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Fireplaces add a sense of comfort to any home. Choosing the right type of stone for your fireplace can help create a warm and inviting feel and improve the overall look of your space. This guide will help you on your way to selecting the best stone for your new or existing fireplace.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing the Stone You Want?
There are a few things you need to consider before deciding on the best option for your stone fireplace. These factors are analyzed below.
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What Look Are You Going For?
A stone fireplace can have many different looks. Determine if you want something that looks rustic, modern, elegant, warm, etc. Once you decide on the look you are going for, you can start thinking about other factors.
Is This a DIY Job?
Another thing you will have to plan is how the stone will be installed. Some jobs will allow you to do it yourself, while others will require the assistance of a professional. In most cases, hiring a professional is the safer option, both to ensure that you do not get hurt and that the job is done correctly.
What is Your Budget?
Budget will always play a role in which material you can select. Some types of stone will cost more than others. Also, you may have to factor in the cost of hiring a professional. These are all things you will have to consider before you can make your choice.
Looks? Durability? Both?
When evaluating a stone, you will want to do some research into the durability and maintenance requirements. A stone can look nice but may require a lot of maintenance. On the other hand, you may find something that looks nice to you and does not require frequent maintenance. Perhaps you may not mind choosing a stone that requires frequent maintenance. This is simply a matter of personal preference.
What Are Your Stone Fireplace Options?
You have several options to choose from when it comes to stone fireplace materials. These materials are described in further detail below.
Natural Stone Options
Natural stone is one of the most sought-after materials for fireplaces and other home structures. Here are your options for natural stone:
Granite
Granite is attractive, durable and easy to maintain. Granite will also offer you a seemingly endless amount of styles to choose from. You will have to seal granite roughly once a year, but it can keep its high quality looks for years with proper care.
Marble
If you want an elegant look for your fireplace, marble is a great option. The gorgeous veining of the stone can help make your fireplace the focal point of your home. Marble will require some more maintenance than a stone like granite, but as long as you keep up with this, exercise proper caution and re-seal the stone every few months, your marble will look terrific.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a stunning natural stone that is often compared to marble in terms of appearance. While the stone may appear similar to marble and does require sealing, quartzite is more durable and requires less maintenance overall.
Limestone
If you want a light and warm look for your fireplace, limestone is an excellent choice. Limestone can look very elegant when incorporated into the home as a fireplace surround or mantel. The stone is porous, so you must make sure that it is sealed and that you are keeping up on cleaning.
Travertine
Travertine is very similar to limestone. This is mainly due to the fact that it actually is a type of limestone, although the two materials have distinct differences. You can accomplish either a rustic or modern look with travertine depending on how it is installed.
Slate
Slate is a fantastic option for a rustic look. It is also very durable, making it one of your best options overall.
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Additional Options
Natural stone is not the only choice that you have for a stone fireplace. Here are some more options that you have:
Stone Veneer
Stone Veneer is a faux stone option that is less expensive than natural stone. It is also a material that you can install on your own, as it comes in panels.
Stucco
You can add a new stucco façade over your existing fireplace surround to visually enhance your space. You can opt to paint the stucco if you want to further customize the style.
Summary of Options
This table summarizes the options you have for stone fireplaces:
Natural Stone Options | Additional Options |
---|---|
Granite | Stone Veneer |
Marble | Stucco |
Quartzite | |
Limestone | |
Travertine | |
Slate |
Remodeling your fireplace, whether you fix up the fireplace surround, mantel or other elements, can drastically improve the appearance of your home. This guide can help you turn your fireplace into a focal point of the home by choosing a suitable stone for your remodel.