FAQs
What is this material made of?
It is made of natural mineral powder and clay, pressed at low temperatures. It is eco-friendly and holds UL and Green Label certificates.
Is it the same as "Soft Porcelain" (MCM)?
No. Traditional soft porcelain uses a lot of glue (40-60%), so it shrinks and falls off easily. Our Flexible Stone uses patented technology with only 10% modifier. It is breathable, stable, and has beautiful 3D colours.
What are the advantages compared to others?
First, we own the invention patent. Second, we use 3D printing technology, so the texture looks real, like stone or wood. Third, ours is Class A fireproof, while many others are only Class B.
Is it fireproof?
Yes, Class A2 fireproof. You can safely use it on high-rise buildings and ceilings. We have the certificates to support this.
Can I use it outdoors? Will it fade?
Yes, it is designed for exterior walls. It is UV-resistant and weatherproof, so it will not fade under prolonged sun exposure.
Is it waterproof?
Flexible stone is water-resistant and moisture-proof, but it is a surface decorative material and is not inherently waterproof. Waterproofing is achieved by applying a waterproof coating and properly waterproofing the substrate.
Can it handle very cold weather?
Yes. It passes freeze-thaw cycle testing and remains stable in cold climates.
Is it safe for high buildings?
Very safe. It is light (3-6 kg/sqm), so it will not fall off like heavy stone. We recommend using screws for extra safety on large panels.
Does flexible stone emit radiation?
No. It is made from natural mineral powders and inorganic materials that are non-radioactive. It is a safe, eco-friendly material meeting international environmental standards for indoor and outdoor use.
Does flexible stone comply with ENF environmental standards?
Yes. Since flexible stone is primarily composed of natural mineral powder and contains no added formaldehyde, it easily meets and exceeds the ENF standard, the strictest global limit for formaldehyde emissions.
Is flexible stone prone to cracking?
No. Its inherent flexibility and high tensile strength allow it to resist cracking caused by structural settlement or thermal changes.
What is the lifespan of flexible stone? What is the longest-lasting project?
It has a service life of over 30-50 years. Our earliest projects from 2008 remain in excellent condition today.
What is the warranty period for flexible stone?
We provide a 2-year product warranty, while the actual service life of the material typically reaches 30 to 50 years for both interior and exterior applications.
Will flexible stone develop mould in a humid environment?
No. Flexible stone is moisture-proof and breathable, which prevents moisture accumulation and effectively inhibits the growth of mould and mildew, even in consistently humid environments.
Will the surface of flexible stone powder or flake off?
No. Flexible stone is highly stable and durable. It is engineered to be weather-resistant and flexible, which prevents the surface from powdering, cracking, or flaking even under long-term exposure to external elements.
Is flexible stone scratch-resistant, and how should scratches be treated?
Embossed (textured) products are more prone to scratches than flat-surfaced products, so the material should be protected during transportation and installation. If scratches occur, apply a water-based paint closely matching the surface colour to cover them.
What is the water absorption rate of flexible stone?
The water absorption rate is 8%-12%, meeting national industry standards. For a wall surface material, a lower rate is not always better: if it is too low the material becomes less breathable, which can cause cracking or detachment under freeze-thaw stress, and trap water vapour behind the wall leading to reverse seepage.
How should the "breathability" of flexible stone be understood?
Breathability refers to a material's ability to regulate indoor humidity within a comfortable, health-friendly range. Clay, a key component of flexible stone, typically maintains indoor humidity between 40%-70%, the most suitable range for living spaces, which also inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses.
What is the principle behind the sound absorption of flexible stone?
It reduces noise by trapping sound waves within its modified mineral micro-porous structure and buffering vibrations through its inherent elasticity.
How does flexible stone stay stable under intense sun, rain, and seawater erosion?
The dedicated adhesive used for flexible stone is inorganic, giving it superior stability compared to organic adhesives, allowing it to withstand prolonged exposure to rain, sunlight, and harsh weather. Flexible stone has also undergone salt spray testing, making it resistant to coastal conditions.
How can flexible stone on exterior walls meet building code standards?
It meets standards by achieving Class A fire ratings (EN13501 / ASTM E84) and passes rigorous wind load and freeze-thaw tests for high-rise durability.
What is the size?
Standard sizes are 1200x600 mm and 2400x1200 mm. We also offer larger formats such as 2700x1200 mm.
How thick is it?
Thin products are 2-3 mm. Thicker products, such as mushroom stone, are 5-8 mm.
Can you make curved shapes?
Yes. It is flexible, with a minimum bending radius of 200 mm. It wraps around a round column easily.
Can I customise the colour or texture?
Yes. For colours, the MOQ is 50 sqm. For textures, we can make a new mould if you provide a sample.
Does every piece look the same?
No, and this is intentional. There is slight variation in texture, just like real stone, so we suggest mixing panels during installation for a natural look.
How many design panels does flexible stone have?
We offer over 1,000 texture options across various series, including stone, wood, brick, weaving, and leather textures.
What generation of technology is 21ParkHouse's flexible stone currently using?
We currently use 3rd-generation technology, featuring 3D printing and Econiclay to provide superior textures and zero-carbon sustainability.
Is the 3D coating applied throughout the entire thickness or just the surface?
It is a surface 3D coating, applied only to the outer layer of the flexible stone.
Is the 3D coating technology exclusive to 21ParkHouse?
Yes. Our surface 3D printing technology is a proprietary innovation, making us the industry leader in producing high-definition flexible stone textures.
What is the difference between the Pro series and 3D products?
The Pro series belongs to our 3D product range, specifically engineered to meet Class A1 fire standards while delivering the same high-definition surface textures.
Is there a price difference between third-generation and fourth-generation products?
Yes. Our 4th-generation products focus on achieving Class A fire resistance and provide better value through improved installation efficiency.
What are the differences between flexible stone and paint?
Unlike paint, flexible stone offers 3D natural textures, superior impact resistance, and a lifespan of 30-50 years without peeling or fading.
Why doesn't flexible stone have vibrant colours?
Our flexible stone uses natural mineral pigments to ensure long-lasting colour stability and weather resistance. We avoid artificial dyes to maintain a natural, realistic stone aesthetic that will not fade over time.
Does the wood grain series have the same texture as real wood?
Yes. Our wood grain series uses surface 3D printing technology to recreate the authentic depth, grooves, and tactile feel of natural timber, offering a realistic visual and sensory experience with the added durability of stone.
Can the direction of the texture or pattern be changed?
Changing the texture direction requires custom mould-making, which incurs additional customisation and mould fees. Changing the pattern direction can be done by adjusting the design, but also involves customisation and pattern setup fees.
How do I install it?
Use our dedicated adhesive. Apply glue to 90% of the back, then press it onto the flat wall. Do not use dry hanging.
Do I need to remove old tiles for renovation?
No. Just make sure the old wall is flat, then paste directly over it. This saves both time and cost.
How do I treat the corners?
Use a grinder to make a 45-degree cut (chamfer), then join the panels together for a very neat finish.
Can I install it in winter?
Not recommended below 5°C, as the adhesive will not perform well. If the product feels hard in the cold, move it to a warm room before use.
Can I cut it on site?
Yes, easily. Use a woodworking table or a grinder. It will not break or chip.
Can flexible stone be drilled?
Yes, flexible stone can be drilled.
What adhesive should be used?
We recommend our original patented adhesive for the best compatibility. Alternatively, high-quality professional-grade flexible tile adhesives from renowned brands such as Davco or Mapei are also suitable.
How should the adhesive be applied?
Apply the adhesive at 90% coverage with an optimal thickness of approximately 2-3 mm. Detailed installation guidance is available.
Can other brands of adhesive or structural adhesive be used?
We recommend the dedicated adhesive to avoid hollowing, detachment, or efflorescence. For interior installations, Davco or Mapei Type 2 tile adhesives can be used. Structural adhesive should not be used, as it may lead to hollowing over time.
What is the shelf life of the adhesive and grout?
The adhesive lasts 1 year unopened; once opened, use within 48 hours, or 24 hours in hot weather. The grout is an eco-friendly inorganic product with a 7-day unopened shelf life. Grout produced within 15 days may show precipitation after opening — it can be remixed and should be used within 48 hours. Open one container at a time.
Can flexible stone be dry-hung?
No. Flexible stone is a thin, lightweight material not suitable for traditional mechanical dry-hanging. It must be installed using the wet adhesion method (full bonding) to ensure structural stability and impact resistance.
Is flexible stone prone to hollowing or detachment after installation?
If the substrate is properly prepared and the correct adhesive is used, flexible stone is not prone to hollowing or detachment. Its lightweight nature and flexibility allow it to bond securely with the wall, reducing stress on the adhesive layer compared to heavy traditional stone.
What are the substrate requirements for installation?
The substrate must be level and properly prepared. For interiors, use fibre cement boards or cement boards. For exterior walls, use high-density cement boards or levelled plaster layers. Do not install directly on gypsum boards or plywood that have not been plastered and levelled.
How do I handle uneven joints at board substrate connections?
Use putty for localised levelling and sanding, then apply a coat of wall sealer to prevent powdering of the putty layer. The surface is then ready for direct installation.
How do I handle the outside corners of a wall?
Use an angle grinder to bevel the panel edges at 45°. After filling with adhesive, attach the panel to the corner and tap it evenly using a tapping board. Please refer to our installation videos for detail.
How should the seams be treated?
There are four methods: colour-matched grout treatment, blade seam treatment, metal edging strips, and grout leakage seam treatment. Please refer to our installation videos for detail.
Can flexible stone be installed with tight joints?
Not recommended. Flexible stone is breathable with a water absorption rate of about 10%, so it experiences slight expansion and contraction with temperature changes. Leave a 2 mm blade seam or use colour-matched grout, which improves both appearance and durability.
How do I fix uneven seams between two installed panels?
Use a flat panel or small wooden board to gently tap the panel edges, ensuring the adhesive thickness behind the product is even. This will level the seam.
How do I change tight seams to natural seams or colour-matched grouting after installation?
Use a handheld angle grinder with a 2-3 mm grinding disc, guided by a straight wooden strip, to cut along the seam. Then apply acrylic paint matching the product colour with a fine brush. Mask both sides of the seam with painter's tape first for a clean finish.
Why do the seams appear white, and how can this be treated?
Two common causes. First, grout applied too early: if pressed into the seam before it reaches a semi-dry state it contaminates the surface. Ensure the grout is semi-dry before pressing and cleaning. Second, dust from cutting accumulating on the surface — wipe the surface thoroughly after cutting.
How should the substrate be prepared for creating curved shapes?
Cut bendable wooden strips into the desired curve, assemble and fix them with horizontal slats, then apply fire-resistant boards and waterproof gypsum boards as the base layer. Groove the back of the gypsum board to allow bending. Smooth the surface with putty to avoid unevenness or hollowing. For wet areas, add a waterproof layer over the putty before installation.
How should flexible stone be repaired if partially damaged?
Use an adhesive in a matching colour to fill and repair the damaged area. If the damage is at a panel edge, pre-arrange and trim the panel before installation, placing it in less visible areas such as wall corners.
How is technical installation training conducted?
We provide free one-on-one online technical training. If on-site guidance or system training is required, related travel expenses can be discussed and arranged separately.
Can you provide both materials and installation services?
The manufacturer supplies materials only, along with professional installation guidance. Local distributors may offer full-service packages (materials plus labour) or on-site installation support, and we can recommend professional construction teams across different regions.
What is the MOQ?
For 1200x600 mm products (carton-packed), the MOQ is one box, approximately 5.76-14.4 sqm depending on thickness. For 2400x1200 mm and larger formats (pallet-packed), the MOQ is 3 panels, about 8.6 sqm.
What is the lead time?
In-stock products: 2-3 working days. Non-stock products: 7-15 working days. Custom-made products: 15-30 working days. Transport time is not included.
Can the lead time be compressed for urgent production?
This is an industrial product with multiple production processes that require sufficient time. Shortening the normal cycle may affect quality control and other procedures, leading to quality risks and delivery delays.
What is the approximate price of flexible stone?
Prices vary by size, thickness, and design. Please contact us with your project requirements for a quotation.
Why is the large slab (2400x1200) more expensive?
Producing large panels is more demanding: higher energy consumption, greater material loss, lower yield rates, and more complex processes. A single defect means the entire sheet is scrapped, so costs are higher.
Why can large panels be sold by the piece, while smaller panels cannot?
Large panels are individually packaged on wooden pallets, allowing custom sizes and flexible quantity control. Smaller panels are automatically packaged in cartons with standardised size and quantity, so they are sold by the box.
Why is your price higher than paint?
Paint lasts around 5 years; our material lasts 30-50 years and delivers a high-end finish. Over the life of the building, flexible stone is the more economical choice.
Are you the factory?
Yes. Our domestic factory is in Guangxi, China, and our international factory is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We participated in writing the National Standard, and visitors are welcome.
Can cutting services be provided, and can dimensions be customised?
Flexible stone is easy to cut on site with a handheld angle grinder or woodworking table, without chipping or cracking. We recommend planning the layout on site before cutting, to avoid non-standard sizes that increase packaging costs and transport damage risk.
What is the transportation method?
For domestic shipments, road transport is used. For international shipments, sea freight is standard. Air freight can be arranged in special cases.
Are there any storage requirements?
Yes. Large panels should be stored flat with EPE foam padding between sheets. They can be carefully rolled and stored vertically, but should not be tightly bundled for long periods to avoid cracking or permanent curl marks. Carton-packed products can be stacked, but not higher than 1 metre.
How should efflorescence be treated if it occurs?
Efflorescence is typically caused by improper waterproofing of the base layer or the use of alkaline adhesives, and affected panels should be replaced. To prevent it, waterproof the base layer properly, avoid alkaline adhesives and grouts, use the dedicated flexible stone adhesive, and avoid installation during rainy weather.
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