Fireplaces are often one of the most distinct elements in a home. They add warmth and architectural aesthetics and act as a guide for interior design. Naturally, a fireplace and the elements around it are meant to complement the room. However, fireplaces tend to deteriorate over the years.
Remodelling your fireplace is an excellent investment that pays off by increasing the resale value of your home. Numerous surveys and studies conducted among real estate agents continually show that fireplaces are among the top amenities that buyers look for in a home. If you’re planning to sell your home, it’s essential to ensure that your fireplace is in good condition.
With a wide range of fireplace remodelling solutions available, you have numerous options to choose from and can pick one that fits within your budget. Stone veneers are a popular fireplace stone material that may meet your remodelling needs.
What are stone veneers?
Stone veneers are an affordable and great alternative to using solid stone when remodelling your fireplace. There are two types of stone veneers—natural stone veneers and manufactured stone veneers, also known as faux stones. Stones are quarried from the earth and cut to make natural stone veneers. On the other hand, faux stones are made from a mixture of concrete (cement and light aggregate). The stones are then moulded, shaped, and coloured to look like natural stone veneers.
What are the benefits of using stone veneers on your fireplace?
Stone veneers on fireplaces have many benefits. These include:
1. Aesthetically pleasing
Regardless of where they are used, stone veneers are beautiful. Manufactured stone veneers can be sliced into different dimensions, moulded into different shapes, and coloured differently. Compared to natural stone, faux stones are more consistently coloured to offer a uniform look. This makes it easier for you to choose stone veneers that match your home’s decor and colour scheme. On the other hand, natural stone veneers come in unique colours and shapes. Whichever option you choose, stone veneers can easily turn your old fireplace into a breathtaking centrepiece.
2. Lightweight
Compared to naturally occurring stone that is quite heavy, stone veneers range in thickness from 0.75 inches to 1.50 inches, resulting in a weight of approximately 15 pounds per square foot. This makes veneers ideal for working in small spaces. Their light weight also makes it possible to install them without adding too much weight to the house, and flooring doesn’t require any footing or reinforcement.
3. Easy to install
Compared to natural stone, stone veneers are flexible and easy to install in curved and rounded areas. They can also be installed onto any surface, including cement, brick, metal and wood. and many
Faux stones also come in repetitive patterns; as a result, the installation process is made simpler and quicker. You don’t need to be an expert mason to work with stone veneers. With simple application tips, you’ll be on your way to having an eye-catching fireplace.
4. Budget-friendly
If your fireplace remodelling budget is tight, then stone veneers might be ideal. Compared to natural stone, stone veneers cost less. Additionally, due to their light weight, stone veneers are less costly to transport and install.
5. Fireproof
Stone veneers are a great choice for fireplace stone since they are non-flammable and non-combustible. This makes them a safe choice for your remodelling project. They are also shock-resistant and provide a beautiful, long-lasting material for your fireplace.
6. Durable
Compared to natural stone, stone veneers are less porous; this enhances their durability. Stone veneers can also withstand various weather elements, including sunlight and UV radiation, making them ideal for outdoor fireplaces. When appropriately installed, stone veneers can serve you for many years without showing any signs of wear and tear.
7. Great insulation
When it comes to remodelling your fireplace, you want to use a material that minimises heat loss. Insulation, measured in R-value, is a critical metric. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Stone veneers have a relatively high R-value, making them good insulators.
8. Low maintenance
Stone veneers require very little maintenance after installation. As a result, caring for them is very simple. The only recommended actions are periodic inspections and cleaning. During inspections, it’s essential to look for signs of cracking and damage. You can also clean the veneers using a low setting on a power washer or a soft brush.