Creating an Entry Accent with NewTechWood Outdoor Surfaces

Why Choose NewTechWood for an Entry Accent?

NewTechWood composite products are designed for exterior applications, offering a wood-look surface without the typical maintenance requirements of natural wood. For an entry accent, this means a consistent appearance that resists weathering and does not require periodic staining or sealing.

The material is suitable for walls and facades, including accent walls, making it a practical choice for high-visibility areas like an entryway. Its composite nature helps ensure long-term aesthetic appeal, which is important for a feature that defines the entrance to your home.

Lumber Plus offers NewTechWood composite cladding and outdoor surface options, which can be selected to coordinate with other exterior elements. Confirming the specific profiles and colors available for your project is a key first step.

Coordinating with Your Front Door and Exterior Lighting

An entry accent wall should complement, not compete with, your front door. Consider the door's material, color, and style when selecting your NewTechWood profile and shade. For example, a dark, modern door might pair well with a lighter, more textured composite profile to create contrast, while a traditional wood door could be enhanced by a composite that echoes its natural tones.

Exterior lighting plays a significant role in highlighting an accent wall, especially in the evenings. Up-lighting or down-lighting can emphasize the texture and shadow lines of the NewTechWood profiles. Wall sconces placed strategically can also draw attention to the wall's material and create a welcoming glow. Plan the placement of light fixtures in conjunction with the wall cladding layout to ensure they enhance the design rather than obstruct it.

Considering Weather Exposure and Wall Assembly

Entryways are often exposed to varying weather conditions, from direct sunlight and rain to snow and humidity. NewTechWood composite materials are designed for outdoor use, but proper wall assembly is still critical. For exterior cladding, a rainscreen assembly is often recommended to manage moisture and provide ventilation behind the cladding.

Ensure that the substructure is sound and correctly prepared to support the NewTechWood profiles. This includes considering drainage, flashing around openings, and appropriate fastening methods. Discuss the complete wall system with your supplier to confirm that all components are suitable for your local climate and project requirements.

Selecting Profiles and Layout for Visual Impact

NewTechWood offers various profiles that can create different visual effects. Some profiles may create distinct shadow lines, while others present a flatter, more contemporary surface. Consider whether a horizontal, vertical, or even diagonal layout would best suit your entry's architectural style.

A vertical layout can emphasize height and create a sense of grandeur, while a horizontal layout can make an entry appear wider and more expansive. For a truly unique accent, a mixed-direction layout or a pattern incorporating different profile widths could be explored, depending on the specific product line available. Always request physical samples to assess how profiles and colors appear in your specific lighting conditions.

Worked Example: Designing a 10-Foot Entry Accent Wall

Let's consider a hypothetical entry accent wall project. Imagine an existing entryway with a 36-inch wide front door, flanked by two side lights, totaling 60 inches in width. The wall extends 24 inches on either side of this opening and reaches a height of 10 feet. We aim to clad the two 24-inch wide sections on either side of the door and the 60-inch wide section above the door frame to the 10-foot ceiling.

For this example, we will use a NewTechWood composite cladding profile that is 6 inches wide and comes in 12-foot lengths. This profile is designed for horizontal installation with a hidden fastening system.

For the two side panels, each 24 inches wide by 10 feet high: Each panel will require 4 boards (24 inches / 6 inches per board = 4 boards). Since the boards are 12 feet long, each 12-foot board can be cut to yield one 10-foot section. Thus, 4 boards are needed for each side, totaling 8 boards for both side panels. The offcut of 2 feet from each 12-foot board is not reusable for the 10-foot sections but may be useful for smaller trim pieces if applicable.

For the section above the door, 60 inches wide by 2 feet high (10 feet total height minus 8 feet door frame height): This section will require 10 boards (60 inches / 6 inches per board = 10 boards). Since the boards are 12 feet long, and we only need 2-foot sections, each 12-foot board can yield six 2-foot sections (12 feet / 2 feet = 6 sections). Therefore, 2 full 12-foot boards would provide 12 sections, more than enough for the 10 sections needed. We would purchase 2 boards.

Total material needed for this hypothetical project: 8 boards (for side panels) + 2 boards (for above door) = 10 boards of 6-inch wide, 12-foot long NewTechWood composite cladding. This calculation assumes minimal waste and straight cuts. Always factor in a percentage for cuts, waste, and unforeseen issues, typically 10-15% extra.

Before you order

• Confirm local availability of NewTechWood profiles and colors.
• Assess existing front door and exterior lighting for coordination.
• Evaluate wall assembly requirements, including rainscreen and flashing.
• Determine desired layout (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and profile style.
• Measure project dimensions accurately, accounting for all surfaces to be clad.
• Calculate material quantities, including a waste factor for cuts.
• Consider complementary materials like trim, soffit, or thermally modified wood for adjacent surfaces.
• Request physical samples to confirm color and texture in natural light.

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

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