Whether made from natural stone, bricks, or cultured stone, nothing compares to the radiating heat and comforting glow of a masonry fireplace. There are, however, pros and cons to each masonry fireplace material. Because masonry fireplaces are the focal point of any interior space, and because they add significant value to the home, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each material.
Brick
Like natural stone, brick is a traditional fireplace material that many homeowners seek due to the sense of comfort and tradition it evokes. Brick is, however, not limited to a traditional look, as it is easily adaptable and even enhancing of more modern home designs. Brick typically requires little maintenance. Bricks are less expensive than natural stone, due to their availability and ease of installation. Often, more interesting or complicated designs and patterns are difficult to achieve with brick because of their uniform size, shape, and color.Related: Why Spring and Summer are Great Times for Interior Masonry Fireplace Installation on Long Island, NY
Natural Stone
Many homeowners prefer natural stone for its beauty and authenticity. Each stone is completely unique, and comes with its own natural history and geography. Natural stone is the oldest and most traditional fireplace building material. This is enough for some homeowners to look no further when it comes to an interior fireplace. Natural stone, because of its bulk, the labor intensiveness of its processing, and its transportation costs, can be costly. If the type of stone is not indigenous to your general area, you might be looking at an incredibly expensive project. In addition to cost, natural stone options are somewhat limited when compared to cultured stone. However, for those who will settle for nothing less than authentic natural beauty, natural stone is the only option.Related: Remodel Your Living Room with Interior Masonry in Smithtown