A cladding panel comprising a top multi-film layer and a base layer configured for connection to a substrate, the top multi-film layer including at least an external substantially transparent film and a granular film adjacent to the external substantially transparent film. Disclosed are also methods of producing the cladding panel and kits of cladding panels.

A system, comprising: at least one planar member having a two- or three-dimensional surface pattern formed thereon or therein; and a plurality of resilient spacers removably positionable on or in the surface pattern to form a surface relief pattern of spaced-apart recesses on the at least one planar member.

Panels usable for construction of a surface, to provide the surface with a desired appearance, durability, water, air, and fire resistance, dimensions, and weight include a layer of substrate material having first and second sides. Finish elements are positioned on the first side, while a backing material is positioned on the second side, such that the substrate bonds the finish elements to the backing material. Particulate material can also be included, such as within spaces between finish elements. Manufacture of such panels can include use of a vacuum system that acquires finish elements in a selected orientation, acquires particulate material into spaces unoccupied by finish elements, then deposits the arranged finish elements and particulate material into a mold for subsequent manufacturing steps. Use of lightweight, durable materials, such as magnesium oxide, can enable panels having a reduced thickness and weight to be manufactured, without sacrificing durability or longevity.

A slip brick arrangement for use in a façade cladding system comprises a slip brick and a spacer element (20c). The slip brick comprises at least one rail-engaging groove to engage with a brick-retaining rail to be provided. The spacer element (20c) comprises a main spacer body (22c) to be positioned inside the rail-engaging groove. The main spacer body (22c) comprises a protrusion (32c) to hinder sliding of the spacer element (20c) towards the brick-retaining rail. A variant of the spacer element (20c) is made from an unitary sheet providing a main spacer body (22c) and an arm (24) extending from the main spacer body (22c) to engage in the rail-engaging groove, wherein the main spacer body (22c) comprises a lanced portion (28) providing the protrusion (32c). The spacer element (20c) helps to retain a slip brick in an intended position.

A securing member includes a fixing portion having a reference surface and fixing holes, a main bulging portion having a contact surface that comes into contact with first to fourth exterior members, a supporting portion, upper and lower engagement portions attached to the supporting portion, a lower bulging portion, and an erected portion that projects from the lower bulging portion and that is disposed on a center line of the fixing portion between the first and third exterior members. One of the fixing holes that is closest to the center line is displaced from the center line. The fixing holes are arranged asymmetrically about the center line. A first length by which the main bulging portion bulges is greater than a second length by which the lower bulging portion bulges. The length from the reference surface to the front end of the erected portion is greater than the first length.

Disclosed herein is a fiber cement cladding system such as fiber cement shingles or shakes which can have the appearance of authentic wood. Each individual fiber cement shingle or shake comprises a textured surface having a depth of relief and a coating system disposed on the textured surface. The coating system may include a sealing agent, a basecoat, and a topcoat. In some embodiments, the basecoat is disposed on at least a portion of the sealing agent and the topcoat is disposed on at least a portion of the basecoat. In some embodiments, the basecoat comprises a DFT of 1 to 3 mils and the topcoat comprises a DFT of 0.05 to 2 mils. In some embodiments, the depth of relief of the textured surface of the fiber cement shingle is about 0.03″ to 0.085″.

A decorative stone panel is provided, which comprises a natural stone panel (1), a ceramic tile (4), a light source (2) and curable transparent adhesive resin (3). The ceramic tile (4) is bonded to the inner surface of the natural stone plate (1). Counter-relies (9) are provided on the inner surface of the natural stone plate (1). The stone thickness at the bottom of the counter-reliefs (9) is 1 mm to 3.5 mm. The counter-reliefs (9) form a counter-relief figure. A cavity is provided between the counter-reliefs (9) and the body of the ceramic tile (4). The light source (2) is provided within the cavity. The cavity is also filled with curable transparent adhesive resin (3) on the side of the counter-reliefs (9) The decorative panel has good light transmitting properties and the light-transmitting surface is less prone to damage.

Composite panels and methods of use and manufacturing are described herein. The composite panels may comprise a foam composite and one or more layers of a facing material. The foam composite may have a density less than or equal to 20 pcf, and the layer(s) of facing material, e.g., inorganic facing material, may have a thickness of 1/16 inch to 1 inch covering at least the front surface of the foam composite.

The invention relates to a panel for constructing a floor or wall covering. The panel comprises a substantially planar top surface, at least one core layer composed of a composite material which core layer is provided with at least one cavity, and a bottom surface. The panel further comprises at least one pair of opposite edges, said pair of opposite edges preferably comprising complementary coupling parts configured for mutual coupling of adjacent panels.

Methods and associated apparatuses are described herein that provide a tile alternative material. The tile alternative material may be manufactured by providing a substrate that defines a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface is configured to be secure, via an adhesive or otherwise, to a support surface. The method further includes coating an exterior layer on the first surface of the substrate, and forming a pattern element in the first surface of the substrate. Forming the pattern element includes removing material from the substrate and the coated exterior layer of the first surface to form one or more recessed portions.