subject: Why Use Manufactured Stone To Build Fireplace [print this page] More and more people now use manufactured stone to build their fireplace, and there are a lot of advantages of using manufactured stone to build fireplace.Such as it offers the appearance of natural stone,it is lightweight,it is durable, maintenance free.Now let me tell you in details about the advantages.
Whether it's the rough-hewn look of fieldstone or the good look of stacked stone, quality manufactured stone perfectly emulates the look and feel of natural stone it can fool even experienced masons.
This remarkable achievement comes from using a formulation of Portland cement, natural aggregates, and carefully selected pigments in meticulously detailed molds modeled after natural stone. The result is a finished product virtually indistinguishable from the original.
Manufactured stone is light weight.
This kind of product typically weighs much less than natural stone, about two-thirds the weight of natural stone veneer and less than a quarter the weight of full-block natural stone. This provides significant savings in shipping and labor costs, as well as reducing the need for costly structural reinforcing.
Manufactured stone is easy to install.
Because of its light weight and convenient sizes and shapes, with a little planning and attention to detail even weekend handymen can successfully install artificial stone veneer. All that's required is following the vendor's simple instructions and observing basic precautions.
Other than perhaps a circular saw with a masonry blade for cutting stones to size, there's no need for many of the heavy-duty power tools often required when working with natural stone. Standard hand masonry tools will do.
Artificial stone can be installed on virtually any kind of wall.
Since its light weight eliminates the need for special footings and foundations, and since it can be applied to any structurally sound wall surface, artificial stone veneer is a perfect building material for fireplaces. It simplifies construction of new fireplaces and remodeling of older, plain brick units.
Manufactured stone is durable and maintenance-free.
Reputable manufacturers of artificial stone provide a 50 year warranty on their product, but that's not the limit of the stone's life-expectancy.
Properly applied, quality manufactured product can be expected to last much longer, even on external walls subject to the elements. Inside a home, on a fireplace for example, manufactured stone veneer should provide service for many generations.
Artificial stone is safe for fireplaces.
Obviously, when constructing a wood or gas-burning fireplace, flammability of the building materials is a concern. By its very nature, artificial stone is non-combustible. It contributes zero fuel and produces no smoke.
Manufactured stone offers wide variety.
Available in dozens of different styles, textures, and colors, artificial stone veneer can emulate any natural stone. This gives you broad flexibility in designing a fireplace that perfectly complements your home and lifestyle, whether traditional or contemporary.
Using manufactured stone veneer saves you money in three ways.
(1) The product itself costs less than natural stone.
(2) Because manufactured stone weighs so much less than natural stone, the cost to ship the stone to your job site -- which can be prohibitive for natural stone -- is much less.
(3) Labor costs are usually lower, since manufactured stone is lighter and easier to work with. Masons can install the product faster, saving both time and money.
That's the main advantages of using manufactured stone to build fireplace.
