Nov

15

Stone Fireplaces

November 15, 2008 |

Fireplace mantels

Stone Fireplaces, Mantels, and Surrounds
When most people think of stone fireplaces, they picture rustic lodges with field stone or river stone mantels and surrounds. A stone fireplace doesn’t have to be rustic, or made of individual stones, however.

Popular Materials for Stone Fireplaces
The term “stone fireplace” can actually refer to a variety of stone materials and can include carved or molded fireplaces in more traditional old-world styles. Popular fireplace materials include:

  • Building stone
  • Natural river stone
  • Field stone
  • Granite
  • Cast stone
  • Brick
  • Limestone
  • Cast limestone
  • Sandstone
  • Travertine
  • Slate
  • Marble

Cast stone is a combination of aggregates, silica sand, and a bonding agent to produce lighter weight stones that look like natural stones. Cast limestone is also reconstituted stone that can be molded rather than carved, which reduces the cost.

Stone Fireplace Options
Depending on your personal taste and the size of the room, your stone fireplace can be large or small. You also have options about the amount of stone included. You could opt for a stone mantel shelf without a surround, stone facing inside a wooden surround, a stone mantel and surround, a stone wall with wooden mantel shelf, or a complete stone fireplace including hearth, shelf , and wall. Many field stone fireplaces extend from floor to ceiling and corner to corner and are the dominating feature of the room.

About the author

Lisa Becker is an avid home decorator and writes for Fireplace Mantels 123: Shop For Your Perfect Fireplace Mantel and Surround. Her expertise regarding fireplace mantels and surrounds provides insight into the world of interior design and home decorating.

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