Types of Stone for Fireplaces

Stone Types

• You have a broad range of choices when adding stone fireplaces to your home, including granite, limestone, marble, slate, travertine and various other options. Some of the stone materials have a broad range of colors to choose from. Limestone comes from various marine organisms that perish and then become fossilized. Travertine is actually limestone that had its pores filled with calcium carbonate.

Cost

• Stone tends to cost more than brick or other fireplace building materials because they require stone slabs that will fit the fireplace and these fireplaces must be handcrafted by masonry workers. Limestone and granite tend to cost less, while marble stone costs more. Some of the most popular marble stone fireplaces are white statuary marble, rose marble, green marble and Italian marble.

Prefabricated and Reconstituted

• Those looking for more affordable marble or stone fireplaces in general can purchase reconstituted and prefabricated stone instead of using 100 percent natural stone. Prefabricated stones were cast into a mold when manufactured or were rebuilt to use fewer materials. For example, micromarble consists of sheets of 20 mm marble. Prefabricated or reconstituted stones tend to cost less. Masonry workers cannot carve stone fireplaces, so you cannot have your fireplace customized. Also, you cannot reconstitute or prefabricate limestone. The faux stone costs even less, using concrete designed to mimic stone types instead of real stone.

Style

• Granite stone fireplaces tend to give a softer look. However, if you want your stone to really pop out, you might want some type of river stone that has a broad range of colors contained in the stone. Limestone can stand out strongly, while marble can look more subtle and elegant.

Durability

• Granite serves as the most durable fireplace building material, giving you a fireplace that will last a long time. Also, you can easily clean the granite fireplace. Slate has durability that depends on the thickness of the slate. While limestone gives fireplaces a vintage look, they can easily absorb stains and will not look the same over time. Slate can also give the fireplace a durable look. Marble does not have as much durability and is more often used for its appearance.