How to choose stone for Your New Fireplace

A fireplace is the perfect way to introduce warmth, coziness and charm into your home. But before you make a decision on what type of fireplaces you want, consider the pros and cons of each type, as well as how it will best fit in with the design aesthetic of your home. One thing that should be considered is choosing stone for your new fireplace. Stone can come in many different colors (and even textures) but typically ranges from light to dark gray tones. Here are five steps for choosing stone for your new fireplace:

Consider the size and shape of your room

You want to choose stone that not only fits aesthetically with this style but also has an appropriate thickness so it doesn't take up too much space in the room. For example, a large fireplace in a small living area will appear out of place and make the room feel packed or cluttered.

Think about where you want to put the hearth

The hearth is part of your stone fireplace that sits on top of your actual firebox. It can come in many different shapes but most commonly looks like a slanted concrete slab with two steps on either side for seating or just one step if you are using it as more of an accent piece. Having the right size hearth will ensure that your fireplace feels balanced no matter what type of design it has inside.

Decide between traditional rectangular vs modern designs

Stone is available in both contemporary and traditional styles so consider what type of room you want your fireplace to fit into. Most likely, if you have a more traditional home with wooden beams and furniture, you'll want the stone to complement those natural materials rather than stand out as its own piece. For newer homes that might be looking for a rustic feel or just something unique and different, then going with a contemporary or modern design will suit their needs much better.

Know the difference between thin vs thick stone

This is mostly determined by what look you're going for and how much space you have in your home. Thin stone can be as little as 3/8" thick while thicker stones can be 2 1/2", 4", etc. Thicker stones sound like they would take up a lot more space but because they can be used in a variety of different ways, it's easy to make the room look larger and more open.

Consider durability

Stone is naturally known for being very heavy and durable which makes it perfect for fireplaces because they will experience extreme heat from time to time. However, you want to choose a stone that has been properly sealed to protect against spills, dog nose prints and other various liquids. In addition, your stone fireplace should be cleaned regularly to keep the stone looking clean and new so when it comes time to redecorate or move out of your home, you won't have any damage or scratches on your stone surfaces.