THE MATERIALS & FINISHES WE WORK WITH
Everything we make needs to be able to withstand the elements of nature and the foot traffic of modern life. So we work with a focused selection of materials and finishes known for their extraordinary durability. In fact, the best way to get to know our products is to learn about the premium materials and finishes we use to create them. So we put together this cheat sheet you can easily reference for your next projects. Note that you can also order free samples, swatches, and photo cards to see how each material will look in the space you are designing.
HAND-APPLIED FINISHES
As the last step in the crafting process for our GFRC and Fiberstone products, our team of experienced artisans apply our unique finishes or marine-grade SyGlos colors in layers, all by hand. This ensures that the finished piece is consistent in beauty and one of a kind in detail.
FIBERGLASS
Characteristics:
- Lightweight
- More durable than stone or concrete
- Withstands extreme weather, freeze/thaw conditions, and exposure to salt water
- Moisture, rot, corrosion, and insect resistant
- High resilience and impact resistance
Considerations:
- No heavy lifting or welding required; easy to handle, transport, and install
- Lasts much longer than than other materials like concrete and clay
- Can be cost effective, particularly for complex shapes
- More sustainable and has a much lower overall cost than metals
FIBERSTONE
Characteristics:
- Made from a mix of glass fibers, polyester resins, and natural materials
- Our lightest material with look and feel of real carved stone
- Textural designs and dual-toned mix of materials
- Won’t crack or warp in extreme climates
Considerations:
- Rigid, durable, and versatile material
- Ideal for busy areas and extreme outdoor weather
- Light enough for indoor or outdoor applications
- Natural stone look and feel suits traditional designs
GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete)
Characteristics:
- Made from a composite mixture of concrete and fiberglass
- Significantly lighter and more economical than stone or concrete
- Won’t crack or warp in extreme climates
- Fire Resistant
Considerations:
- Highly durable; much stronger than normal concrete
- Can be molded into almost any shape and color
- Energy efficient and requires very little maintenance
- Ideal for high-traffic areas and inclement weather
COMPOSITE PVC
Characteristics:
- Authentic painted wood look and feel without the degradation
- Withstands extreme weather conditions
- Lightweight and extremely durable
- Won’t absorb water; rot proof
- Clean, contemporary aesthetic
Considerations:
- Can be left white or painted any color
- Resistant to moisture, insects, and scratching
- Less prone to warping caused by temperature changes
- Fire resistant
- Cost effective and low maintenance
WOOD
Characteristics:
- Natural, rustic look with timeless appeal
- Unique grain patterns and natural markings
- Color will change over time
- Leave natural or stain/paint to shade of choice
Considerations:
- Mixes beautifully with other materials
- Expands and contracts depending on space’s humidity
- Shows scratches and wear, stained wood in particular
- Finish should be protected from heat and moisture
RESIN
Characteristics:
- Can be made to look like stone and metal but at a fraction of the weight and cost
- Strong, durable properties allow it to be used effectively multiple different ways
- Can be shaped to take on the form of other objects
- Flexible and able to absorb impact
Considerations:
- Does not need the regular maintenance of other types of material
- Can be engineered to fit within any specific aesthetic
- Can be mixed with other materials to create a more thorough and sturdy form of the synthetic compound
POLYSTONE
Characteristics:
- The look of concrete without the weight
- UV protected and weather proof
- Resistant to mold, mildew, stains, and salty coastal weather
- Offered in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colorways
Considerations:
- Outlasts real concrete
- Made of 98% trapped air and only 2% plastic, making it an efficient insulator that benefits plants
- An excellent choice for balconies or for indoor use
- Offers a sophisticated drainage system
IRON
Characteristics:
- Extremely heavy duty and durable
- Can be handcrafted, hammered, and forged to spec
- Adds textural and architectural interest
- Powder coated in a classic textured black finish to resist rust and provide years of care-free service.
Considerations:
- Timeless style is easily adaptable to the design scheme of almost any property
- Creative and inexpensive material for highlighting windows and architectural features of a commercial building or private residence
- Immediately upgrades a drab home or building exterior
- Iron accents increase property values and curb appeal
ALUMINUM
Characteristics:
- Lightweight and low maintenance
- Durable and rust proof
- Powder-coated finish provides lasting protection
Considerations:
- Superior weather resistance even in areas with frequently inclement weather
- Much lighter in weight than conventional wrought iron, but without giving up any of the strength
STAINLESS STEEL
Characteristics:
- Won’t buckle under great weight, making it one of the most durable metals on the market
- Retains strength at very high and low temperatures and in weather extremes
- Recyclable; most stainless steel is already made from recycled materials
- Hygienic; does not support the growth of bacteria and other pathogens
Considerations:
- Sleek and attractive in appearance
- High versatility; easily melds with classic or modern design schemes
- Beautiful but also highly functional
- Stands strong against corrosion, rust, and water stains
- Can be used for indoor or outdoor applications
COPPER
Characteristics:
- Resists insect damage and deters snails and slugs
- Sturdy and strong; can support heavy loads \
- Copper planters provide essential nutrients to plants
- Won’t warp
Considerations:
- Beautiful rustic appearance
- Complements any style of architecture or design
- Will patina to a lovely blue-green hue
GALVANIZED METAL
Characteristics:
- Low maintenance
- Long life expectancy
- Durable and lightweight
- Rust resistant
Considerations:
- Versatile style with an industrial vibe
- Develops a rustic patina over time
- Lower cost than stainless steel
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
VINYL
Characteristics:
- Long-lasting, maintenance-free performance
- Low-cost option that adds valuable character to exteriors
- Immune to moisture and rot so it never needs to be treated
- Doesn’t rust and never needs to be painted
- Manufactured in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles
- Often outlasts the material it’s designed to mimic
Considerations:
- Manufactured in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles
- Often outlasts the material it’s designed to mimic
- Only needs periodic washing to keep up appearances
UV-RATED FOLIAGE
Characteristics:
- Absorbs harmful UV light to protect the plant’s color and structural integrity
- Prevents fading, discoloration, and becoming brittle
- Sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of a commercial setting
- No visible color loss after a year of UV exposure equivalent to that of Miami
Considerations:
- Eliminates worry about heat, cold or sunshine
- UV blocking additives are blended into resin during the manufacturing process rather than being sprayed on
- Enhances LEED ratings because it eliminates water and energy use
FIRE-RATED FOLIAGE
Characteristics:
- Inherent fire retardant (IFR) additives are impregnated into the faux plant material
- No harsh chemicals are applied affecting the integrity of the foliage
- IFR additives will not rub or wash off, or leave a filmy residue
Considerations:
- Complies with fire regulations and ensures safety
- Can be placed in areas where real or other artificial plants might be a hazard
