Stone fireplace

Outdoor stone fireplace: An outdoor stone fireplace is an inexpensive way to add elegance and style to your home’s outdoor space. On cold winter nights, an outdoor stone fireplace is a perfect gathering place. Stone is preferred for construction of an outdoor fireplace on account of its longevity. It is versatile and non-combustible and can be given a desired contemporary or classic shape. Easy to clean and structurally strong, they are able to withstand the vagaries of weather, and are perfect for the backyard, pool or patio The material used for building outdoor stone fireplaces are varied. One can choose from top quality marble, natural stone, sand stone, cast coral stone stucco or granite. An outdoor stone fireplace can be of wood burning, electric or gas. As wood burning is liable to cause pollution, generally outdoor stone fireplaces are made to function on natural or propane gas. Prefabricated outdoor stone fireplaces are available in different varieties and colors to match the exteriors of the home. Good handcrafted units are also available. Many people prefer masonry construction for their outdoor stone fireplace.

Cast stone fireplace: Cast stone fireplaces are made from cast stone, a form of concrete, which is an alternative to natural stone. Cast stone also called faux stone or cultured stone, is made from concrete, crushed stone, sand or natural gravel. It is made to resemble many types of natural cut stone such as blue stone, brown stone, keystone, limestone, granite, or travertine. Since cast stone is manufactured it can be reinforced with steel. This makes cast stone fireplaces stronger than their natural stone counterparts. The wear resistance of cast stone fireplaces is also higher, so they last longer and maintain their color quality even though exposed to the vagaries of weather. The variety and shades of color are also greater than those available in natural stone.

Stone fireplace design: Designing a stone fireplace is a specialist's job. There are designers who specialize in stone fireplace design. A custom job costs more but has distinct advantages. It is not common to find some one who can build a traditional stone fireplace. It is still harder to find someone who can customize the stone fireplace design to accommodate your individual requirement of looks and type of fuel you want to use in the fireplace i.e. natural gas, propane, gel or electrical power. In designing stone fireplaces many designers use solid stone instead of veneer and firebricks instead of the modern practice of using inserts to prevent heat loss by conduction into walls and masonry. Stone veneer can be of cultured stone or natural stone in thickness of half to one inch. For traditional wood burning fireplaces, designers specially design fireplaces that have tall fireboxes with curved interiors instead of the regular rectangular design. Specialist designers of stone fireplaces do the complete job from design to installation. They usually ask for details, prepare sample designs for approval and have extensive discussions before finalizing the deal for the stone fireplace design. They also design stacked stone fireplaces that are built by stacking natural or faux stone that retains its natural stone look even after many years of use.

Stone fireplace mantel: The real beauty of a stone fireplace is a smart and elegant stone fireplace mantle. Any stone fireplace without a mantel is unthinkable. It complements the look of the fireplace; without the mantel, the fireplace will really be incomplete. A fireplace does not merely serve to warm the room but also reflects the taste and aesthetic sense of the homeowner. It is place where the family portraits find place. Show pieces and framed paintings are kept on the mantel. Stone fireplace mantels are available in natural and cast stones in numerous designs. A search on the Internet will enable one to access many websites of manufacturers of stone fireplace mantels, which have pictures to show different designs and prices along with other purchase details. Prices and designs vary greatly but reasonably good pieces of stone fireplace mantels can be ordered for anywhere from 00 to 00. The stone fireplace mantle looks beautiful and complete only with the surround.