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A stone fireplace adds a rustic, solid appeal to any room's décor. The fireplace has long been a centerpiece for many homes. It serves as a gathering point, a place where the family comes together and shares some good cheer, a warm drink, a good story. When you add wood and make a fire, you have a place where you can sit for hours and just soak in the warmth. The fireplace is so ingrained in our culture, that almost every home has one and many paintings depict family gatherings around it.
If you are not one of the lucky people who have a house with a fireplace, never fear because there are so many options out there. You have a million choices regarding building materials and construction. If you get a contractor, be sure that they have experience and a good list of references and that they know how to deal with local codes and ordinances. One of the first choices you are likely to make is what type of configuration you want. You can choose a free standing unit which is set away from the walls, or you may choose a unit that is built into the wall. Typically, free standing units burn wood or coal and are made of cast iron and have an exhaust pipe which goes through the wall or ceiling to exhaust combustion fumes. The benefit of a free standing unit is the flexibility of moving it to another room or simply getting rid of it without any major demolition and modification to your home.
Most people don't like the look of cast iron. Free standing units are now available in a huge variety of styles and colors and materials. You can get a unit that looks like an audio video cabinet. The flames are centered where a television would normally be and you are protected by glass doors and optionally a chain link barrier. The cabinet is finished in wood accents and even has storage for firewood underneath in an attractive alcove. The exhaust pipe is hidden by the top of the cabinet so it has a very neat appearance.
If you have a large home, you would normally opt for a stone fireplace built into the wall. You can also have it finished in brick or marble or granite, any number of materials are suitable. Installation is much more involved than it would be for a free standing unit, but it is well worth the hassle and cost as your family will enjoy it for years to come. If you have a talented stone mason, they can craft a wonderful fireplace and mantle. Some ideas include half-round tops, or the traditional rectangular opening. There is no limit to what you can build. Just make sure that you look at plenty of pictures. You can get some great ideas such as marble accents, statues, granite tops, cooking inserts, ventilation fans, etc. You can also have a gas line installed and burn gas instead of firewood. This can come in handy on a cold day when you run out of wood.
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