STONE FIREPLACE DESIGNS DIRECTORY Top Stone Outdoor Fireplaces!
Today's options for stone outdoor fireplaces exceed anything that was possible a decade ago. Given the incredible array of material choices, as well as the mountain of variations within each material type, the sky is truly the limit. With some imagination and ingenuity, you can create an outside fire space so breathtaking, it will leave your friends and neighbors breathless!
The vast range of stone types, textures and colors available today -- whether natural, manufactured or cast
-- makes it possible to achieve the look you want on virtually any budget. Natural stone, the most durable
material, is certainly impressive, wheth- er
fieldstone,
river stone or
limestone.
Though the most durable, natural stone is also the heaviest ma- terial and will likely require a foundation and
footings. That, in conjunction with the higher cost of the stone, itself, as well as the skilled labor needed
to build it, makes it the costliest outdoor stone fire- place option.
However, due to advances in technology and processing techniques, it is now possible to closely replicate the
look and feel of natural stone with a manufactured or cast stone product. For a mildly textured to rugged and
rustic look,
cultured stone
comes very close to the look and feel of natural stone.
If you're going for a more refined or Old World look and feel, you will find several choices in
cast stone
mantels and surrounds. The smooth textures and finishes of these products are offered in a variety of mostly
traditional styles.
Another, albeit more recent, material gaining in popularity for stone outdoor fireplaces is
natural thin stone veneer,
which is cut from natural stone quar- ried from the earth. Unlike traditional full-dimension stone which is
typically three to five inches in depth, thin veneer is only 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches and much lighter in weight.
Consequently, it doesn't require any load-bearing foundations or footings.
For ease of installation, some manufacturers now offer thin stone veneer in preassembled modular panels in a
wide range of stone types, textures, col- ors and configurations. A natural product, thin stone veneer is
colorfast, will not fade, and resists chipping and scratching. It's like having the best of both worlds . . . you get the beauty and durability of natural stone with- out the traditionally high cost!
No matter which way you decide to go, stone . . . in any form . . . is a won- derful medium for creative
expression when employed in the construction of an outside hearth. Not only does a stone outdoor fireplace
offer year round enjoyment with family and friends, but it adds real value to your home, as well!
