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What kind of stone is better to line the fireplace: everything you need to know for the right choice

The fireplace is once again becoming a popular piece of furniture. It can be elegant and formal, simple and modern, country style, polished, carved. There are so many different options to choose from.

Stone fireplaces create a warm, inviting atmosphere, but what kind of stone is best for them?

Benefits of stone fireplaces

Finishing fireplaces with natural stone is not only beautiful. There are other advantages for which it is worth paying attention to such a solution.

Heat capacity

The use of natural stones in the construction of the fireplace gives it a special look. Natural stones can also help keep the heat from the fireplace. They radiate heat longer than other materials, which means that owners can stay longer in a warmer room, comfortably staying in their living space long after the fire has died down.

Variety of forms

Variety of stone shapesAnother positive point is the variety of natural stone. The fireplace lined with it can be made in several designs and colors.

A huge plus of natural stone is its beauty, as it is truly unmatched in the colors and variations that can be obtained from quarries.

With a wide variety of patterns and colors to choose from, there are virtually no limits to the look you can create for your fireplace.

Durability

Stone is a durable building material. A stone fireplace can last as long or even longer than a home. If properly installed, the fireplace will require minimal repairs in the coming years. You also don't need to be a professional to restore the sparkle of a fireplace if it starts to collect dust and soot.

However, it is best to ask a fireplace cleaning contractor for advice to ensure that the correct cleaning method and products are being used.

Design completeness

If the house has already used stones for kitchen countertops, floors or any other covering, then using them for the fireplace will improve the overall look. You can create a single image for the interior and exterior of the home.

Increasing the value of the house

Using stone for fireplace cladding can also be an advantage for reselling a home. Most home buyers appreciate the unique and elegant look of stone fireplaces. This can help add value to the property when the owner decides to sell it. And since the stone fireplace also carries timeless beauty, you can be sure that it will delight visitors for years to come.

What to look for when choosing a stone

Before choosing the best option for a stone fireplace, there are a few things to consider.

What kind of view should the fireplace have?

Stone fireplaces can have a very different look. The owner should decide if he wants something rustic, modern, elegant, warm, etc. Once he has decided on what kind of fireplace look he wants, you can start thinking about other factors.

DIY work

It is very important to plan how the stone will be installed. Some jobs can be done on your own, while others will require the help of a professional. In most cases, the safer option is to hire a professional who ensures that the owner is not harmed and that the job is done correctly.

Planned budget

The budget will always play a role in the choice of material. Some types of stone will cost more than others. In addition, you may have to consider the cost of hiring a professional. These are all things to consider before making a choice.

Durability

When evaluating a stone, you will need to examine the durability and maintenance requirements. The stone may look beautiful, but may require significant maintenance. On the other hand, you can find something that the owner likes and does not require careful maintenance. It's a matter of personal preference.

Cut

The next step is to choose the style or "cut" of the stone. Each cut is drastically different. Style usually comes down to preference, as mentioned above. You can choose very modern cuts, or opt for rustic cuts.

Connection technique

There are three popular types of fireplace stone application: dry joint or recessed joint, standard joint and wide joint.The color of the mortar used in the process will also significantly affect the overall look and design. In all installations, the joints should be as uniform as possible.

The best options for cladding

Fireplaces add coziness to any home. Choosing the right fireplace stone can help create a feeling of warmth and comfort and improve the overall look of the space.

Granite

Finishing the fireplace with granite

Finishing the fireplace with granite

Choose granite for a modern and clean look. The advantages of this natural stone are the following facts:

  • It is one of the most durable on the market.
  • It is very easy to keep clean. In addition, it is resistant to scratches, chips and cracks.
  • It is also heat resistant and is often used for wood burning fireplaces. It is important to take into account the main disadvantage - granite requires re-sealing about once a year.

Limestone

Limestone

Limestone can be elegant or country, depending on the type and finish. Although limestone is a durable stone, it is also porous. Such fireplaces made of natural stone must be properly and regularly sealed. It is also one of the less expensive natural stone options and is commonly used for gas and electric fireplaces.

Marble

Marble

Surrounding the fireplace with marble will give it a modern, bright and elegant look. However, marble requires more maintenance than most natural stones. If properly cared for, marble will last a long time. It can be used for any type of fireplace and can be the center of attention in your living room. Like granite, it can be polished or left unpolished.

Quartzite

Quartzite finish

Quartzite has an extensive color palette and adds elegance to the design. It is timeless and able to give a finished and slightly official look to any space.With a wide variety of colors, patterns and finishes, quartzite can suit any need and remains a popular choice for natural stone fireplaces.

Slate

Slate finish

If the style of the house is more country-like, or the owner wants to recreate the atmosphere of a country house, slate is an ideal option. Slate is a durable stone, but it requires regular cleaning and occasional deep cleaning to keep it looking pristine. However, despite its durability, slate should only be used in gas and electric fireplaces.

Travertine

Travertine

Travertine is a very versatile stone, and can be laid as stacked bricks for a more "rustic" look or tiled for a more modern look. Using it, you can also give the fireplace an antique look. Travertine wears like limestone and marble, making it particularly susceptible to stains and scratches. It should also only be used on electric and gas fireplaces.

Soapstone

Soapstone

The structure of this stone is unique, it consists of layers. In addition, it has excellent heat capacity, so it remains at the peak of popularity for a long time.

Sandstone

Finishing the fireplace with sandstone

Finishing the fireplace with sandstone

Sandstone lends itself perfectly to any processing. It is very durable and resistant to high temperatures.

In general, you can combine the colors and shapes of the stones to make the fireplace unique.

Alternatives

While natural stone fireplaces remain a popular choice, there are other options to consider. types of fireplaces.

Concrete

Concrete framed by a fireplace with clean lines and a natural finish gives the interior a modern look and warms the space by retaining the heat generated by the fire.This stretchy material is perfect for fireplaces, and the large number of colors and textures creates a unique design element in the room.

stone veneer

The choice of design largely depends on the original design of the fireplace and how it was installed. It can be just a flat wall, recessed, angled or having a convex design.

stone veneer

stone veneer

 

When choosing the perfect natural stone for a space, it can be difficult to find the right combination of colors and shapes. No matter where the fireplace is placed, it will be the focal point of the room and the backbone of the overall design.

Brick

Brick

A more traditional fireplace surround, brick, can also be used in modern interiors to create a cozy and stylish atmosphere. Bricks come in a variety of colors and sizes and can be arranged using patterns to create a variety of looks that add texture and warmth to a space.

Tile

Fireplace tiling

Tiling is a great way to create a unique fireplace surround. It is available in an infinite number of materials, colors, sizes and textures, which means it can be used in any interior. It can also be a way to achieve a more expensive look when built in directly. For example, a massive marble fireplace cladding will be much more expensive than a fireplace surrounded by marble tiles.

Wood

A less obvious choice for fireplace cladding, given that the material burned in the fireplace is wood. When building a fireplace, if the body is built correctly, wood framing will not be a problem.

You still need to check local building codes to see if this is allowed.

Steel

Steel

One of the most popular materials for facing the fireplace.Steel finishes can be of various types, so they are suitable for many interiors. As a rule, it gives the room a modern, industrial look.

Fake diamond

Fake diamond

Such a facing material is in no way inferior in beauty to natural stone. At the same time, it is much lighter in weight and very well mounted. You can find artificial stone with a variety of fillers.

Questions and answers

Which stones last the longest?

Granite and marble are the most durable.

What artificial stones are better to choose for facing?

It is worth focusing on the budget and the desired type of fireplace. The only rule is that for finishing the fireplace it is better to avoid stones with polymer filler.

What stone will be the most durable?

Granite is the most durable.

What is the safest material for cladding a fireplace?

Natural rock stones are safe for humans and do not emit harmful compounds into the environment when heated.

Is it necessary to use heat-resistant stones for facing the fireplace?

Yes, fireplace stones must be heat resistant. The only exception is plasma fireplaces.

Video tips for facing the fireplace with stone



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