Masonry fireplaces are constructed with a vast array of materials to give them a wide and varied range of different looks . . . . .
. . . Though the
firebox
and chimney liner are fab- ricated from all masonry components, the outside of the fireplace and chimney can be
finished with any material or combination of materials the home- owner desires . . . . . . providing an opportunity
to create a uniquely personal design!
For example, the striking brick fireplace at right has a bluestone hearth and man- tel with a granite keystone
just below the mantel shelf.
The wide variety of available material types, textures, colors and finishes of- fers a virtually limitless
array of design possibilities and looks to appeal to tastes as diverse and sharply contrasting as the two
masonry fireplaces pictured below.
From the massive
granite
slabs framing a cavernous "walk-in" firebox on the left . . . . . to the elegant hand carved Yucatan
limestone
surround on the right . . . . and everything in between . . . . . . there is a combination of materials, textures,
colors and finishes to satisfy nearly everybody!
The following two designs -- though smaller in scale than those above -- present equally striking con- trasts. The rough textured facing of the granite stones on the left contrasts sharply with the smooth polished surface of the
marble
surround on the right.
Other frequently used natural stones, as shown in the striking masonry fireplaces below, include fieldstone (left) and . . . . . river stone (right).
The two stone hearths pictured above are by master stone artisan, Lew French.
Man made stone products are another attractive option as a finishing ma- terial. The elegant
cast stone
mantels and surrounds below are ideal in a formal setting . . . . . . .
Even concrete blends such as
glass fiber reinforced concrete
can be effec- tively employed to fabricate exquisite mantels and surrounds, as shown in the following
outstanding example.
Metal is also used to clad a masonry fireplace from time to time -- partic- ularly with more contemporary de- signs. The example at right is wrapped in polished stainless steel.
Directly below, the fireplace on the left has an American southwestern look derived from the Kiva. A
traditional design of the southwest, inspired by Pueblo architecture, the Kiva fireplace was constructed of
adobe bricks. However, many of today's Kivas and Kiva inspired variations substitute plas- ter or stucco as a
finishing material.
The example on the right, below, is made from glass fiber reinforced gypsum, a natural mineral mixed with
water and glass fiber that can be finished to re- semble limestone, marble, travertine and alabaster. Though it
cannot be used outdoors, it is completely noncombustible and a fraction of the cost of most other materials.
The stunning wood mantels and overmantels pictured below comprise another material type frequently used to
"frame" a masonry fireplace. Like pieces of fine heirloom furniture, they are made from rich hardwoods and
beautifully stained and sealed with hand-rubbed finishes.
And finally, the tiled surround pictured below casts a soft warm glow as it re- flects the dancing flames
from the open fire. Capped with a mantel of heavy timber, the composition evokes the romance and nostalgic
charm of the early American West!
For more information about any of the masonry fireplace designs pic- tured here, please
let us know
and we'll be happy to provide it for you.
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