Choosing a Stone Fireplace Surrounds Simplified In 4 Steps

You could not be more wrong if you think that choosing a stone fireplace surrounds for your home is a cakewalk. Finding the right fireplace for your home is a lot more work than just calling up a fireplace seller and placing an order. There are so many options available and so many finishes and style to choose from that you are bound to get confused. I will help you to make this complicated decision a bit simpler by giving you a few steps to approach the idea:

Stone Fireplace Surrounds

Step-1: Decide the Main Function and The Alignment of The Stone Fireplace Surrounds:

You need to decide whether the sole goal of the stone fireplace surrounds is only to look good, to provide warmth during winters, or a combination of both. Deciding this will eliminate those types of fireplaces which are not suitable for your requirement. You also need to have definite answers to questions like what about the insulation? Are the surrounding walls strong enough? Do you want a place to store firewood built in?  Is it going to heat multiple rooms?  Is it supposed to be accessible from multiple sides? All these questions can be answered based on the design and the construction of your home and your requirement. Do your research and see what experts must say and then reach a conclusion.

Step-2: Look for A Design and Finish That Blends with Your Home Surroundings:

Firstly, answer the question: what is the type of your home? You do not want a modern style stone fireplace surrounds standing out oddly in a rustic home or vice versa. Select the suitable design and stone that can blend in with the interior design and layout and thereby complement the home interiors. Also, decide the size. The size of the stone fireplace surrounds depends on the size of the room it is supposed to be installed in.

Step-3: Decide the Heating Method:

You need to be aware that after a stone fireplace surrounds are installed, there is going to be a regular fuel expense. So firstly, you need to take a survey of what type of fuel is easily available in your area and which would cost you the least. Then, you weigh the pros and con of all the 3 types of fireplace fuels and reach a decision. Below are mentioned the prominent characteristics of each:

Gas Fireplace:

You get real flames. The intensity and sizes of flames is easy to control by regulating the amount of gas flow. As it does not run on electricity, you do not freeze in the event of a power cut.

Electric Fireplace:

The flames are simulated ones and not real unlike a gas or wood fireplace and thus this reduces the risk of a house fire. Easy to operate and control. You can operate it with a remote. You do not need to bother to stock fuel as it works on electricity. Precise temperature control is the most important feature.

Wood Fireplace:

The ambiance of a wood fireplace is the best. A lot of insulation and air flow is needed to maintain and keep the heat in and keep out the smoke. You cannot control the temperature, nor can you turn it on or off at your wish. The fire will stay up until all the woods are burned out. Cleaning the soot and the ashes is a real pain, not to mention the cleaning of the chimney.

Stone Fireplace Surrounds

Step-4: Set Your Budget and Then Select the Stone Type:

A stone fireplace can range from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand pounds. So now it is up to you to decide how much you can afford. After you are done with that, you can choose the type of stone fitting your budget and your style. The types of stones available for a stone fireplace are:

• Limestone
• Marble
• Slate
• Granite
• Travertine

There you go. With this 4th step, you complete the process of choosing the right stone fireplace surrounds. Now you can call up a fireplace provider to place an order for your fireplace.