Stone Fireplace

Cultured Stone Versus Natural Stone Fireplaces: Pros and Cons

Looking to boost the beauty and value of your home with a stone fireplace? Think about it: stone is as sturdy and as classic as the best investments come. If you are mulling over the stone to use in your new construction project, check which do you think will fit into the style, weather and feel of your home; it's either going to be in natural stone or cultured stone.

Natural stone is the investment per excellence; it is pricier, weightier, and a testier work of art to handle compared to cultured stone. Your options for this category tend to be limited, too. Granite, Marble, and Limestone are the typical options.

Cultured stone products can however be designed to “match” the stone surface type you are going after, are typically more striking and durable than real stone products for fireplace projects. Imagine also the pleasant bonus of lesser costs. The look of cultured stone is composed of stone aggregates, dyes and lightweight cement. It is said that most sellers of cultured stones offer a half-a-century guarantee against wear and tear.

With respect to natural stone, let's take a closer look at a perfect representative: natural limestone. A sedimentary rock made of calcium carbonate, the appearance and quality of the limestone is influenced by factors such as the quantity of calcium carbonate in the limestone and the amount of fossil contained in the final product of natural limestone.

Now, zero-clearance fireplaces are more affordable to construct compared to classic  masonry block built fireplaces. With zero-clearance fireplaces, the iron fireplace frame  is boarded up with plywood. The relatively light weight of cultured stone allows veneers to be placed on these wood surfaces. The stone veneers are held securely in place by a metal lath attached to the wood surface, then by a thin application of mortar

As we have stated, the cost of applying thin faux stone veneers is much lower than real stone given the weight and shape differences. Real stone requires laborious craftsmanship, as is normal for every natural limestone work. It is so much so that the total value will warrant the master worker's signature to be affixed somewhere on the finished stonework. Another thing about natural limestone fireplaces, in particular, is that the costs for each work will always be according to your own skilled taste and preferences.

An important reason for getting faux stone for your home is that its availability in regular shapes and sizes means you can achieve a variety of stone fireplace designs. As a matter of fact, part of the process when selecting cultured stone is designing the fireplace.

Nevertheless, a reason for thinking twice about faux stone veneers is that it can take in moisture; furthermore, when it is chipped, when chipped, the surface has a mark that is glaring. Consequently they be demanding in terms of care and maintenance. Watch out also, and be careful about falling on to recurring and redundant patterns in your design which ought to look natural.

Thus, quo vadis, faux stone or natural traditional stone? A lot will actually depend on how you and your master craftsman work together to achieve the result. Faux stone veneers look and feel like real stone, and enables stunning stone fireplaces to be built at a fraction of the cost of traditional stone.

About the Author

Peter Sams is the Webmaster and Author of http://www.realstone.co.uk . A largest suppliers of Natural Limestone in the UK

Fireplace $10 Fireplace

01192-420-084 Brookstone Fireplace $2310 Intricately carved and beautifully crafted from cast stone this Brookstone Fireplace Surround comes with a black fossil stone top to complete the elegant look of your fireplace

01160-420-078 Floral Basket Fireplace $1890 Floral Basket Fireplace Mantel by Ambella Home Cast stone Fireplace Mantel with a black fossil stone top Exquisitely carved details

GD839KT Decorative Sandstone Stone Panels for GD19 Model Fireplace $88.2 Napoleon GD839KT Decorative Sandstone Stone Panels for GD19 Model Fireplace Systems

Goods Of The Woods 10062 Fireplace Aroma Stone with Woodland Oil $30.68 Fireplace Aroma Stone with Woodland Oil. Size: 2 oz.

Goods Of The Woods 10060 Fireplace Aroma Stone with Cinnamon Oil $30.68 Fireplace Aroma Stone with Cinnamon Oil. Size: 2 oz.

Goods Of The Woods 10064 Fireplace Aroma Stone with Holiday Oil $30.68 Fireplace Aroma Stone with Holiday Oil. Size: 2 oz.

01168-420-074 Arch Fireplace $1890 Crafted from cast stone with a black fossil stone top the Arch Fireplace Surround will be the perfect complement to any living area

06578-420-072 Livingston Fireplace $3150 Crafted of mahogany the Livingston Fireplace Surround comes with a black fossil stone top This handsomely carved mantel is sure to create a grand border for your fireplace

Mirage Stone Outdoor Open Gas Fireplace (Sandstone) $2499.95 Enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire without the smoke and hazards of an open flame with a Mirage Stone outdoor fireplace. With no deteriorating mortar, glues or fasteners, Mirage Stone's interlocking construction creates a lasting addition to your outdoor living. Mirage Stone utilizes new technology in materials sciences, such as expanded shale and luminite, to create strong, durable, heat dissipating stone. This eliminates the problems associated with concrete and cement type mixes when exposed to extreme temperatures. You can easily customize your new fireplace to meet your outdoor living needs. Fast assembly. Enjoy your Mirage Stone Fireplace within an hour of bringing it home! Open 4 sided Fireplace Multi-Screen unit Choice of 5 attractive laser cut handles Natural or propane gas Gas log kit included Powder coated steel door system Dimensions 71"H Mirage Stone fireplaces comply with all national incinerator codes. Each fireplace has permanently attached spark arrestors, which stop dangerous embers from escaping. All Mirage Stone outdoor fireplaces meet recreational burning standards eliminating the need for burn permits.

UniFlame Indoor Electric Fireplace With Faux Stone Surround $664.95 This UniFlame Electric Fireplace features a 28 inch CSA approved black firebox, faux stone surround, black marble mantle, multi-functional remote control, and variable flame effect and heat settings. Electric fireplace requires 1500 watts and a 120v grounded outlet. Overall Dimensions: 40. 6 H x 45. 3 W x 13. 8 D. UniFlame fireplace accessories are designed to keep your hearth safe and clean, while adding a fresh and attractive design aesthetic to your fireplace. Constructed of high-quality materials, UniFlame hearth products are available in a variety of styles and finishes to compliment any home decor. UniFlame fireplace accessories are designed to keep your hearth safe and clean, while adding a fresh and attractive design aesthetic to your fireplace. Constructed of high-quality materials, UniFlame hearth products are available in a variety of styles and finishes to compliment any home decor.

Mirage Stone Outdoor Woodburning Fireplace (Sandstone) $1899.95 The backyard oasis of your dreams is just minutes away. Mirage stone outdoor fireplaces provide a lifetime of enjoyment, meeting and exceeding standards of safety and durability. Enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire without the smoke and hazards of an open flame with a Mirage Stone outdoor fireplace. With no deteriorating mortar, glues or fasteners, Mirage Stone's interlocking construction creates a lasting addition to your outdoor living. Mirage Stone utilizes new technology in materials sciences, such as expanded shale and luminite, to create strong, durable, heat dissipating stone. This eliminates the problems associated with concrete and cement type mixes when exposed to extreme temperatures. You can easily customize your new fireplace to meet your outdoor living needs. Fast assembly. Enjoy your Mirage Stone Fireplace within an hour of bringing it home! Woodburning or BBQ Charcoal BBQ unit includes grill with adjustable height Powder coated steel door system Optional handles Pine Tree, Cactus, Quail or Horses Dimensions 71"H Mirage Stone fireplaces comply with all national incinerator codes. Each fireplace has permanently attached spark arrestors, which stop dangerous embers from escaping. All Mirage Stone outdoor fireplaces meet recreational burning standards eliminating the need for burn permits.

Mirage Stone Outdoor Woodburning Fireplace (Pewter) $1899.95 The backyard oasis of your dreams is just minutes away. Mirage stone outdoor fireplaces provide a lifetime of enjoyment, meeting and exceeding standards of safety and durability. Enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire without the smoke and hazards of an open flame with a Mirage Stone outdoor fireplace. With no deteriorating mortar, glues or fasteners, Mirage Stone's interlocking construction creates a lasting addition to your outdoor living. Mirage Stone utilizes new technology in materials sciences, such as expanded shale and luminite, to create strong, durable, heat dissipating stone. This eliminates the problems associated with concrete and cement type mixes when exposed to extreme temperatures. You can easily customize your new fireplace to meet your outdoor living needs. Fast assembly. Enjoy your Mirage Stone Fireplace within an hour of bringing it home! Woodburning or BBQ Charcoal BBQ unit includes grill with adjustable height Powder coated steel door system Optional handles Pine Tree, Cactus, Quail or Horses Dimensions 71"H Mirage Stone fireplaces comply with all national incinerator codes. Each fireplace has permanently attached spark arrestors, which stop dangerous embers from escaping. All Mirage Stone outdoor fireplaces meet recreational burning standards eliminating the need for burn permits.

Mirage Stone Outdoor Woodburning Fireplace (Black on Gray) $1899.95 The backyard oasis of your dreams is just minutes away. Mirage stone outdoor fireplaces provide a lifetime of enjoyment, meeting and exceeding standards of safety and durability. Enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire without the smoke and hazards of an open flame with a Mirage Stone outdoor fireplace. With no deteriorating mortar, glues or fasteners, Mirage Stone's interlocking construction creates a lasting addition to your outdoor living. Mirage Stone utilizes new technology in materials sciences, such as expanded shale and luminite, to create strong, durable, heat dissipating stone. This eliminates the problems associated with concrete and cement type mixes when exposed to extreme temperatures. You can easily customize your new fireplace to meet your outdoor living needs. Fast assembly. Enjoy your Mirage Stone Fireplace within an hour of bringing it home! Gray with Black Trim Woodburning or BBQ Charcoal BBQ unit includes grill with adjustable height Powder coated steel door system Optional handles Pine Tree, Cactus, Quail or Horses Dimensions 71"H Mirage Stone fireplaces comply with all national incinerator codes. Each fireplace has permanently attached spark arrestors, which stop dangerous embers from escaping. All Mirage Stone outdoor fireplaces meet recreational burning standards eliminating the need for burn permits.

Mirage Stone Outdoor Woodburning Fireplace (Gray on Black) $1899.95 The backyard oasis of your dreams is just minutes away. Mirage stone outdoor fireplaces provide a lifetime of enjoyment, meeting and exceeding standards of safety and durability. Enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire without the smoke and hazards of an open flame with a Mirage Stone outdoor fireplace. With no deteriorating mortar, glues or fasteners, Mirage Stone's interlocking construction creates a lasting addition to your outdoor living. Mirage Stone utilizes new technology in materials sciences, such as expanded shale and luminite, to create strong, durable, heat dissipating stone. This eliminates the problems associated with concrete and cement type mixes when exposed to extreme temperatures. You can easily customize your new fireplace to meet your outdoor living needs. Fast assembly. Enjoy your Mirage Stone Fireplace within an hour of bringing it home! Black with Gray Trim Woodburning or BBQ Charcoal BBQ unit includes grill with adjustable height Powder coated steel door system Optional handles Pine Tree, Cactus, Quail or Horses Dimensions 71"H Mirage Stone fireplaces comply with all national incinerator codes. Each fireplace has permanently attached spark arrestors, which stop dangerous embers from escaping. All Mirage Stone outdoor fireplaces meet recreational burning standards eliminating the need for burn permits.

Mirage Stone Outdoor Woodburning Fireplace (Taupe) $1899.95 The backyard oasis of your dreams is just minutes away. Mirage stone outdoor fireplaces provide a lifetime of enjoyment, meeting and exceeding standards of safety and durability. Enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire without the smoke and hazards of an open flame with a Mirage Stone outdoor fireplace. With no deteriorating mortar, glues or fasteners, Mirage Stone's interlocking construction creates a lasting addition to your outdoor living. Mirage Stone utilizes new technology in materials sciences, such as expanded shale and luminite, to create strong, durable, heat dissipating stone. This eliminates the problems associated with concrete and cement type mixes when exposed to extreme temperatures. You can easily customize your new fireplace to meet your outdoor living needs. Fast assembly. Enjoy your Mirage Stone Fireplace within an hour of bringing it home! Woodburning or BBQ Charcoal BBQ unit includes grill with adjustable height Powder coated steel door system Optional handles Pine Tree, Cactus, Quail or Horses Dimensions 71"H Mirage Stone fireplaces comply with all national incinerator codes. Each fireplace has permanently attached spark arrestors, which stop dangerous embers from escaping. All Mirage Stone outdoor fireplaces meet recreational burning standards eliminating the need for burn permits.

Mirage Stone Outdoor Woodburning Fireplace (Tan) $1899.95 The backyard oasis of your dreams is just minutes away. Mirage stone outdoor fireplaces provide a lifetime of enjoyment, meeting and exceeding standards of safety and durability. Enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire without the smoke and hazards of an open flame with a Mirage Stone outdoor fireplace. With no deteriorating mortar, glues or fasteners, Mirage Stone's interlocking construction creates a lasting addition to your outdoor living. Mirage Stone utilizes new technology in materials sciences, such as expanded shale and luminite, to create strong, durable, heat dissipating stone. This eliminates the problems associated with concrete and cement type mixes when exposed to extreme temperatures. You can easily customize your new fireplace to meet your outdoor living needs. Fast assembly. Enjoy your Mirage Stone Fireplace within an hour of bringing it home! Woodburning or BBQ Charcoal BBQ unit includes grill with adjustable height Powder coated steel door system Optional handles Pine Tree, Cactus, Quail or Horses Dimensions 71"H Mirage Stone fireplaces comply with all national incinerator codes. Each fireplace has permanently attached spark arrestors, which stop dangerous embers from escaping. All Mirage Stone outdoor fireplaces meet recreational burning standards eliminating the need for burn permits.

21011-420-072 Linell Fireplace $3360 The Ambella Home Linell Fireplace Surround 21011-420-072 This solid wood hand crafted and hand finished fireplace surround features exquisite hand carved embellishments This surround features a stone top and luscious curved sides

01135-420-072 French Fireplace $1890 French Fireplace MantelFrench Fireplace Mantel by Ambella Home Any Manison will be enhanced by this graciously carved mantel of cast stone in an antique parchment finish Exquisite shell and foliated ornamentation highlights its graceful curves A blac...

Close-Up of Open Stone Fireplace in Mark Twain's Cabin $79.99 Close-Up of Open Stone Fireplace in Mark Twain's Cabin - Premium Photographic Print

06335-420-083 King David Fireplace $3220 The Ambella Home King David Fireplace Surrounds designed for regal places This mantle is heavy in detail featuring cast stone columns and a black fossil stone top It is ideal for larger applications

01125-420-069 Imperium Fireplace $1750 Ambella Home Imperium Fireplace SurroundBlack fossil stone sits atop ornately carved wood in this classically designed mantel The legs are of cast stone and have been designed in a giant acanthus leaf scroll design

06554-420-279 Fredericksburg Fireplace $2590 The Ambella Home Fredericksburg Fireplace Surround will give your room a feeling of warmth when your fireplace is on or off Crafted from solid hardwood and finished in a warm mahogany this mantel boasts intricate carvings and a black fossil stone top

01185-420-078 Stonebriar Fireplace $2380 The Ambella Home Stonebriar Fireplace Surround is crafted from cast stone This intricately carved mantel will be the focus of any living room Stonebriar Mantle Hood sold separately

01151-420-066 Winston Court Fireplace $1540 Clean lines a carved sandstone finish and a black fossil stone top set the Ambella Home Winston Court Fireplace Surround apart from the competition Here simplicity equates to urban sophistication

11.5 Roma Personal Gel Indoor Table Top Stone Fireplace $84.99 Indoor Table Top Stone Personal Gel FireplaceItem #490Mediterranean-inspired stone fireplace lends ambiance and a decorative flare to your indoor space Includes snufferBurns junior-sized gel fuelGel fuel not includedDimensions: 10 inch diameter x 11.5 inches highMaterial(s): glass/stone Type: Home Accents

06382-420-084 Magistrate Fireplace $3010 Magistrate Fireplace Mantel by Ambella Home It doesn39t take a fire for this glorious mantel to warm up the room From its rich mahogany front and black fossil stone top to its numerous embellishments and stone columns this is one mantel you39ll enjoy...

Mirage Stone Outdoor Open Gas Fireplace (Tan on Copper) $2499.95 Enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire without the smoke and hazards of an open flame with a Mirage Stone outdoor fireplace. With no deteriorating mortar, glues or fasteners, Mirage Stone's interlocking construction creates a lasting addition to your outdoor living. Mirage Stone utilizes new technology in materials sciences, such as expanded shale and luminite, to create strong, durable, heat dissipating stone. This eliminates the problems associated with concrete and cement type mixes when exposed to extreme temperatures. You can easily customize your new fireplace to meet your outdoor living needs. Fast assembly. Enjoy your Mirage Stone Fireplace within an hour of bringing it home! Tan with Copper trim Open 4 sided Fireplace Multi-Screen unit Choice of 5 attractive laser cut handles Natural or propane gas Gas log kit included Powder coated steel door system Dimensions 71"H Mirage Stone fireplaces comply with all national incinerator codes. Each fireplace has permanently attached spark arrestors, which stop dangerous embers from escaping. All Mirage Stone outdoor fireplaces meet recreational burning standards eliminating the need for burn permits.

Mirage Stone Outdoor Open Gas Fireplace (Copper/Tan) $2499.95 Enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire without the smoke and hazards of an open flame with a Mirage Stone outdoor fireplace. With no deteriorating mortar, glues or fasteners, Mirage Stone's interlocking construction creates a lasting addition to your outdoor living. Mirage Stone utilizes new technology in materials sciences, such as expanded shale and luminite, to create strong, durable, heat dissipating stone. This eliminates the problems associated with concrete and cement type mixes when exposed to extreme temperatures. You can easily customize your new fireplace to meet your outdoor living needs. Fast assembly. Enjoy your Mirage Stone Fireplace within an hour of bringing it home! Tan with Copper trim Open 4 sided Fireplace Multi-Screen unit Choice of 5 attractive laser cut handles Natural or propane gas Gas log kit included Powder coated steel door system Dimensions 71"H Mirage Stone fireplaces comply with all national incinerator codes. Each fireplace has permanently attached spark arrestors, which stop dangerous embers from escaping. All Mirage Stone outdoor fireplaces meet recreational burning standards eliminating the need for burn permits.

Uniflame EF700SP Indoor Electric Fireplace With Stacked Stone Surround $757.12 Indoor Electric Fireplace W/ Stacked Stone Surround. 28 CSA approved firebox Variable heat and light settings Black marble mantel 1Year manufacturer limited warranty Assembly required Finish: Stone / Black Overall Dimensions: 46 (W) x 43 (H)

Dimplex GDS20ST1037 20-Inch Lincoln Stone Electric Fireplace With Mantel $599 The Dimplex Lincoln Stone Electric Fireplace raises the bar for attractive home heating, adding cottage charm with an authentic river rock appearance. The natural stone look and simple concrete mantel create a country-like, relaxed atmosphere. The life-like flame effect and the pulsating embers add to the realism of this stunning conversation piece. The Dimplex GDS20ST1037 Electric Fireplace also has a thermostat control which makes temperature adjustment easy. Dimensions (in inches): 40 D x 40 W x 40 H.

Dimplex SMP-904-ST Stone Look Electric Flame Fireplace $2624.86 Capture the feel of a private retreat with the rustic charm of this fireplace. With no plumbing or venting needed, this fireplace is perfect and safe for homes, condos or apartments. Materials: Wood, metal, glass Fuel required: 120 volts AC Type of fuel: NoneInstallation required: NoPortable: Fits most any room and is perfect for apartment and condosDimensions: 42.7 inches high x 14 inches deep x 55.6 inches wideOutput: 4881 BTUs, 1430 watts Interior light and flame speed controlIncludes on/off remote controlUse as supplemental heat for area up to 400 square feetSome assembly required

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