Design Possibilities with Vertical Overlays

Since vertical overlays can be applied to nearly any sound, properly prepared surface, the applications are wide-ranging. A few of the most popular include:

  • Interior accent walls
  • Fireplace fronts
  • Storefronts
  • Arched entryways
  • Retaining walls
  • Exterior privacy walls
  • Basement walls and wine cellars
  • Chimneys
  • Backsplashes
  • ICF wall surfaces
  • Theme rooms in hotels and resorts

Interior Walls, handcarved fire place, VerticalArtisans.com Hickory Hills, IL

Hand-carved fireplace. VerticalArtisans.com in Hickory Hills, IL

The biggest advantage of vertical overlays is versatility. In addition to their ability to be stamped or carved to look like real stone, brick or slate, companies who supply vertical mixes have developed special stamping and carving tools that allow installers to mimic many other materials such as weathered wood, fossilized rock, botanical imprints, cut coral, lava rock and even bamboo. These overlays also can be pigmented, stained or faux finished in just about any color imaginable, whether you want to match the surrounding décor or replicate the natural colors of the materials they simulate. The overlay depth can be varied, too, depending on the pattern or look desired.

Vertical Stamping, Domenic Mattei, Custom DesignCrete, Inc Crescent, PA

Vertically stamped retaining wall. Custom DesignCrete in Crescent, PA

Vertical overlays also permit total flexibility in the size of individual units in the pattern, which can easily be customized to suit the dimensions of the wall. "You can do more with vertical overlays than manufactured stone because you can make the stone patterns any size and shape you want," says Andy Yoder of Flex-C-Ment. "The material takes the impression of stamps well and is easy to sculpt or carve. You can also work it around corners and fit it into narrow areas."

To see some examples of what can be done with vertical concrete, visit Vertical Concrete Wall Design Ideas.

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