If you’re considering faux stone siding for your home or business, you may have come across two popular brands: GenStone and NextStone. Both brands offer a range of products designed to mimic the look of natural stone, but they have some key differences in terms of materials, installation, and cost. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at GenStone and NextStone and compare them on several factors to help you decide which brand might be best for your needs.
Overview of GenStone
GenStone is a brand of faux stone siding that’s been around since 2002. The company is based in Colorado and offers a range of products that are designed to look like natural stone, including panels, corners, ledgers, and trim pieces. GenStone’s panels are made from a proprietary blend of polyurethane, making them lightweight and easy to install. The panels are also designed to be weather-resistant and low-maintenance, with a 25-year warranty.
One notable benefit of GenStone is its versatility. The panels can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, concrete, brick, and stucco. They’re also available in several styles and colors, so you can customize the look to your liking. GenStone panels can be cut with standard woodworking tools, and they attach to the surface using screws and adhesive.
However, one potential drawback of GenStone is its cost. Because it’s a proprietary product, GenStone tends to be more expensive than some other faux stone brands. The installation process can also be more involved, especially if you’re covering a large surface area.
Overview of NextStone
NextStone is another popular brand of faux stone siding, with a range of products that are designed to mimic the look of natural stone. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Colorado. NextStone’s panels are made from a mixture of high-density polyurethane and fire retardant, making them durable and resistant to weather and pests. The panels are also backed by a 50-year warranty.
Installation. The panels are designed to interlock with each other, which can make the installation process faster and easier than some other faux stone brands. The panels can be cut with standard woodworking tools, and they attach to the surface using screws and adhesive.
Affordability. Because it’s a mass-produced product, NextStone tends to be less expensive than some other faux stone brands. However, the range of styles and colors may be more limited than other brands.
Comparison of GenStone and NextStone
Here’s a comparison of several factors that may be important to consider when choosing between GenStone and NextStone:
| GenStone | NextStone | |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Made from a proprietary blend of materials that includes high-density foam and a coating of polymer concrete. | Made from lightweight polyurethane. |
| Appearance | Available in a wide range of styles and colors, with a realistic stone look. | Available in a range of styles and colors, with a realistic stone look. |
| Installation | Requires standard woodworking tools and techniques, with panels that are screwed or glued onto the surface. Can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, brick, and concrete. | Designed for easy installation using interlocking tongue and groove panels that snap together without screws or adhesives. Best suited for use on flat surfaces. |
| Durability | Resistant to fading, chipping, cracking, and water damage. | Resistant to fading, chipping, and cracking. May require occasional cleaning or touch-up painting to maintain appearance. |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance, with no need for regular painting or sealing. | Low-maintenance, with no need for regular painting or sealing. |
| Cost | Generally more expensive than some other faux stone brands, due to its proprietary blend. | Generally less expensive than some other faux stone brands, due to its mass-produced nature. |
As you can see, there are some key differences between GenStone and NextStone. GenStone may be a better option if you’re looking for a wide range of styles and colors, or if you need a product that can be used on a variety of surfaces. However, NextStone may be a better option if you’re looking for an easier installation process, or if you’re on a tighter budget.
Reviews and Testimonials
To get a better sense of how customers feel about these two brands, we searched for reviews and testimonials online. Here’s what we found:
GenStone Reviews
- One customer on the GenStone website wrote: “I used GenStone on the front of my house and it looks amazing. It was easy to install and it really transformed the look of my home.”
- Another customer on the Home Depot website wrote: “The GenStone panels are high-quality and look just like real stone. They were a bit more expensive than some other options, but I think they were worth it.”
NextStone Reviews
- One customer on the NextStone website wrote: “I was able to install the NextStone panels myself, and it was much easier than I expected. The finished product looks great and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it.”
- Another customer on the Lowe’s website wrote: “NextStone was the perfect choice for my home renovation. The panels are durable and look just like real stone, but at a fraction of the cost.”
Overall, customers seem to be happy with both GenStone and NextStone. While there are some minor complaints about each brand (such as difficulty cutting the panels or matching the color), the majority of reviews are positive and recommend these brands for faux stone siding.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between GenStone and NextStone, there’s no clear winner. Both brands offer a range of benefits and drawbacks, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a wider range of styles and colors, or if you need a product that can be used on a variety of surfaces, GenStone may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for an easier installation process, or if you’re on a tighter budget, NextStone may be the better option.
Ultimately, we recommend doing your own research and reading reviews from other customers before making a decision. Whether you choose GenStone, NextStone, or another brand of faux stone siding, be sure to hire a professional installer if you’re not confident in your DIY skills. With the right product and installation, faux stone siding can transform the look of your home or business and provide years of low-maintenance beauty.
