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Although stone fireplaces have been around since the beginning of time, you can now purchase a different kind of fireplace – the cast stone fireplace. Accurate reproductions of Roman and Greek styles can be created using this material. In addition to cast stone being strong and durable, it is breathtaking. With magnificent elements and features, a cast stone fireplace looks like something right out of time, beautiful, charming, elegant, and rich.
In fact, a cast stone fireplace looks almost identical to one made from prime cut limestone. This material is extremely durable, so much so that it has been used by artisans for centuries on the outside of buildings. The interesting thing is that stone on the outside of buildings constructed around the turn of the century that appear to be made from limestone are more than likely made from cast stone. Therefore, you can just imagine how great a cast stone fireplace would be. Although different manufactures of the cast stone fireplace have their own special techniques and secrets, most make the fireplace using a mix of fine graded aggregate, silica sand, and some type of bonding agent. You will even find some manufacturers of the cast stone fireplace using a special hardening agent that produces much cleaner edges. Once the mixture is produced, it is poured into the desired mold to harden. Once hammered out, the result is an amazing cast stone fireplace that looks so much like limestone, telling them apart is a challenge. A cast stone fireplace is also created with all the intricate details to make the finished product look authentic. Then, you would have a choice of many wonderful styles, ensuring you buy a cast stone fireplace that works beautifully in your home. The exciting part – the price of a cast stone fireplace when compared to one made from limestone is drastically less expensive. This means you end up with a beautiful fireplace unlike anyone else’s but at a price you can afford. Another benefit of buying a cast stone fireplace is the material itself, which is noncombustible. Because of this, the material can be used directly next to the firebox opening. This means that the need and cost of other surrounds needed by wood and plaster fireplaces and mantles is eliminated. All around, the value of a cast stone fireplace is worth every dime. You will end up with a stunning focal point in your room that is only enhanced by the roaring fire. Keep in mind that while you can choose the traditional white, you also have opportunity to consider a variety of colors. Your cast stone fireplace will need to be installed by a professional mason in that stones are heavy and the process must be done with expertise and care. However, once your new fireplace is finished, you reap the benefits. If your cast stone fireplace should become dirty, you can clean it with muriatic acid but only if the grout is dry. Simply spray on a mixture of one-part acid with seven parts of water, working in small areas at a time. This will help take the whitish film off, which is part of the masonry process known as efflorescence. When finished, your cast stone fireplace will change the entire look of your room, bringing in culture and sophistication that you simply cannot get from other types of fireplaces. |
