7 Things to Consider When Choosing the Stone for Your Outdoor Fireplace in Your Elmhurst, IL, Backyard

Nothing is quite like an outdoor fireplace to bring people together in any season. For a beautiful fireplace that will last many years, here are 7 things to consider when choosing the stone for your outdoor fireplace in your Elmhurst, IL, backyard.

1. Fire-safe materials

Safety first! Choose stone that can withstand the heat of a fireplace. This is less of a concern if you are installing a natural gas- or propane-fueled fireplace, but it is absolutely vital when it comes to wood-burning fireplaces. The firebox and flue must be constructed of fireproof cast concrete blocks, brick, or natural stone. Once the firebox is in place, the stone cladding can be more decorative.

2. Design aesthetic

Consider how your fireplace will integrate into your landscape and complement your home. Every type of stone has its own unique character!

Start with your home’s design aesthetic, and narrow your choices to stone that will best complement your home. For example, a fieldstone fireplace with brick accents would look fabulous next to a traditional home, but it would seem out of place next to an ultra-modern home. A fireplace made with large, chunky river stone would look out of place next to a traditional brick Colonial. A more refined look would be more at home here.

3. Natural or manufactured stone?

Natural stone is renowned for character. No two stones are ever alike. So, celebrate the differences! However, natural stone can be more difficult to install simply because natural stone is rarely dimensionally precise, requiring cutting and shaping onsite. This translates to greater labor costs. Manufactured stone is dimensionally precise for easier installation, and it comes in a huge variety of colors, shapes, sizes and textures to complement any design style.

4. Shape

The shape (cut) of the stones you choose will depend on the shape and design aesthetic of your fireplace. The stone you choose will contribute significantly to the visual impact of the fireplace. Keep proportions and laying patterns in mind when looking at the big picture. For example, you can select a chunky rustic look, a traditional brick look, or a refined thin-stack look.

5. Color

Compare samples against your home. You don’t need to match the materials precisely! Give your outdoor fireplace its own presence using complementary colors and textures. Observe what the stones look like both dry and wet, as colors can change significantly when wet.

6. Mantels and hearths

Mantels and hearths are the finishing touches on a fireplace. You can match the color of the fireplace, or contrast it. Modern mantels have a “floating” appearance while traditional mantels have substantial supports. A hearth should always be fireproof stone for safety. While mantels can be wood, stone is weatherproof and won’t require constant maintenance.

7. Accents

Accents add personality to your outdoor fireplace. Take a rustic, chunky stone fireplace to the next level with the addition of a herringbone brick inset just above the mantel. Or add banding to visually enhance the chimney. This is your opportunity to use a stone you love that didn’t make the cut as your primary fireplace material!

Choosing the right stone for your fireplace is a big decision that will pay off in visual beauty, function, and many years of enjoyment by the fire. Give Decra-Scape a call for design inspiration and get started on your outdoor fireplace project!