Natural Stone Fireplaces

There are few products the rival the beauty, texture and durability of natural stone. The stonemasons who make these fireplaces work using tools and techniques that have remained virtually unchanged for 2000 years. Little wonder then that some of the finest examples of fireplaces both period and modern are carved from solid natural stone.

In general natural stone fireplaces are made from one of three types of stone, Limestone, Sandstone or Marble. We have allocated a separate section for marble fireplaces as they form a large part of the fireplace market both in traditional and contemporary styles.

Two bespoke Sandstone Fireplaces Designed and hand carved by 'Caroline'
from www.stonesurrounds.co.uk

Fireplace Material: English Bath Stone

Suitability: Gas Fires, Solid Fuel Fires, Electric Fires, Solid Fuel Stoves.

Characteristics: A warm looking honey coloured stone that is made up from tiny round grains called Oolites. The texture is a small 'open pored' stone that is generally smooth to the touch if polished. As stone is a naturally formed material the occasional small fosillised shell and calcite vein may be present. This is not a flaw in the stone, it is one of the ways of distinguishing between natural and man made materials and lends a certain charm and character to this stone.

Benefits An English limestone that has been used extensively for building and fireplaces, Particularly along the A303 corridor the Cotswolds and into London. Fireplaces made from this bathstone are very durable and virtually always carved to very high standards. In most cases you can have your fireplace made to your own dimensions. If you want a particular design or wish to incorporate a particular carving there are many smaller stone firms who will be able to make your bespoke fireplace to order. Scratches can easily be repaired by rubbing the affected area with a 120grit sandpaper.

Drawbacks: The main drawback of English stone fireplaces is that they are generally more expensive than the European and Asian imports.

Fireplace Material: English Portland Stone

Suitability: Gas Fires, Solid Fuel Fires, Electric Fires, Solid Fuel Stoves.

Characteristics: A white - cream coloured stone that is made up of tiny sea creatures formed over millions of years. The texture is generally smooth to the touch, There are various types of Portland stone and the shading and sometimes shell density will vary depending on the stone type. It is therefor important to see a sample of the stone that will be used to carve your fireplace prior to you placing the order. As the name suggests the stone comes from the Island of Portland on the South Coast. Again The presence of the occasional shell and calcite vein gives charm and character to this stone and is not considered a flaw in the stone.

Benefits An English limestone that has been used extensively for building and fireplaces, Particularly the south coast and London. Fireplaces made from Portland stone are very durable and virtually always carved to very high standards In most cases you can have your fireplace made to your own dimensions. If you want a particular design or wish to incorporate a particular carving there are many smaller stone firms who will be able to make your bespoke fireplace to order. scratches can easily be repaired by rubbing the affected area with a 120grit sandpaper.

Drawbacks: The main drawback of English stone fireplaces is that they are generally more expensive than the European and Asian imports. And tend to take longer to produce. Typically you should expect to wait 4-6 weeks from order before receiving your stone fireplace.

Fireplace Material: Portuguese Limestone

Suitability: Gas Fires, Solid Fuel Fires, Electric Fires, Solid Fuel Stoves.

Characteristics: A 'creamy beige' coloured stone which has a smooth texture. One of the characteristics of this stone is that it has feint bed lines which add enormously to its character.

Benefits This stone has become very popular over the last few years because if it's price and availability. Prices are on average 50% lower than the English stone fireplaces. Some companies like Livingstyle can normally supply you with a stone fireplace within seven days. The surround dependent on supplier will come pre sealed or it will be supplied with a stone sealer. Cleaning is then just a matter of a quick dust and an occasional wash with warm soapy water. Scratches can easily be repaired by rubbing the affected area with a 120grit sandpaper.

Drawbacks: Although these fireplaces can be made to you dimensions only a few companies can arrange this and the costs then become quite high. So the sizes and designs are chosen from the dealers catalogue.

---

Fireplace Material: English Sandstone

Suitability: Gas Fires,, Electric Fires,

Check with the stone firm as to the suitability for Solid Fuel Fires and Solid Fuel Stoves. As Sandstone's vary enormously to their resistance to heat.

Characteristics: Formed as the name suggests from grains of sand over millions of years sandstone's as you would expect tend to have a gritty feel to them. The bigger the grains of sand that the stone is formed from the grittier the feel of the stone. Sandstone fireplaces are generally regional that is that the stonemasons will tend to work with stones that are quarried within their region and will know how to work them to achieve the best results.. This is important if you are restoring a period property and you want to have an authentic reproduction stone fireplace. Generally speaking sandstone fireplaces are found from the Midlands Northwards, Particularly around Yorkshire, Lancashire and Shropshire. There are various types and colour of sandstone It is therefor important to see a sample of the stone that will be used to carve your fireplace prior to you placing the order. The presence of the occasional ore deposit and silica vein gives charm and character to this type of stone and is not considered a flaw in the stone.

Benefits .In most cases you can have your fireplace made to your own dimensions. If you want a particular design or wish to incorporate a particular carving there are many stone firms who will be able to make your bespoke fireplace to order. Scratches can easily be repaired by rubbing the affected area with a 120grit sandpaper.

Drawbacks: The main drawback of English stone fireplaces is that they are generally more expensive than the European and Asian imports. And tend to take longer to produce. Typically you should expect to wait 4-6 weeks from order before receiving your stone fireplace. In addition the durability of sandstone fireplaces can vary considerably. You should seek the advice of a stonemason as to suitability when choosing your sandstone fireplace.

---

---