-it-yourself installation.
- Can be cut to size using household scissors or utility knives.
- Ideal for backsplashes, shower surrounds, accent walls and crafts.
Thicker PVC panels typically snap together like puzzle pieces, making them great for wainscoting projects, fireplace surrounds, columns and more architectural elements.
Alternative Budget Materials
Beyond manufactured faux stone products, some crafty DIYers have created inexpensive “stone” finishes using alternative materials like:
- Modeling clay – Can be shaped, molded, painted and sealed to create custom rock features, wall accents and even countertops.
- Styrofoam insulation panels – Cut and stacked to form faux rock walls, then coated with concrete and paint.
- Cement – Tinted cement shaped into rocks or blocks and allowed to dry.
- Paper mache layered over crumbled newspapers – For arts and crafts stone effects.
Let your creativity run wild! With some craft supplies and DIY inspiration, almost any material can be transformed into budget-friendly faux stone.
DIY Tips for Realistic Faux Stone
To get the most authentic, natural faux stone finish possible on a budget, keep these tips in mind:
- Look for patterns and molds that closely mimic real stone shapes and textures.
- Use multiple colors and finishes for depth and dimension.
- Focus color and shading in the recesses and crevices for realism.
- Drybrush on light paint layers to create a worn, aged look.
- Seal and protect the finish with clear acrylic or concrete sealers for durability.
- Add realistic touches like pebbles, gravel, or mulch around faux stone features.
Combining paint, molds and artistry, it’s possible to create amazingly realistic faux stone finishes that look like the real thing.
Pros and Cons of Faux Stone
Faux stone can provide the natural appearance of real stone without some of the downsides. Consider the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Lower cost than natural stone
- Virtually maintenance free compared to real stone
- Lightweight options available, making DIY installation easier
- Endless customization – match any color, style and texture
- Ideal for temporary makeovers like rental properties
Cons:
- Less durable than real stone
- Painted finishes can chip, fade or peel over time
- Seam lines visible on some thin tile and panel products
- Not ideal for outdoor surfaces exposed to harsh weather
Choosing the right faux stone material for your project and budget will maximize the pros while minimizing the potential drawbacks.
Cost Comparison of Faux Stone Options
| Faux Stone Material | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Painted stone finish | $5-$50 per gallon of paint |
| Wallpaper | $10-$30 per roll |
| Concrete overlay | $3-$8 per square foot (DIY) |
| Tile and panels | $0.50-$5 per square foot |
| Alternative materials like clay or Styrofoam | $20-$100 per project |
This table illustrates the wide range of prices available for different faux stone materials, all costing a fraction of natural stone. With any of these budget-friendly options, it’s possible to get the realistic stone look you want at a price you can afford.
Where to Buy Faux Stone Products
Here are some of the best places to shop for affordable faux stone materials and supplies:
- Hardware stores – Carry faux stone wallpapers, panels, tiles, concrete overlays and finishes, molds, pigments, and sealers.
- Home improvement stores – Great selection of stone-look tile, textured paints and materials for concrete overlays.
- Craft and art supply stores – For specialty paints, photos of stone textures, and materials like modeling clay.
- Online – Websites offer wider selections and easy price comparisons for stone wallpapers, panels and tiles.
- Discount home decor websites – Budget-priced peel-and-stick tiles and wallpaper.
Shopping around both in stores and online will help you find the specific faux stone materials you want at the best price. Coupons, sales and clearance items can also help cut costs.
FAQ About Inexpensive Faux Stone
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about creating faux stone finishes on a budget:
What’s the cheapest faux stone option?
Painted stone finishes are typically the most budget-friendly, with textured masonry paints costing around $20-$50 per gallon. With some DIY painting techniques, you can transform surfaces to look like real stone for very little money.
Can you use concrete to make faux stone?
Yes, colored and textured concrete overlays can mimic natural stone at a fraction of the cost. Using molds and stamps creates realistic flagstone, stacked stone or other patterns in concrete.
What can I use instead of tiles for a backsplash?
Peel-and-stick wallpaper or panels create a faux stone backsplash at a much lower cost than real tile. Some other options include painted glass tiles, recycled material tiles or stick-on vinyl tile sheets.
What is the easiest way to get a stone look?
Peel-and-stick wallpaper, panels or tile sheets are the easiest DIY faux stone options. They go up quickly with self-adhesive backing and don’t require specialty tools or painting skills.
Can you paint exterior surfaces to look like stone?
Yes, textured masonry paints and exterior-grade finishes like concrete stains or overlays can create durable, weather-resistant faux stone finishes suitable for outdoor use. Proper sealing is key for longevity.
Conclusion
If you’re craving the natural beauty of stone without the high price tag, faux stone offers the perfect budget-friendly solution for interiors and exteriors. With creative DIY painting techniques, concrete overlays, wallpaper or affordable tile and panels, it’s simple and inexpensive to get a realistic stone look. Just choose products suited for each use case, follow installation instructions carefully and you can enjoy decorative, durable faux stone finishes that cost a fraction of the real thing.