Quions are a popular decorative architectural choice for many architects. When crafting quoins, many architects choose to work with wood, as wood provides a timeless appearance that enhances any design. But wood also comes with challenges. Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles has an alternative to wood quoins that offers all the advantages of wood, but without as many drawbacks.
At Patterson Whittaker, we offer reinforced cement coated foam core quoins that can be crafted into any shape or design with a short lead time, excellent pricing, the easiest installation of nearly any material, and the durability you expect from other high end products like wood.
If you are curious and would like to learn more about our EPS options and how your quoins can be designed, developed, and installed quickly, give Patterson Whittaker a call at (206)-953-5209 if you are based in the United States or (604)-285-6550 if you are located in Canada.
The Issues with Using Wood Quoins in Construction
None of our advancements at Patterson Whittaker with our EPS materials diminish the value and history of wood as a construction material. Wood is a timeless resource with a lot of durability and quality behind it.
But that doesn’t mean that wood is an easy material to work with, or even an affordable one for that matter. Projects that utilize wood can often go over budget because of the cost and requirements of using wood on a project. Some of the issues related to wood quoins include:
- Complex Designs – The first issue you’re going to run into is that creative designs or more complex features are very hard to work into wood. This isn’t often an issue with quoins, but it can be if you want them to have a design or aesthetic that is more pleasing to the eye.
- Cost – Wood can be costly. Custom wood designs add considerable expense to the size of the project, which in turn means that decorative items – like quoins – would be limited to larger embellishments on upscale commercial properties.
- Durability – Wood is durable, but it is neither weatherproof nor waterproof. It will get damaged over time. It can also warp and experience natural wear and tear that will ultimately affect the satisfaction of the property owner.
- Installation – Wood is heavy. It requires considerable manual reinforcement in order to be placed properly on a surface, and extensive shipping and labor costs that add to the total project budget.
Wood is an amazing material, and wood quoin manufacturing has its place. But it is not without flaws.
How to Use EPS Quoins in Construction as a Wood Alternative in Quoin Fabrication
Patterson Whittaker offers an alternative. We use a strong, durable reinforced EPS core and surround it with an equally durable cement coating. The foam core quoin weighs a fraction of wood, but also addresses the challenges associated with using wood for architectural manufacturing.
By coating our EPS with a layer of cement, Patterson Whittaker is able to reinforce our products in a way that gives them longevity and sustainability. On top of that, if you need your EPS quoins to look like wood – or any other material – we can do that with ease. We can give your materials the appearance and durability of wood while also making sure your materials are lightweight, waterproof, and easy to ship.
There is a reason that so many different contractors and builders have reached out to Patterson Whittaker to assist in their construction projects. Our EPS Materials are a fantastic option for any residential or commercial property development. Our EPS quoins are:
- Weather Resistant – Our quoins are weather-resistant, which means they will last a long time even under harsh conditions.
- Durable and Chip-Resistant – Unlike GFRC and precast concrete, our quoins are chip-resistant, making repairs less frequent and ensuring a fantastic final product.
- Lightweight and Easy to Install – Our foam core quoins are remarkably lightweight, saving you time and money on the installation process. They can be put together by a small team without too much mechanical reinforcement.
- Affordable – While our EPS quoins are perfect for luxury residential and commercial construction projects, they are also priced competitively compared to other available products. We offer a cost-effective option for whatever project you have ahead of you.
When you order EPS quoins from Patterson Whittaker, you’ll also find them much easier to maintain or prepare for installation. It is easy to prime, paint, or decorate your quoins after it is been developed. This allows you to adapt your materials to your construction project, rather than your construction project changing to fit your material budget.
Quoin Design Options EPS Can Create
Unlike wood, EPS reinforced quoins can be manufactured into whatever style you are looking for. You are not held back by the usual construction budget that would normally outprice different aesthetics. At Patterson Whittaker, we offer:
- Round Quoins
- Tudor Quoins
- Gothic Quoins
- Roman Quoins
- Moorish Quoins
We can also make far more than just quoins at Patterson Whittaker. Our EPS materials can be used to develop everything from sills, casings, and headers, to cornices, arches, and more.
Wood will always be a timeless material perfect for construction projects, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do better than a more affordable price. Patterson Whittaker is dedicated to making sure your residential or commercial development is built with the best possible product for your needs.