GenStone
1 product available, all on a quote basis
About GenStone
GenStone manufactures polyurethane stone veneer panels recognized for the most realistic three-dimensional texture in the faux stone category. Their panels replicate natural stone at a level of depth that polypropylene competitors rarely match - it's the material difference between a panel that looks like stone at a glance and one that still looks like stone on a closer walk-up. Pro Materials supplies GenStone Stacked Stone panels on a quote basis for residential and commercial cladding applications.
About GenStone
GenStone's specialty is polyurethane stone veneer panels, a different material than the polypropylene used by Novik and most other polymer stone competitors. Polyurethane captures three-dimensional form at a finer level of detail, producing the most realistic depth, shadow, and texture variation of any polymer stone panel.
GenStone Stacked Stone at Pro Materials:
GenStone's Stacked Stone profile replicates the contemporary linear dry-stack stone look, with clean horizontal coursing, deep shadow lines, and realistic face variation. Lightweight polyurethane construction allows installation over standard wall assemblies without structural reinforcement.
Polyurethane vs. polypropylene stone panels:
Polyurethane is more thermally insulating than polypropylene, adds a modest R-value to the wall assembly, and holds dimensional detail better at finer scales. It's slightly softer than polypropylene, which means better resistance to surface cracking from thermal shock but less impact resistance than harder polymer panels. For applications where appearance realism is the primary specification driver, polyurethane (GenStone) is generally considered the most realistic option.
Applications:
Full-facade cladding, chimney accents, fireplace surrounds, feature walls, foundation skirts, and commercial entranceways. GenStone's Stacked Stone is particularly popular for contemporary and transitional homes where a clean, modern stone look is part of the design intent.
GenStone: Frequently Asked Questions
- How realistic do GenStone panels look compared to real stone?
- GenStone's polyurethane panels are widely considered among the most realistic faux stone products available. The polyurethane material allows the manufacturing mould to capture very fine texture detail - individual crystal facets, surface weathering variation, and natural colour tonal range - at a level that polypropylene moulding typically cannot match. At street viewing distance, GenStone panels are indistinguishable from real dry-stack stone in most installations.
- Can GenStone be used in Canadian freeze-thaw climates?
- Yes. Polyurethane is non-absorbent, so GenStone panels do not absorb water and are not subject to freeze-thaw spalling. Unlike natural stone or cement-based veneer, polymer panels are freeze-thaw stable without any special treatment. Proper base flashing and a drainage plane behind the panels are essential for any stone veneer installation in Canadian climates, regardless of material.
- How is GenStone installed?
- GenStone panels are dry-installed over a moisture barrier using screws or construction adhesive (or both) depending on the substrate and application. No mortar is required. The lightweight polyurethane construction (typically under 2 lb/sq ft) allows installation over standard sheathing without structural reinforcement. Factory corner pieces are essential for a clean-looking installation - field-cutting corners produces visible cut edges.