The Stone Fireplace: Beauty for Hearth and Home
Nothing says “home” like the warm, cozy glow of a fire…especially when it’s set in stone. Everyone loves the look of natural stone, but sometimes the cost and special considerations involved with increased structural support and construction can put it out of reach for many people. Manufactured stone is a wonderful substitute!
Another attractive option for your fireplace is thin brick. Thin brick has the look, texture and wear of genuine brick without the weight, so it saves you money on installation labor. Find inspiration in our photo gallery for your new construction or a new look on your old fireplace!
Decorating with Manufactured Stone
When it comes to Manufactured Stone, the decorating possibilities are endless!
- Accents
- Basements
- Chimneys
- Entrances
- Exterior walls
- Fireplaces
- Mailboxes
- Posts
Common Types of Manufactured Stone
Also referred to as cultured stone or faux stone, manufactured stone looks and feels like the natural stone that inspired it, making it quite popular for fireplaces, chimneys, interior and exterior accents.
Castle Stone
Field Stone
Ledge Stone
Limestone
Stack
River Rock
Matching trim stones are available. Matching trim stones are commonly used for sills, keystones, hearths, and wall caps.
Stone Veneer Siding: Greater Efficiency, Greater Savings
Because manufactured stone is cast concrete using molds created from specially selected natural stones, the resulting product is shaped to fit more efficiently, reducing waste and speeding installation. In fact, an installed manufactured stone wall can cost approximately 30% to 50% less than a natural stone wall. (This savings is due to eliminating the cost associated with natural stone construction, which can require special wall ties for masonry or stud walls and reinforced footings to support the much-heavier real stone.)
Manufactured stone veneers are simply installed on any structurally sound wall using a mortar made of Portland cement and other ingredients such as lime, sand and latex modifiers. Once dry, the manufactured stone is permanently held in place and will easily last decades—perhaps even centuries—under most environmental conditions.
Each manufactured stone color and texture is made of its own blend of Portland cement and natural aggregates, cast in molds taken from carefully-selected natural stone. You’ll be amazed at the variety of styles and colors available! Find inspiration in our photo gallery.
Thin Brick
Available in flats and corners with a complete range of traditional colors, textures and sizes, thin brick can be applied on exterior or interior surfaces, including fireplaces. Thin brick is made from select clays and shale chosen for their fired strength, purity and proven service. Thin brick is kiln-fired the same way as full-size brick, but only one-sixth the thickness of a standard brick.
Take the Next Step
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