The Hearth of the Home: A Feature on Fireplaces
A beautifully designed fireplace not only offers utility, but it also creates a cozy ambiance perfect for any home, any time of the year.
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The interior and fireplace of this traditional home transcends itself into a "Transitional Design Style" with the merging of contemporary artwork, light fixtures, furniture, ceiling treatment and aggressive paint colors.
An exposed fireplace combined with an open floor plan radiates warmth throughout the floor during the colder months, creating a cozy and warm feel to the living space.
Fireplace Construction
The anatomy of your fireplace includes four elements: the hearth, mantel, firebox, and surround. Each of these components should coordinate with the other three for a cohesive and classy look.
Hearth – The hearth is the floor of the fireplace. It also includes the stones that project into the room and protect your floor from sparks, heat, and flames. It’s essential that the hearth is large enough to mitigate the risk of fire in your home, so most building codes require it to extend at least 20 inches from the firebox.
Mantel – The mantel rests over the firebox. The original purpose of the mantel was to keep smoke from coming into the room by pushing it back toward the chimney. Now, mantels are typically ornamental rather than functional. They can be made of wood, stone, or other materials.
Firebox – The place where the fire burns in your fireplace is called the firebox. The firebox might be installed flush with the floor or it can be elevated.
Surround – The surround is the part of the fireplace that goes around the firebox. It can extend as far up as the ceiling or end at the base of the mantel.
Materials
The many benefits of using a natural stone product to construct your fireplace include:
High heat tolerance
Durability
Ease of maintenance
Sustainability
Timeless beauty
Each variety of natural stone has unique features that make it ideal for specific design choices and applications. Here, we’ll discuss the most commonly used types of natural stone and how these stone options differ.
Granite
The popularity of granite is due to both its durability and the wide range of colors it comes in. It can be either polished for a smooth look or left in its natural, porous state for a rougher finish.
Limestone
Limestone is best used for gas or electric fireplaces because it’s less heat resistant. Wood fires burn hotter and limestone will crack in very high temperatures. However, if you’re seeking a light-colored stone for your gas or electric fireplace, limestone is a solid choice. It’s also typically less costly than other natural stones.
Marble
Nothing beats marble for class and elegance. It’s known for the contrast of light and dark with eye-catching veins running through the surface. If you’re looking for a dramatic stunner of a stone, then you should consider marble. It’s highly heat resistant and can have a smooth or rough finish to fit whichever style you’re looking for.
Slate
Similar to limestone, slate should only be used for gas or electric fireplaces due to its tendency to crack under extreme heat. It’s available in many colors and is typically given a smooth finish which is ideal for modern design styles.
Wrap Yourself In Warmth This Winter
A well-built fireplace will complement the rest of your home, add a touch of elegance, and provide warmth and comfort for your family. It’s also one of the first things guests notice when they walk in. If you’re ready to build your dream home contact Steven Mueller Architects, LLC today. Steven Mueller Architects, LLC specializes in designing high-quality residences in a variety of styles. If you would like to learn more about stone and fireplaces contact Materials Marketing.