Corner wedges have been used for centuries as an architectural feature in houses. While they are no longer required structurally, people associate quoins with high-end buildings and houses because they visually reinforce the corners of a wall. Quoins make a building appear to be constructed of solid materials, which may not be the first choice for glass wall construction, but it fits most residential buildings aesthetically.

Adding quoins to a house is a versatile home renovation project that can be done in most sidings. Styrofoam core quoins that are covered with a cement layer can simply be adhered directly to Brick, ICF, Precast, EIFS, and stucco using a cement-based adhesive. Any home with 90 degree corners can have applied quoins spliced ​​together, or with spaces between them.

Aside from their aesthetic function, quoins can also play a protective role in homes with siding that are more prone to damage, such as EIFS, Hardie Board, and vinyl siding. Anyone who has scooped too close to sensitive material knows the scratches and even total damage that can be done without too much effort. Because quoins are individual pieces, damaging them is easy to repair or even replace if necessary. The original quoin can be removed and replaced with a brand new part without there being any sign of damage from being with it. Compare that to siding that would require replacing an entire section of wall, the cost savings can be in the thousands of dollars.

The color options are almost limitless, making it ideal for existing homes. Quoins are generally purchased in a cement gray color, ready to be painted in the color of the homeowner’s choice. Exterior grade masonry paints can be purchased from an EIFS dealer with Dryvit, Sto, or Senergy products, or from your local hardware store. It is important to use a paint that is intended to be exposed to the exterior elements and is intended for concrete or masonry.

Selecting a color can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be with a little guidance. A basic option is to select the same color as the rest of the walls so that the quoins blend in and make the house appear monolithic. A more common option is to select a color that has a few shades, either lighter or darker than the siding in your house. A darker color will help accentuate the corners, making them more prominent and drawing the attention of passersby. A shade lighter than your wall will bring out the color of the wall itself and create an overall “softer” visual appearance of your home.