Working With Your Stacked Stone Fireplace
October 6th, 2009 | 
Author: For this project you will be using pre-cast stone to build your stacked stone fireplace masterpiece. It’s going to look great!
The stacked stone pre-cast is actually a light weight veneer and they look just like the real thing. These pre-cast stones will make a dramatic difference to your room giving it a refreshing facelift.
Manufactured stone is made from a light weight aggregate, iron oxide pigment, and cement combination. Because it is man made there is terrific variety to choose from which includes river rock, stacked stone, steamed stones, random stones, limestone, and even ledge stones. So no matter what the décor of your room there is a rock that will compliment your room.
Here are some tips for working with your stacked stone fireplace:
1. Start by preparing your work area. A prepared area will make your job go smoother and it will ensure that your job has no errors.
2. Mix your mortar until it’s the perfect consistency – not too dry and not too wet. Pay attention because the key to a great install is the mortar.
3. Lay the stones out on the floor like a jig saw puzzle then pick which stones you want to put where. Remember to use plenty of contrast. Light against dark, big against small.
4. Put the stones up with a nice variety to get a natural feel and a look that is just like true rock.
5. You will need to determine how much stone you will need. Measure your surface area to determine the square footage. Don’t skimp. You’ll regret it. Instead order a little extra to give you the flexibility you need.
6. Most manufacturers have an excellent in stock selection of the more standard stones like the river rock but if you are going for something a little more exotic like castle stone you should anticipate extra delivery time and you should also order a little extra to make sure you don’t run short and then run into trouble matching up.
7. Besides your pre-fab stones you will need a moisture resistant barrier and you will need a metal lath for the mortar to adhere to.
8. You’ll need a few special tools to get the job done. A Mason trowel, Finishing trowel, ½” tuck pointer, grout bag, and a circular saw.
9. You will need to take off any existing trim that’s around the fireplace and the weatherproof barrier needs to be put up to keep the moisture away from the mortar. Use a stapler or hammer and nails to fasten.
10. You will want to make sure the nails are into the studs by at least 1 inch. Tape the edge and cover the fireplace opening with plastic to protect it while you work.
Working with your stacked stone fireplace doesn’t have to be that difficult as long as you take some time to plan before jumping into your project and these 10 tips will definitely keep you on the right track.
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Wood Fireplace Mantels
They say if you are going to dream then “dream big.” Picture that beautiful wood mantel that you’ve always wanted. Then realize how you can have it. Why not buy discount wood fireplace mantels online?
It really doesn’t take that much to make your mantel dreams come true and you need to only pay a small percentage of the retail price. And finding discount prices is a breeze. Just a little bit of searching online and you’ll find some great sites.
And technology has changed the way fireplaces are constructed. For example you might love wood but the cost of wood can be daunting. Not to worry there are some man made materials that will fool just about everyone and again they cost only a fraction of what the real wood mantel would cost you.
But wait, there’s more than wood to choose from. Perhaps you love granite? Slate? Limestone? All available in a pre-fabricated man made material for a fraction of what they real material would cost.
If you insist your mantle must be real wood that’s okay. There are several sites offering wood mantles for as little as a few hundred dollars and some of them have done some spectacular things with them. Check out the lacquer finishes and the sculpted carvings.
Discounted mantels can be found in the most simplest to the most elaborate designs. You can also purchase prefabricated manuals that fit either a corner fireplace or single face fireplace. What ever your design needs are you can save plenty.
And then there are off the shelf kits that you do yourself. You can pick them up at your local department store, hardware store, or if you really want to save buy online.
These kits are very well priced and come with legs, shelf, and ornamentation. Put aside a weekend for this project. Choose a kit that works with your room décor.
Wood mantels are a traditional manual that always looks good no matter which room or style of décor you have. Wood is classic and elegant and will never let you down.
Your pre-fab wood manual will likely arrive in three or four pieces which you can trim if needed. A wood mantel that’s been painted is the easiest to install. If it’s the natural wood be sure you apply a protective coating to it.
Marble or limestone can cost from $8000 to $25000. Ouch! Out of the budget of most of us. But buying online can save you as much as 60% which suddenly makes it more affordable for all of us.
Many online retailers even include the shipping costs in their pricing. Now that’s a deal! And orders often take only a few days to arrive so you can buy and be on your way to installing in no time. Waiting a few days for the arrival is worth it for those terrific savings.
So if you have decided that a new mantle is in the cards and you are a savvy shopper than start searching online for discounted wood fireplace mantels. You’ll be glad you did. With what you save you can redecorate the entire room.
Vanguard Fireplaces
Vanguard has a reputation in the industry for providing a quality product that can be trusted. And they offer a full line of heating products. So why not come in from the cold with Vanguard fireplaces?
Vanguard versatility is certainly worth noting. It doesn’t matter what your budget is, what your heating requirements are, or the design of your room Vanguard has a style for you. This is a manufacturer that should not go unnoticed.
Vanguard gas fireplaces require no venting. This makes them a very popular choice for almost any home or environment. And you will find a full service dealer near you or online. These are the people who understand your needs and that’s why they provide such a wide selection of products. They have trained salesperson and technicians on staff so all your needs are covered.
Vanguard is well known for the Classic Hearth Total Control System the most advanced remote control technology in the industry and its vent free. So you no longer need to stoop down to light the pilot on your fireplace. Instead just a touch of a button and your pilot is lit and you can watch the dancing flames. How easy is that?
Other models you might want to look at are the Mini Hearth, or the Cast Iron Stoves. Oh yes and let’s not forget the ChaRealistic line.
The mini hearth is another vent free gas heater that is so classy and it costs a fraction of the price of many others. It incorporates heat circulating louvers combine that with the mesh fire screen and you’ve got a handsome heater cabinet that looks and acts like a fireplace.
The cast iron stoves are also vent free and they deliver a whopping 30,000 BTU to keep you warm and toasty. It will heat up to 1000 square feet for only pennies an hour. There is no need for a chimney, flue, or vent so it can easily be added into any room.
The ChaRealistic line offers one of the most authentic flame patterns of any gas fireplace. The full size split oak logs, glowing coals, and improved dancing flames make this a mesmerizing and authentic experience. It puts out 26,000 BTU perfect for a den, family room, or living room. There is also a smaller 10,000 BTU which is perfect for a bedroom.
It’s very easy to see why Vanguard became the most trusted name in zone heating. The energy savings can’t be beat and neither can the selection.
Vanguard also has a full line of fireplace inserts. This is a great way to turn an ugly mess sooted fireplace into an energy efficient vent free heat source. Comes with oak logs, and a remote control that can quickly adjust the louvers, blower, and temperature.
If you want a name you can trust, a price you can afford, and a quality you can depend on it’s time to start looking at Vanguard fireplaces. It won’t be long before you’ve found the right one.
Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts
You have a beautiful rock fireplace that you wouldn’t part with for anything. They just don’t get any more romantic. Trouble is that it’s old and is definitely isn’t energy efficient. Not to worry. Check out wood burning fireplace inserts and you’ll have the best of both worlds.
So what exactly is an insert? An insert is a best compared as being a wood stove but it is designed specifically to fit inside an existing fireplace. Just like a wood stove must be EPA certified so must your fireplace insert. This means it must be highly efficient and clean burning.
Inserts are usually made from either cast iron or plate steel and then they have glass doors that let you see the flames. The insert can go either protrude onto your hearth or it can go directly into the fireplace opening.
Into the hearth is the most efficient method because you get additional heat from the top, bottom, and sides. Often the inserts will have blower which really increase the efficiency. These blowers can be mounted along the side of the insert or on the front and they can either be regulated by a thermostat or controlled manually.
In past years inserts were put into the fireplace with no chimney connection. Trouble is this sometimes allowed creosote to build up in the fireplace and present a serious fire hazard so the National Fire Protection Association now requires fireplace inserts to hook directly into the chimney. This reduces the risk.
New installs must connect into the flue liner which sends the gases and smoke up the chimney reducing the creosote build in the fireplace. Installs in new homes must also be able to draw the combustion air directly into the firebox from the exterior of the house. This eliminates a lot of health issues.
Inserts are extremely heavy usually weighing at least 400 pounds and often a great deal more. Now inserts have to be removed when the chimney is being cleaned which can create a real problem. To avoid this it’s best to install your insert with a full relining collar. Otherwise make sure the chimney sweep you hire will remove the insert.
A good quality insert is going to cost somewhere between $1500 and $2000. If you add on blowers, catalytic combustors, or glass doors expect the cost to climb.
Perhaps you’ve decided wood isn’t the right choice for you. Not to worry. You can purchase a gas fireplace insert. You will need to have this installed by a professional and of course you will need to have natural gas running to your home. But it’s definitely an option to consider if you are done with wood.
Whether you choose natural gas or wood an insert is definitely a terrific option for that beautiful fireplace that is just not energy efficient. There is something about these older fireplaces that just can’t be replicated with our modern fireplaces.
Wood burning fireplace inserts are readily available online. There are many sites so be sure to shop around for the best pricing.
Unique Fireplace Mantle Options
You found that perfect fireplace. The unique fireplace mantle is going to look fabulous and you can’t wait to show it off. So what are your options?
1. Custom
Custom and unique rather go hand in hand although they don’t always have to. If you want unique you’ll get the most flexibility with a custom mantle that is built exactly to what you want. It can cost you anywhere from $2500 to $6000 depending on material, style, size, and more.
Choose your builder wisely to ensure you get the finished product you want. Remember you pay for what you get so don’t cut corners here. Custom gives you a shot at having a fireplace that’s not like others.
2. Salvaged Antique
Can make a wonderfully unique piece and an antique mantel can be placed in a traditional or trendy room. The carved detailing on these mantles will leave you speechless and so might the price. Expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $5000 and then another $1000 to have it correctly installed.
Chances are you will require some modifications such the older ones are usually much narrower. But a little bit of creativity and you’ll have it looking great.
3. Prefabricated Mantel
If you are on a budget this is the best way to go giving you the best value for your money. You’ve got plenty of different style and materials to choose from and you can find a prefab manual for as little as $300 or as much as a few thousand.
Your prefab will arrive in a few pieces and they leave you some wiggle room with about 3 inches that you can adjust by. Have a look online you’ll discover a selection that’s endless. Finding the perfect one for your room is only a mouse click away.
4. Marble Mantel
Marble can present a very unique finish. Handcrafted marble has a presentation like no other material and you’ll never be disappointed with the look. It does cost a bit more than some of your other options but it’s worth every dime!
5. Stone Mantel
There is nothing quite as beautiful and relaxing as the look of natural stone. And if you are looking for unique then stone is definitely an excellent option. And it works with any décor whether it is traditional or modern adding a very earthen touch. Stone looks really good in a family room, at a cabin, or a lodge. It will add the perfect rustic finish.
Any fireplace is a nice addition to a room but a unique one can do so much more. It can set the mood, complete the décor, add a sense of calmness or relaxation, and of course if it’s unique it’s memorable. And unique doesn’t have to cost a lot more.
So if you are in the market for a fireplace, take your time, spend some time exploring different options, and then you’ll be ready to choose that unique fireplace that’s perfect for your room. So are you ready to go shopping?
Valor Horizon Fireplace – A Great Buy!
Since 1890 Valor has been building fireplaces. They started in England but today they are manufactured in British Columbia Canada. Valor has a reputation for being innovative and the Valor Horizon fireplace is proof of that innovation. What a great buy!
Valor fireplaces have fully automated controls which provide a low steady heat that requires no electricity. They are also designed to be very good radiant heaters and there is no noisy fan to put up with. Valor is recognized as the most effective and reliable gas fireplace on the market.
The Horizon is a direct vent fireplace that uses a rear exit vent. That means this is one very convenient choice. And speaking of choices you have a great selection of decorative front you can choose from. There is certain to be one that fits your décor whether you are looking for traditional or contemporary.
The Valor 534 Horizon is a zero-clearance fireplace so it can be built-in almost anywhere. The Valor 534 zero-clearance fireplace can be installed with the optional Cast Surround and Fender Fire to give it a traditional look. The Valor 530 Portrait Fireplace in the Windsor Arch curve is terrific! The look and feel of this particular fireplace is very different. Here are 10 other options.
1. Standard Louver Front, No Trim
2. Cast Iron Front, No Trim
3. Louver Front, 3 Sided Black Contour Trim
4. Cast Iron Front, 3 Sided Black Contour Trim
5. Louver Front, 3 Sided Champagne Contour Trim
6. Cast Iron Front, 3 Sided Champagne Contour Trim
7. Louver Front, 4 Sided black Contour Trim
8. Cast Iron Front, 4 Sided black Contour Trim
9. Louver Front, 4 Sided champagne Contour Trim
10. Cast Iron Front, 4 Sided champagne Contour Trim
The Horizon will provide a comfortable mix of convection and radiant heat that is built for any heating challenges you throw its way. And it can be turned down low enough to operate on those warmer days too. After all you should be able to enjoy that relaxing fire 24/7 right?
The large ceramic glass window provides a terrific view of those flickering flames and red hot embers. It also makes it easy to clean. You can buy a remote control for it if you like which means you can turn it on or off from across the room.
The ceramic brick gives a very authentic firebox look. You’ll fool even your toughest critics. The double heat exchanger is completely enclosed which makes it very efficient because of less heat loss.
There is no blower but it is designed to provide maximum air movement without it. No blower means less moving parts and less to break down, plus it operates extremely quiet.
You can adjust your fireplace from the wall switch or the handy remote control. All components are manufactured using the highest quality components.
You Valor Horizon fireplace will provide you with years of warmth, comfort, and ambiance. And if the Horizon isn’t right for you consider one of the other fine Valor fireplaces. Are you ready to start shopping?
Temco Fireplaces
A Temco fireplace is a wonderfully durable and lasting piece of art. Not only will a Temco fireplace keep you warm for years to come, but they are beautifully crafted fireplaces that will add beauty and value to your home.
Temco fireplaces are manufactured by the CFM Specialty Home Products Company, which is in turn a division of the CFM Corporation. With their headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario and numerous North American manufacturing facilities, CFM Specialty Home Products has a long standing reputation of innovation as well as top of the lien quality.
Temco fireplace products as well as the other families of products produced by CFM Specialty Home Products, have undergone vast amounts of testing and constant revisions to provide the best most sound products conceivable.
By carrying out very extensive research and development, CFM Specialty Home Products is able to produce some of the most creative and durable products available for your home or office. Known for their durability and long term functionality, Temco fireplaces are made mostly out of steel and cast iron. These materials make some truly stolid fireplaces, let me tell you.
I’ve owned a Temco fireplace for over twenty years now. It has never failed me once. Over the years al it has required is the usual maintenance -by this I refer mainly to cleaning of the smoke box, flue and chimney portions of the whole fireplace set up.
The Temco fireplace I own has not decreased in functionality or beauty over the many years that I have owned it. I use the fireplace very frequently too, so it’s not as though I’m speaking about my experiences with a fireplace that gets used once or twice a year. No, sir, as soon as it’s too cold for shorts, I’ve got my Temco fireplace going nearly nonstop.
I use my Temco fireplace as the primary heat source for my home. True, the heat from the fireplace does not reach the furthest rooms. For this reason, I do keep the central heat going only in those rooms. I accomplish this by closing off all the other vents in the house. I keep the thermostat set quite low, as I mainly occupy the main rooms that the heat from the fireplace does heat quite effectively.
CFM produces several different types of fireplaces, hearth pieces and other heating products, as well as barbeque and outdoor products and water filtration items. Honestly, I’ve had such success and enjoyment from my Temco fireplace that when it was time to replace my water filtration system, I opted for a CMS water filtration system.
Just like the Temco fireplace, I had nothing but praise for the CMS water filtration system that I purchased four years ago. All in all, I’m a loyal CMS customer and will continue to recommend and purchase these tried and true home products.
Different Types of Unique Fireplace Mantles
Are you looking for unique fireplace mantle ideas for your fireplace? How about an iron fireplace mantel? These neoclassical unique fireplace mantles and style of architecture were popular in Great Britain during the beginning of the eighteenth century. These remained a popular type of fireplace mantel for that entire century.
The federal style of iron fireplace mantels dominated the formal neoclassic styling in the United States during this period as well as after. This evolved form the vast popularity of the Georgian architecture during the eighteenth century.
Attributes of the federal style include tapered columns, delicate moldings, distinctive crown moldings and framed oval capitals along with traditional iron fireplace mantels.
Many of us think of masonry mantels when it comes to the topic of unique fireplace mantle types. Only custom carved stone fireplace mantels incorporate angelic figures and curving lines. The most detailed and unique fireplace mantles involve natural stone of some kind or another.
Skillful artisans create detailed carvings and overlays on the leg / jamb portions of a French period fireplace mantel. Currently, this period fireplace is experiencing a revival as people are scouring thrift and antique shops for French carved stone fireplace mantels.
Other types of unique fireplace mantle involving natural stone include limestone and marble fireplaces. Polished marble simply gleams and draws additional attention to the fireplace. This natural stone makes beautifully unique fireplace mantelpieces.
If you are interested in a unique fireplace mantle made of limestone, but are reluctant about the exorbitant prices that such pieces command, you may be interested in the limestone veneer type fireplaces and fireplace mantels. These fireplaces are made of real limestone, yet instead of skilled craftspeople carving the fireplace out of one large limestone piece, several pre-cut limestone pieces are incorporated as well.
If you are open to using pre-cut or veneer pieces of natural stone, you can conceivably spend no more than you would on a custom brick fireplace. And what is more unique than a natural stone fireplace?
Slate fireplaces make truly one of a kind piece for any focal point. This dark and natural stone is unlike any other fireplace material and will compliment rich and/or dark living room decors. I’ve only seen one such fireplace, but I must say, it was truly the most unique fireplace mantle and hearth that I had ever laid eyes on.
Wood is the remaining main type of material from which unique fireplace mantles can be crafted. There are three main types of wood fireplace mantels. There are colonial wood fireplace mantels which have very simple lines and little decoration.
There are Adam mantels that incorporate many detailed stylizations such as frets, scrolls, festoons, swags and bows. Many people consider any decorative wood fireplace mantel to fall into this category.
The remaining category of wood mantelpieces include any that do not fall into the first two categories. For example, stylized mantel pieces that are much more modern would be considered to be “modern wood mantelpieces”. The same is true of simple mantelpieces that do not appear obviously colonial in terms of syle.
Stone Fireplace Surround
I decided to opt for a natural stone fireplace surround for my new fireplace. The fireplace in question is one that will reside in the great hall portion of my home. Technically, it is a replacement fireplace, as a very small brick fireplace was built into the wall in the great hall originally.
I played around with different stone material idea for a while to get a feel for which kind of stone would be most appealing and fit into the other décor. Though I really like the look of marble and limestone, I finally decided that a slate stone fireplace surround would be the best match for the darker décor of the great hall.
With the help of a skilled carver, i designed the basic layout of the fireplace and hearth. I wanted to have a large seating area in a semi-circle shape all around the slate fireplace that would extrude from the wall.
Since the fireplace in the great hall is not merely decoration, but will be used to heat that entire portion of the house as well, I decided that an extruding firebox made much more sense, as this would allow the fire’s heat to radiate much farther than a firebox flush with the wall ever could.
It was very interesting to watch the craftspeople work away at the slate slabs. I watched as they first installed the massive firebox. This was a custom job in itself, as the outward curving shape I wanted is not a standard firebox shape at all.
The existing flue and chimney were able to be used, with a few minor alterations. I was glad to hear this, as the project was already going to be quite costly. I didn’t pay as much attention during these processes, as I was impatient to see the slate pieces put in place.
The preparation and structural work took more than a week to complete and I was becoming a little impatient to see the pretty slate pieces put in place as the stone fireplace surround. Finally, during week two of this project, the skilled craftspeople began to implement the fine slate pieces into the stone fireplace surround and accompanying mantel and seating area.
It wasn’t long before the project was complete. I don’t think they worked any faster at this point, but since I could see the progress it seemed to go much faster than the previous portions had. Once they had finished the stone fireplace surround, they began work on the seating area.
I wanted a very rough, chunky and natural look to both the surround and the seating area. As I saw the slate unfolding around me, I was very glad that I’d decided on the rough look for the slate. It was even more beautiful than what I had originally envisioned.
It’s been a few years now since the slate fireplace was installed and we continue to enjoy its stately presence and radiant heat. It has certainly become a central focal point for our family, which is great, as I was growing tired of the kids circulating around the television.
Superior Fireplaces
For as long as one can remember enjoying a cozy night around the fireplace on a cold winter’s night. Whether you want a fireplace for your living room, family room, or bedroom Superior can provide. Superior fireplaces are a reliable choice.
Superior offers a wide variety of fireplaces that don’t require venting. They are also certified to be 99% heat efficient. Why not start your own tradition with Superior and enjoy the great style, quality product, and terrific pricing.
The 24 inch Natural Gas Vented Manually Controlled Natural Flame Burner has a manual control and a safety pilot. The piezo igniter means no need for matches. The 4 piece fiber ceramic log set and 17 inch rear log make this ideal for any room size. The 50,000 BTU will adequately heat.
The 30 inch Natural Gas Vented Manually Controlled Natural Flame Burner
The Duzy 2, 4 piece fiber ceramic log set and fiber ceramic logs make for real realistic view. The manual control with piezo ignition means you can easily and quickly light your fireplace. The 65,000 BTU is ample for almost any room size.
Superior offers a full line of natural gas and propane fireplaces. Both the propane and the natural gas is available in the B-vent, direct vent, vent free, and vented systems.
Monessen LCUF Vent Free Gas Fireplace – the Herringbone refractory firebrick comes complete with hood and there are several face styles to choose from. It is CSA certified and has a 100% factory leak test completed.
Design Dynamics has introduced the Valiant Radiant Vent Free Fireplace that is fresh and it combines tradition and trendy together. It’s the perfect choice for a living room or family room.
The Vanguard Total Control vent free fireplace lives up to its name giving you total control. It’s available in either propane or natural gas and its presents it’s unique style nicely.
Superior offers a full line of natural gas and propane fireplaces. Both the propane and the natural gas is available in the B-vent, direct vent, vent free, and vented systems.
With Superior you get a vent free fireplace with a great deal of time an and energy that has gone into design meaning they are refreshing combining tradition with modern ideas.
The wonderful tall build and flush floor mounts fool even the toughest critics into believing this is a real masonry fireplace constructed with the house. And the refractory brick panels with the split profile add the finishing touches and enhance the flames.
Upon close inspection you’ll understand all about that quality we’ve been talking about. There are no short cuts taken here. This is a manufacturer that takes pride in the product they offer.
And it doesn’t get much more convenient than this. Because of the not venting it’s quick and easy to pick your spot and get your fireplace up and running in little time.
Superior fireplaces have plenty to offer for those on a budget and those with endless funds. So why not have a look now?