FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Cornices
What are cornices and what are they used for?
Cornices (also known as moulding or crown moulding) are decorative or plain mouldings used in both residential and commercial buildings, typically at the junction of walls and ceilings. They serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Aesthetically, they can enhance the appearance of a room, hide imperfections, and define spaces. Functionally, they can conceal gaps, integrate lighting, and protect walls from rain water.
Are the polystyrene cornices waterproof and mould resistant and can they be used in a bathroom? The simple answer is yes, they can be used in a bathroom. And yes, they are waterproof.
Can cornices gather dust? Ofcourse they can, they don’t have built in fans or superpowers. Please dust them off once every 2-3 months.
Are they fire retardant and can they be used around the fireplace?
They are fire retardant up to a point, but will melt under extreme temperatures. They can be used around a fireplace, but if it’s too close , it’ll warp a little. We’re talking really hot though, like taking a lighter and lighting it hot.
Are they paintable and how do I fix it on the ceiling? – Absolutely, please use PVA paint, not enamel based paints as it will eat through the polystyrene. They are fixed using our Cornice Adhesive. All adhesive is tried and tested.
Can the cornices be used outdoor? – Only certain EPS painted polystyrene, otherwise no not your standard XPS or EPS polystyrene cornices.
How long do they last? – Long, like 10 years plus long, but you might want to get new designs by then. Long enough to make it worth your time and money.
How do you choose the size?
The higher the ceiling, the bigger the cornices. Small cornices in a massive double volume house like out of place. Cornices won’t cost an arm and a leg, so get the right cornice for the right room.
Cornice sizes we recommend in a room:
Bathroom – 100mm ccornices
Rooms – 100mm to 140 mm cornices
House and passages – Typically 140mm
Double volume or high ceilings (Higher than 2.7m) – 180mm plus size cornice.
Can they be used to cover curtain rails? – No, they cannot.
What do I use to cut corners? – A mitre box and mitre saw is used. Please contact us for help and directions 😊
How are they placed on the ceiling? – Between ceilings and walls at a 90 degree angle.
Do they come in different colours – Unfortunately only available in white, which you will have to paint.
Where do I get the best advise on all your products?
CORNICE WAREHOUSE – 010 443 6462
We have an awesome lekker friendly team!
PVC Ceilings
What are PVC ceilings and why choose these over our normal rhinoboard ceilings?
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) ceilings have several advantages, such as:
They are Water Resistant. PVC ceilings are ideal for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as they are resistant to water damage and humidity. They are super easy to Install as they are lightweight and cost effective as labour costs are reduced big time. Usually a third of the time compared to installing standard ceiling boards.
PVC ceilings are resistant to scratches, cracks, and fading, making them a long-lasting option. They are easy to clean and maintain, and they don’t require any painting or coating. No plastering at all!
PVC ceilings are fire-resistant and meet safety standards, providing an added layer of protection.
These ceilings are a budget-friendly option compared to traditional ceilings and come in a variety of designs, colours and patterns offering design flexibility.
PVC ceilings are resistant to termite damage, reducing the risk of structural damage. They are made from recyclable materials, making them a more sustainable option.
Overall, PVC ceilings offer a practical and stylish solution for various applications!
Can they be used where there is direct sunlight? – No, please no as they are not UV protected.
Can they be used as wall panels? – Yes, as long as there is no direct sunlight. Note we have specific thicker PVC wall panels made for walls that are used in decorative spaces, kitches, factories etc.
Can they be used in a kitchen or around the fire place? Yes yes yes and yes. Don’t go let it touch the fire as it will warp, but at least 800mm away from the fire.
Can one install downlights on them or will they melt by the heat emmited from the bulbs?
You definitely can, this is why people prefer the pvc ceilings. Heat emitted from led’s is no where near as hot to make it burn.
Bamboo Charcoal Wall panels / Marble Sheets
Bamboo charcoal wall panels, what are they and where do we use it?
Bamboo charcoal wall panels are a type of decorative panel made from a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material and bamboo charcoal powder. These panels offer several advantages, including:
- Sound Insulation: The bamboo charcoal in these panels acts as a natural sound absorber, reducing noise levels and improving acoustic quality in a room.
- Waterproof: Bamboo charcoal wall panels are made from PVC, which is a waterproof material, making them suitable for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Moisture-proof: The panels are inherently moisture-proof, providing a reliable barrier against moisture and water damage, and enhancing their durability.
- Flame Retardant: Bamboo charcoal wall panels are flame retardant, meaning they have the ability to resist the spread of fire, making them an excellent choice for areas where fire safety is a concern, such as public buildings, schools, and hospitals.
- Sustainable: Bamboo charcoal wall panels are crafted from bamboo, a fast-growing and renewable resource, contributing to a greener and more responsible lifestyle.
- Natural Aesthetics: The panels inherit the natural beauty and texture of bamboo, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication to interior spaces.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: Bamboo charcoal wall panels are designed for hassle-free installation, offering a convenient and time-efficient solution for interior upgrades, and their smooth surface allows for easy maintenance, ensuring long-lasting beauty with minimal effort.
In summary, bamboo charcoal wall panels offer a range of benefits, including sound insulation, waterproofing, moisture-proofing, mildew-proofing, flame retardancy, natural aesthetics, easy installation, and maintenance, making them an excellent choice for both residential and commercial interior design projects
Can they be used instead of wall tiles? – Yes they can, please explore this option as they are seriously beautiful. We use our Tileflex to stick it on all purposes, even in bathrooms!
Can the be used as ceiling boards? – Yes and no. Reason being they are heavy and they need to be glued on, so typical brandering won’t hold it up. Only if you have cement ceilings or a ceiling that can carry weight and has a space to fix it with adhesive.
Skirtings
What are skirtings and what are they used for?
Skirtings, also known as skirting boards or baseboards in America, are a type of moulding that runs along the border between the interior wall and the floor. They serve several functional purposes in construction and interior design, including:
- Protection: Skirtings act as a barrier that protects walls from damage caused by knocks, scuffs, and other forms of impact, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Concealment: Skirtings can be used to hide exposed electrical wiring, small gaps between walls and floors, and other imperfections in the plaster or wall finish.
- Aesthetics: Skirtings can enhance the appearance of a room by providing a finished look to the walls and a surface for attaching decorative elements during decorating projects.
Skirtings are available in various materials, such as wood, polymer, MDF, and PVC, and have different styles and sizes.
How durable are they? – Depends on what you mean by durable? Long lasting yes, most our products are insect and termite proof, waterproof and they are super strong.
Are they scratch proof? – Yes, for bumps and knicks. Don’t go take scissors and scratch them as they will have a scratch mark.
Are they paintable? – Only the wood, mdf and white polymer skirtings are paintable. NOT the PVC skirtings.
Are they bendable? – No, don’t be ridiculous. If you want flexible skirtings, we sell special flexible skirtings that are made for rounded areas, such as pillars and stairs.
Can they be used outside? – Polymer and PVC Skirtings can be used outside.
Can they be used as a cornice? – Yes, but not recommended as they are very very heavy, so it would be impractical.
Can they be used as picture frames? Absolutely frikken yes!! Many interior designers have done this and they look stunning.
Can you supply me with a specific colour that’s not on your display? – Most likely we can
How can one clean them? Handy Andy, warm water and done! (NOT for wooden skirtings)
Do they dent when someone hits the skirting with a broom – Not with a broom, with a 1 ton bakkie maybe, but you have to hit it really hard to make it squeal.
WPC Wall Cladding
What are WPC / Polymer wall cladding and what is their purpose?
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) wall cladding is a composite material made from wood powder and PVC, offering durability, low maintenance, and environmental protection. It is used on both exterior and interior walls of buildings to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish while offering protection against the elements.
The purpose of WPC wall cladding includes:
- Durability and Longevity: WPC cladding is waterproof, moisture-proof, and resistant to insects and decay, ensuring longevity and durability, especially in exterior applications exposed to the elements.
- Aesthetic Versatility: WPC wall cladding comes in various textures, colors, and finishes, allowing for customization to fit different styles and preferences, enhancing the overall look of buildings.
- Low Maintenance: WPC materials require minimal upkeep, eliminating the need for frequent painting, staining, or sealing, making them a cost-effective and time-saving option for both interior and exterior applications.
- Eco-Friendly: WPC wall cladding is made from recycled materials, reducing waste in landfills and supporting sustainable development goals. It is also completely recyclable and emits low levels of harmful chemicals, contributing to environmental sustainability.
In summary, WPC wall cladding offers a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for modern construction projects due to its durability, low maintenance, and eco-friendly properties
Can they be used outside? – Simply put, No. WPC (wall plastic composite) cladding cannot be used outside, only inside as there are other harder thicker UV protected composite materials used for outdoor purposes.
Can they be used in a bathroom? – Yes, currently used in a few bathrooms as feature walls and we haven’t had any issues, as they are meant to be waterproof.
Are they paintable? – No, please don’t paint them, hence why they come in a variety of colours. We can get paintable cladding, but you’re going to add some extra moola.