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How to Choose the Right Natural Stone for Your Fireplace

How to Choose the Right Natural Stone for Your Fireplace

A fireplace can really pull a room together. It’ll cozy up a space and also create an attractive focal point. Whether you’re installing a new fireplace or updating an existing one, you’ve probably settled on natural stone. Nothing complements the warm, glimmering flames quite like organic rock. Joining two natural elements — earth and fire — just feels right. If you’re unsure about which stone to choose, you’ve come to the right place. Follow these steps to find the best natural stone material for your fireplace:

Look at Heat-Resistance

Many natural stones on the market have some level of heat resistance. However, some have more than others. Since your fireplace will encounter some hot temperatures, you’ll want to make sure that the fireplace can withstand it. Marble and limestone are both excellent options. They’re dense and durable enough to resist heat damage. Additionally, marble is particularly good at remaining cool. This makes it an ideal material for a hearths and mantels (high-touch zones of the fireplace).

Consider the Look You’re Going for

If you’re going for something ornate, possibly Victorian or French in design, go for a solid stone fireplace surround. You’ll want to choose a stone that’s soft and sculptable in order to achieve those elaborate carvings and silhouettes. You can’t go wrong with either limestone or marble. Solid stone surrounds can also be traditional or modern.

If you prefer a classic “stacked-stone” look, limestone is your best bet. Depending on the cut and finish, a limestone fireplace can be rustic or more contemporary. Natural stone tiling is another option for fireplace designs. Polished marble tiles will really sparkle under the light of a crackling fire. Since the shape and pattern choices are almost endless, you’ll have no problem designing a fireplace to suit your taste.

Think About Color

Do you want something warm and neutral? Limestone typically comes in shades of tan, beige, and cream; although, you can find some hints of gold, pink, green, or gray. The stone patterns are also soft and subtle. If you prefer more contrast or color, marble is the better choice. From vivid white or black, to velvety rose or red, marble comes in almost any hue imaginable. For a real eye-catching look, select a marble with dramatic veining. 

Stay On Budget

There are a few things that influence the price of a natural stone fireplace: the type of stone, the quantity, and the labor. For obvious reasons, a solid marble fireplace with hand-carved details is probably going to come with a hefty price tag. If you have the budget, a fireplace like this will render the most impressive results. However, if you have limited funds for your project, there are other options. Natural stone tiles or stone veneers are more cost-effective and can be equally as beautiful and long-lasting.

Choose a Natural Stone Fireplace from Impression

At Impression, we design and build exquisite natural stone fireplaces. We custom-create each marble and limestone fireplace using traditional French hand-carving techniques and sophisticated stone-cutting machinery. From solid stone surrounds, to stacked-stone and tiling, our fireplace creations will warm your home for many years to come. Contact us today or visit our showroom to see what a natural stone fireplace can do for your space.

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