Marble and granite are becoming clear choices for fireplace surrounds for many homeowners. There are many ways that natural stone can be used to make a fireplace a central feature of the room. Retrofitting a fireplace with brick veneer can add class and elegance to an otherwise dull setting.
As fireplaces have evolved throughout recent history, so have the ways homeowners choose to present them. A fireplace is no longer just for burning wood and providing warmth for the family. Modern homes often have gas logs or combustion chambers that burn other types of fuel. Much of the clutter that was once part of the fireplace is no longer relevant, and people want their fireplaces to be attractive focal points.
There are two basic options for installing a stone frame in the home. If the chimney already exists, the usual action is to use individual tiles to cover whatever material is on the face. If it is new construction, the builder may order a frame around the opening. Either installation will produce an excellent finish for any fireplace.
prefabricated envelope
One of the attractions of prefabricated units is how quickly they are installed. A special order can usually be shipped within a couple of weeks. These usually have a floor, the front and a shelf even so that the pieces are joined by sections and joined in a very short time.
These types of frames are good for fireplaces in framed walls where there is no brick or other siding sticking out from the front. Also, they work better for fireplaces that sit on the ground than those with raised hearths. Dimensions are given to the manufacturer when the order is placed so the frame will not need modification when it arrives. What makes this an attractive option is the wide variety of designs and colors available.
There’s almost no end to the different decor designs you can create with these frames, whether you want Oriental, Greek, French Provincial, Early American, or something else. Beauty comes at a price, and pre-built units can cost several thousand dollars depending on how ornate and complicated they are.
built on site
For those who have traditionally built fireplaces, the most logical solution is often to hire a tile company to renovate an existing fireplace. It is still possible to incorporate pilasters and carved designs into the hand-set stones, and somehow more options are available when creating an environment.
The stones can be placed in a very simple way where each one is the same size and the sides and corners line up with each other. In a more creative design, the stones can be of different sizes and the medallions can be placed in strategic areas. Stones can also be placed diagonally instead of horizontally.
For those who still like the traditional wooden shelf, it looks great with natural stone. Some homeowners choose to mix the type of stones that are used, preferring the harder granite in the home and marble in the vertical areas. Travertine and slate are other commonly selected options.
Smooth face stone is most often chosen in formal style settings. It looks neat and presents true wall art for the fireplace. Rough or rough stone is not used as much as it used to be, but it makes an excellent accompaniment to a lodge or cabin.
create your own
If you decide to transform your fireplace into a work of art, it is highly recommended that you have a complete plan in place before work begins. There are so many style and color variations, and decisions need to be made before ordering the material.
You can ask your friends for suggestions before you meet with your contractor, and it’s always good to hear the contractor’s thoughts on the possibilities. Look at all the options, including the size of the frame. You may just want to highlight one area or opt for an entire wall of natural stone.
It’s always a good idea to look at other fireplaces that have been made similar to how you want yours to finish. Many contractors have a portfolio of other work so you can make decisions based on the work done.
