34 Beautiful Stone Fireplace Ideas That Rock – Bring The Rusticity
The fireplace will be a focal point no matter what but more so if it features an interesting design and a selection of materials that stand out such as stone for example.
Stone fireplaces can be stylish and trendy, rustic and cozy or classy and elegant. Either way, they always rock.
What Are the Different Types of Stone Fireplaces?
Granite Fireplace
Granite is one of the most popular and flexible stone materials for fireplaces. While many homeowners leave the granite as-is and appreciate the natural beauty, you can also add a glossy finish for a wonderful modern design. You cannot go wrong with granite, and the variety of patterns and designs available will complement any aesthetic.
Limestone Fireplace
Limestone is the ideal material in terms of cost, availability, and aesthetics. It’s great for gas and electric fireplaces, as they do not generate enough heat to permanently damage a soft stone.
It also helps that limestone is one of the more affordable fireplace stone selections. With limestone fireplaces, you don’t have to worry about visual damage, but you should use caution when handling them. Limestone fireplaces are notorious for their unpredictable heat distribution, and the stones adjacent to the fire can soon become too hot to touch.
Faux Stone Fireplace
Faux stone is an excellent alternative to natural stone for fireplaces if you want to save money. At a fraction of the cost, you can locate a convincing imitation stone that resembles granite and limestone. Nearly every form of genuine stone has a counterfeit counterpart, and they are generally fairly durable.
Marble Fireplace
Marble fireplaces are both beautiful and striking as they are costly. Marble comes in a wide variety of textures and patterns. Marble fireplaces are always smooth and elegant, which is one of its primary draws.
Marble can be fairly costly due to the fact that the materials are typically imported. Another advantage of marble is its longevity; while it is not as thick as granite, it is resistant to surface and thermal damage.
Flagstone Fireplace
Flagstone alone contains enough diversity to warrant a whole list. Flagstone is available in a range of light and dark tones and a variety of textures and cuts.
Homeowners frequently paint flagstone to fit the color scheme of the space or to create contrast, and paint adheres rather well to the stone. That is the finest approach to modernize the classic look of flagstone to fit your property.
River Rock Fireplace
A river rock fireplace can be used to accent any aesthetic. River rock infuses a room with an instant sense of the outdoors, which works well in rustic or modern settings. There are no two identical river rock fireplaces due to the huge range of river rock stone textures and shapes.
Stone Fireplace vs. Brick
Installation
The uniform size and shape of brick simplifies the calculation of the materials required for the fireplace. Additionally, the geometric regularity of brick simplifies installation compared to the unpredictable size and shape of natural stone, which results in a lower cost.
Indeed, a brick fireplace may be erected by a single person, saving money on labor. Ability to lay bricks is insufficient to create a stone fireplace, as even a little error during installation can need re-starting.
Due to the unique characteristics of stone, particularly natural stone, its installation is more labor intensive. Each stone must be picked for its size and shape before being cut and chipped to suit the adjacent stone.
Additionally, only someone knowledgeable about stone installation can accurately predict the weight of stone required for a particular fireplace. As a result, installation is more expensive than brick.
Maintenance
A sealant used after the building of a stone fireplace will protect the finish from soot and other stains. Cleaning is as simple as using warm water and a cloth. By contrast, brick has a more porous surface compared to stone and hence cannot be sealed. As a result, a brick fireplace is more stain-prone and requires more frequent care.
Regardless of their exceptional endurance, both of these fireplace materials can sustain damage over time. Because bricks have a consistent design, they are easy to replace or repair. Except for minor cracks, stone is significantly more difficult to repair.
Appearance
Given the durability and strength of both brick and stone, the decision between stone and brick for a fireplace is frequently driven by architectural considerations. Brick can infuse a room with a sense of strength and coziness. However, stone imparts a more natural appearance to the room’s ambiance.
Bricks come in an array of textures and colors, both new and salvaged. This enables the designer to create a look that is compatible with any room style. You should also consider that brick is not always the best option for those wanting a high level of uniqueness.
Due to its uniform sizes and restricted pattern selection, some individuals may choose a more random stone arrangement. Additionally, the natural color differences of stone allow it to integrate better with the decor of a room.
Best Stone for Fireplaces
Granite
Perhaps the most common material choice for a fireplace surround, granite is also one of the most durable. It is exceptionally scratch resistant, resistant to cracking and chipping, and has a high heat tolerance.
Granite is appropriate for use with gas or wood-burning fireplaces. While the stone does require periodic sealing, it is a reasonably low-maintenance material that is simple to care for. Granite slabs come in hundreds of varied colors and patterns, ensuring that they will complement any design sensibility.
Limestone
While limestone is not suitable for every architectural style, it is a lovely stone with a rustic vibe. Additionally, it is one of the more affordable stone selections.
As with other natural stones, limestone is extremely durable and has a high tolerance for heat. However, this stone should be used exclusively in conjunction with gas or electric fireplaces. As with granite, limestone requires frequent sealing to avoid staining, but when properly maintained, it can withstand considerable damage.
Limestone fireplace surrounds come in a variety of neutral colors, most frequently light cream or tan, as well as lighter grays, whites, and browns.
Marble
While marble will cost more than granite and is less durable, many people select it for its timeless beauty. It’s a beautiful stone that has long been associated with superiority.
Marble is extremely resistant to heat and can be utilized in conjunction with wood burning, gas, or electric fireplaces. When properly maintained Marble is rarely stained, cracked, or chipped. Marble, which is typically found in white and light tints, requires more maintenance than darker stones.
Slate
A strong, hard substance, slate is available in a range of deeper hues. In terms of costs, slate is ranked somewhere between granite and limestone.
Slate is often defined by an uneven surface, lending it a more rustic appearance. Slate is a heat-resistant material that is best suited for electric and gas fireplaces, as the heat generated by wood fires can be too severe.
Slate may be used in practically every design style because of its numerous texture and color options.
Rock fireplace design ideas that will rock
A stone fireplace can sometimes look better if it hides its true nature behind a layer of white paint. This before and after example illustrates how much can a stone fireplace change and how easily it can change style during the process. It went from looking old and rustic to being chic and versatile, able to look stunning even in a modern setting.{found on greigedesign}.
If you decide to give your old stone fireplace a makeover using paint, you need to be careful when choosing the products so that the end result matches the style and the look you initially had in mind. A fireplace can go from being outdated and multicolored to having a fresh, clean and modern look. Use a primer and paint combo along with a paintbrush and a roller to update this beautiful feature.{found on joysofhome}.
Twisted designs.
These fireplaces have very creative designs. The stones were arranged in such a way that they form swirls and twist around the beams. The fireplace takes over the wall and completely transforms it.
Log home fireplaces.
Stone fireplaces are gorgeous no matter what but they do look more comfortable in log homes. These cozy retreats offer the perfect setting for these imposing fireplaces. Usually the mantel can also be a log to emphasize the connection.
Neatly stacked stones.
The way the stones are stacked on a fireplace can make all the difference. When they’re stacked in clean, straight lines, just like bricks, the fireplace gets a simple and classical look. It can even look modern the whole design is neat.
Big stone fireplaces.
The use of big stones to build a fireplaces gives the design a rustic look because it doesn’t feature that mad attention to detail that most modern designs do. Robust and imposing, the fireplaces look more inviting and cozy than ever and are perfect for cabins.
Outdoor fireplaces.
Stone fireplaces look more natural outdoors and they bring a different kind of coziness and comfort to the space. They also feature different types of designs and the shapes can vary, perhaps more than in the case of indoor fireplaces.
More beautiful ideas.
The best place for a fireplace is the living room. This one has a wraparound design and the seating area was organized around it.
The master bedroom can also nicely accommodate a fireplace. The stonework is really beautiful here and the color and texture match the décor of the room.
This traditional living room has a cottage-like feel and the stone fireplace gives it a cozy and inviting feel. The fireplace stands out both with its design and its color which contrasts with the white walls and ceiling.
The mosaic on the stone fireplace wall is rather simple but eye-catching. The accent pillows emphasize the pattern and the colors used there.
There are also ways to make a stone fireplace blend in and become a natural part of the interior décor. This fireplace wall, for example, continues until it reaches the ceiling and has a color which matches the palette chosen for the room.
Stone fireplaces are usually rustic but they can also be a part of contemporary interior designs. This modern living room feature a fireplace with a simple and chic design.
A stone fireplace is a nice addition to a seaside escape. Here, the nautical theme and the rusticity of the stone wall seamlessly combine and the result is a balanced décor.
You can find ways to add accent elements that match the stone fireplace such as this traditional area rug for example which has a color very similar to that of the fireplace.
Here we have a bedroom with an interesting interior design that combined rustic and modern elements. It has exposed wooden beams on the ceiling and a stone fireplace.
Depending on the type of stone you use for the fireplace, you can choose from a variety of color palettes to surround it with. Here, for example, blue was a great choice and it was combined with green and yellow accents.
A very chic fireplace made of river rock cultured stone, perfect for this cozy and elegant seating area. The white bookcase and the mantle create a nice balanced look.
A large porch requires a more elaborate fireplace. This one is made of stone and it’s quite impressive. I imagine it must be very cozy and comfortable to sit there in a rocking chair and look out the window.
A traditional stone fireplace with a twist. The fireplace wall has an unusual shape. The curved lines give it a unique allure although it remains rustic and simple in its essence. The wood mantel has a chocolate brown stain and matches the armchairs.
Stone fireplaces are perfect for the outdoors. Here’s a great example of a rustic patio. It has a seating area around the fireplace and an outdoor dining area. The views are also amazing.
A beautiful rustic porch with a stone fireplace to keep everyone warm when its cold outside. Have a seat, get cozy and look at the marvelous views surrounding you.
Important tips!
Whether you’re designing a stone fireplace to include it in your home or whether you’re planning to give your old fireplace a makeover, there are a few important things to take into consideration. For example, the type and color of stone. River rock, stacked stone and fieldstone are just a few examples. Pick the one that best suits your home and your personal preferences. Of course, you can also combine two or more types of stone.{found on drivenbydecor}.
Decide whether or not you want a mantel for your fireplace. If you want one, then it would have to complement the type of stone you’ve chosen for the fireplace. The mantel can be made of various mantel, including stone so examine all the options before you make a choice. Wood is a classy option and it goes with pretty much everything.
Apart from the mantel, you can also accessorize your fireplace with a stone trim which is embedded in its design. In this case there are also several options to choose from. You can opt for an arch to surround the fireplace opening or for a row of single-height trim stones above the opening for a simpler look.
Let’s face it, not all fireplaces look great. A lot are actually quite boring and lack character. The best way to ensure your fireplace is not as forgettable as all the others is to create a custom design for it yourself. Check out this nice youtube tutorial on how to install stone on your fireplace to find out the basics and get started.
If you already have a fireplace but you’re not happy with the way it looks, that pretty much calls for a makeover. This is something that you can do yourself so set aside some time, go get a few materials and let your vision come to life. It would be a really cool weekend project. There’s a tutorial that you can check out on youtube which shows how easy it is to update an old brick fireplace using stone veneer in case you’re interested.
When building or remodeling a fireplace you need to work in steps. Pay attention to all the parts and all the details so you don’t need to take pieces out or to redo any of the work throughout the project. Updating a tone fireplace is not particularly difficult. One of the easiest solutions is to just simplify its design. Take out any elements that aren’t necessary or no longer fit your aesthetic, replace the parts that need replacing and be organized about it. You can learn a lot from this makeover tutorial on youtube in that regard.
Because stone is uneven and has slightly different shapes and sizes, this makes building a fireplace surround a bit challenging. At the same time, this is also what makes stone fireplaces look so beautiful and charming in the first place. You can also use stone to revamp your existing fireplace. First, a bit of prep work is needed and you can find out all about that part in this video tutorial on youtube. Check out how to also lay the stacked stone once the surface is prepped.
It’s not just the fireplace itself that matters but also the space around it. Take that into consider when planning a makeover. A nice idea can be to build a nice stacked stone fireplace surround but also to frame it with some custom cabinets or some shelves. Look at the big picture and consider how the fireplace will fit into the space once the new look is in place. You can find out more about this strategy from this youtube video.
If you’d like a more detailed description of how the whole process of remodeling a fireplace goes, check out this step-by-step description on joyfullygrowingblog. It explains all you need to know about planning, designing and installing stone veneer on a fireplace. You also get to see images from the different stages of the remodel and get an idea of what it means to take on such a task.
A change of color can also be an idea if you want to change the look of your existing stone fireplace without doing any major remodeling or structural modifications. There’s a nice tutorial on averageinspired which explains all about limewash and how it can be used to improve and refresh the look of an outdated fireplace. Check it out and put your own spin on the design if you want to.
Here’s another great example of how you can quite easily change the look of an old stone fireplace using paint. First of all you need to carefully and thoroughly clean the stone, then apply primer and then paint (white interior latex paint in this case). The makeover featured on remodelaholic also includes replacing the old mantle with a new one made of live edge wood and it looks absolutely amazing.
It’s nice to frame the fireplace somehow and to make it stand out more. That’s when a stacked stone surround could look really cool. You could build one yourself and it wouldn’t be that difficult as long you go with a simple and clean design. Check out this project from imgur to see how the project develops and what it involves from start to finish.
Speaking of fireplace walls, you might also enjoy checking out a project featured on thriftydecorchick which shows how this fireplace went from being bland and boring to looking absolutely stunning. It was a very rewarding makeover project which involved stacked stone and adhesive. It’s a great way to add texture, color and character to an existing fireplace.
7 Beautiful stacked stone fireplace available right now
Richardson Electric Fireplace
You can add a fireplace to your own home and if you choose an electric model you can have it placed anywhere without the need to modify the layout or to worry about anything else. There are lots of nice designs to choose from, starting with that of the Richardson fireplace. It has an eclectic look which brings together modern and rustic influences materialized into a versatile rock-themed design.
Stone Veneer Propane/Natural Gas Outdoor Fireplace
How about an outdoor fireplace for your patio, deck or your backyard? Designs such as this one can easily fit into a variety of different settings and can complement a variety of styles. This particular model has a large mantel and is equipped with a 55,000 BTU burner. It also comes with fire logs and lava rocks which give it an authentic look. It can be powered with liquid propane fuel (recommended) or natural gas.
Quillen Steel Wood Burning Outdoor Fireplace
The Quillen outdoor fireplace uses wood as fuel which brings to one particular feature in its design, the storage niche at the bottom. This is where you can store some firewood to have it handy and ready for use whenever needed. It’s within reach and accessible and it also looks nice. As for the rest of the fireplace, it’s made of manufactured stone and rust-resistant powder-coated steel, a combination that’s both sturdy and good-looking. The design is classic and goes well with traditional outdoor settings but can also fit in more modern areas as well.
The Santa Cruz outdoor fireplace has a simple and linear design with clean and simple details which makes it a really great choice for modern outdoor settings. Furthermore, this is a 2-sided fireplace meaning you can place it between two different areas and enjoy it from both sides, in case you have an outdoor dining area or a kitchen and a lounge space next to it for example. It comes with attachable legs so you can also use it as a freestanding unit if you wish to and can also be incorporated into a variety of structures if for example you want to give it a stone surround.
This is also a fireplace designed for outdoor use. It’s meant to be placed against a wall or a fence, featuring a flat back side. It uses liquid propane gas fuel and offers 55,000 BTUs of heat plus it actually has a big hearth lined with bricks where you can add decorative logs and rocks. You also get four little ledges at the top and the bottom where you can place decorations and various items if you wish to.
Stone Veneer Steel Propane Fire Pit Table
In certain setups, a fire pit is more practical and better-suited than a fireplace. If that’s the case, consider a design such as this one. This is a fire pit table that can easily be incorporated into an outdoor setting on a deck, a patio or in the backyard. It has a rectangular shape and a porcelain tile top and an 18’’ stainless steel access door provides space inside for a liquid propane tank. The log set and lava rocks are included.
Alazhia Concrete Propane Fire Pit Table
The Alazhia fire pit table is perfect for modern and contemporary outdoor settings thanks to its very simple and clean design. It’s made of concrete and has a solid rectangular base framed by a solid top which puts a frame around the actual fire pit. It has an efficient burner system which produces rich flamed for a full effect and it uses propane fuel.
How to Paint Rock Fireplace
You can always paint a rock fireplace to give it a fresh look or to have it match your interior decor.
Step One
Preparing the stone fireplace for painting is likely the most critical step in doing the project correctly. Remove all items from the fireplace and its surrounding, including fireplace tools and screens, as well as any ornamental items. Mask the area around the mantle or any nearby area that you want to stay paint-free with painter’s tape. Drop cloths tied with painter’s tape will keep your floor protected.
Step Two
Use water, an all-purpose cleanser, and a wire scrub brush to clean the fireplace surface. Allow it to totally dry. Examine the stones and the mortar surrounding them for any significant fissures. While small cracks can be painted over, bigger fissures must be fixed prior to painting. Fill the cracks with a paintable acrylic latex caulk. Allow the caulk to cure and dry completely before painting.
Step Three
Choose a paint that is suitable for use on stone. You can use latex paint on stone since it is more durable and has improved flexibility and adherence.
Step Four
Paint rollers are great priming and painting tools, particularly on hard exterior walls such as stone or brick, which can be difficult to properly cover. However, while working on an uneven surface such as stone, it is required to use a roller cover with at least a one-inch nap.
Additionally, a heavy-duty, five-wire roller frame is recommended for optimal strength. Plastic roller frames are prone to bending or breaking as a result of the additional power required to get paint into all nooks and pores. When painting with a brush, avoid allowing excess paint to enter pores and crevices.
Step Five
Time to apply some primer/sealer. This effectively seals porous surface material, preventing the topcoat from soaking in and drying unevenly. Additionally, it aids in preventing peeling, corrosion, and bleed-through.
Coat your roller with primer using a paint tray. Adhere to the top-down rule: start at the top and work your way down to ensure even covering. Brushes are excellent for cutting into and getting into small places. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding with the painting.
Step Six
When ready to paint, fill a paint tray halfway with masonry or stucco paint and coat your roller. Again, adhere to the top-down principle. Where a roller is not possible, use brushes. When finished, use a roller to even out the covering. Two coats are recommended for maximum results.
Step Seven
Clean up everything and you’re ready to go.
How to Clean Rock Fireplace
Cleaning stone fireplaces is a simple seven-step process which is listed below.
Step One
Before you start cleaning your fireplace, you have to allow it to cool for about 12 hours. Place drop cloths on the floor around the fireplace and put a tarp on top to protect the furniture and surroundings.
Step Two
Make sure to use a dust mask and gloves for the next step. Using a small shovel, remove the ashes from the fireplace and put them inside a sealed metal container. Put cold water in the container and put it outside, away from flammable materials, until you’re ready to dispose of it for good.
Step Three
Grab your vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for this step. Use this to remove dust from the fireplace surround.
Step Four
Use a small bucket to combine warm water and dish soap. Stir this mixture until the soap has fully dissolved.
Step Five
Put on your dust mask and gloves once again. Dip your scrub brush in the soap mixture and clean the fireplace thoroughly to remove grit and dirt.
Step Six
Empty the bucket and put in fresh cold water. Dip a clean rag inside it and use it to clean the fireplace.
Step Seven
Use a dry rag and wipe the fireplace again. Make sure to air-dry it before starting a new fire.
FAQ
Does a Stone Fireplace Add Value to Your Home?
When a homeowner sells their property, they frequently recoup more than 100 percent of the costs connected with constructing a fireplace. The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers reports that installing a fireplace to a home can enhance its resale value by as much as six to 12 percent.
How Much Does a Rock Fireplace Cost?
A stone fireplace typically costs between $2,500 and $10,000 or more. The majority cost between $3,000 and $7,500, but a custom, actual stone design created by a mason is more expensive.
Is a Brick or Stone Fireplace Cheaper?
The cost of brick varies considerably, although it is consistently less expensive than stone, by at least 30 to 50 percent. One reason stone is more expensive than brick is that stone is sold by the ton, whereas brick is sold by the unit.
Shipping stone from the quarry can sometimes be prohibitively expensive. Due to the fact that stone is a natural substance, its colors will vary. As a result, it is advisable to purchase more material than is necessary for the installation in case more material is required for future repairs. This is unnecessary when working with brick.
Stone fireplaces usually cost 20 to 60 percent more than a brick fireplace, even when dense fire bricks are used around the fire. A brick fireplace will cost between $3,500 and $5,000, while a stone fireplace would cost between $4,550 and $7,500.
Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 , 11, 12, and 13.