Stone Veneer & Cladding
About Stone Veneer & Cladding
Stone transforms an exterior - adding the weight, permanence, and architectural presence that no other cladding material replicates. Modern stone veneer panels capture that presence at a fraction of the cost and weight of natural stone, without the moisture absorption, freeze-thaw spalling, and structural load challenges that make real masonry impractical on most Canadian residential and commercial projects. Pro Materials supplies faux stone and architectural stone cladding systems from NovikStone, GenStone, and Kaycan: polypropylene, polyurethane, and cement-composite panels engineered to survive thousands of Canadian freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, spalling, or delaminating. Stacked stone, dry-stack, ledgestone, fieldstone, and ashlar profiles in natural limestone, granite, sandstone, and contemporary charcoal tones. Full-facade cladding, chimney accents, fireplace surrounds, foundation skirts, or commercial entranceways - our stone catalogue covers every scale. Wholesale supply to contractors and designers across Canada.
Stone Veneer & Cladding Buying Guide
Key factors to evaluate when specifying stone veneer & cladding for your project.
Stone Veneer & Cladding Selection Guide
Material options
Polypropylene stone panels (NovikStone) are the lightest option - typically 1–2 lb/sq ft - and can be installed over standard sheathing without structural reinforcement. Polyurethane panels (GenStone) offer the most realistic three-dimensional detail and are warmth-retaining. Cement-based stone veneer provides the most authentic appearance and highest impact resistance but requires mortar installation and adds weight (8–12 lb/sq ft). Match the material to the installation context, structural capacity of the substrate, and desired realism level.
Profile selection
Stacked stone and dry-stack profiles read as contemporary and modern - clean horizontal lines, minimal mortar joint. Ledgestone has a more organic, irregular coursing pattern suited to craftsman and heritage styles. Fieldstone profiles have the most rustic character. Ashlar stone coursing is more formal and architectural.
Installation system
Most polymer panels are interlocking and dry-installed over a moisture barrier; no mortar required. Cement-based veneer requires a scratch coat and mortar bed per masonry standards. Always verify the manufacturer's approved substrate list and flashing details at the base of the installation.
Colour and texture
Natural limestone tones, grey granite, warm sandstone, and earth-tone fieldstone are perennially popular. Darker charcoal and black stone is trending strongly for modern and industrial-inspired homes. Mix tone groups carefully - warm and cool undertones within the same stone profile can clash. Request samples before committing to a large-area installation.
Corner pieces
Always specify factory corner pieces. Field-cutting polymer panels at corners produces visible cut edges that look clearly manufactured. Manufacturer corners are pre-moulded to the correct 90° angle with the same texture on both faces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between natural stone veneer and faux stone panels?
Natural stone veneer is split or sawn from actual quarried stone and mortared to the wall. It's authentic but heavy (15–30 lb/sq ft), expensive, and requires specialized installation. Faux stone panels (polypropylene, polyurethane, or cement composite) replicate the appearance of natural stone at a fraction of the weight and cost. Modern mould technology captures real stone texture and variation in extraordinary detail. For most residential and commercial applications, faux stone is indistinguishable from real stone at viewing distance and dramatically outperforms it for moisture resistance and freeze-thaw durability.
Can faux stone cladding be used in Canadian winters?
Yes. The polypropylene and polyurethane products we carry are engineered for Canadian freeze-thaw cycles. Unlike natural stone or thin-cut brick veneer, polymer panels don't absorb water, so there's no freeze-thaw spalling. NovikStone and GenStone products have been tested through thousands of freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or delamination. Proper base flashing and a drainage plane behind the panels are essential regardless of material.
Can stone cladding go over existing siding?
In many cases, yes - but it requires careful assessment. The substrate must be flat, structurally sound, and capable of supporting the added weight. Polymer panels (1–2 lb/sq ft) can typically go over existing sheathing or rigid foam if properly fastened. Heavier cement veneer (8–12 lb/sq ft) usually requires removal of the existing cladding and a proper scratch coat. Always check local building code for re-cladding requirements and maximum cladding weight over the framing system.
What brands of stone veneer do you carry?
We supply NovikStone (polypropylene, made in Quebec), GenStone (polyurethane, high-detail 3D panels), and Kaycan stone veneer. Each has distinct strengths: NovikStone is the most cost-effective and lightest; GenStone offers the most realistic three-dimensional texture; Kaycan's Versetta Stone is a cement-composite panel with a masonry-like installation system. We can help you evaluate which product best suits your project's structural context, aesthetic goals, and budget.