Styles of Rock Chimneys
A fireplace is often a centerpiece in a room of any size, and can come in all shapes, sizes, styles and materials. In addition, a chimney, especially one made of stone, can be just as much a decorative accent for a home as well as a crucial part of the fireplace. There are many options for consumers looking for the perfect style of stone chimney to give their home character and curb appeal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Stone Veneer Chimneys
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This type of chimney is the simplest to install. Stone veneer is a composite material made of cement, sand and dyes and is applied on existing structures to give a faux-stone finish. People often have trouble telling the difference between veneer and actual stone. The veneer is generally more affordable than actual stone and is lightweight enough that it can be installed without the foundation elements needed for actual stone installation. Also, stone veneer can be applied to both brick and metal chimneys. These materials are generally 50 to 60 percent cheaper than materials for actual stone installation.
Cultured Stone
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Cultured stone is a lightweight, man-made product used primarily for decorative purposes. Made from cement and different pigments, cultured stone is generally formed in molds shaped like natural rocks. The material's lightweight nature places less stress on your structure's foundation and can be installed without a brick base to support it, much like stone veneer.
Unlike stone veneer, cultured stone is pricier than the natural stone alternative, and cultured stones are not always dyed all the way through. If a cultured stone needs to be cut for installation, the inside of the stone may be the standard gray cement color.
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Natural Stone
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Natural stone chimneys are often built onsite utilizing a masonry method. The stone is often largely uncut from its original state in the quarry, the only difference being that the stones are cut to manageable sizes. Natural stone chimneys are more durable than their brick counterparts, which chip, flake and crack over time. Types of natural stones used for chimneys include fieldstone, river rock and castle stone.
Dry-Stacked Stone
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The dry-stacked or dry-stone method for fireplaces and chimneys is the design that requires the most skill to build. The dry stack method relies on the weight of the stones stacked on each other to hold the chimney's shape, using no mortar in visible areas. Mortar is often used to reinforce and seal crucial areas of the chimney structure, but is well hidden unless closely scrutinized.
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