Masonry Fireplace Stonework Construction in Ottawa

Key Takeaways

• Fireplace stones have a variety of other benefits. Not only do they look striking, but they work wonders to improve the performance of our fireplace by increasing heat retention and radiating welcoming warmth and ambiance.

• Choosing fireplace stones in Ottawa While aesthetics are important, the durability of your stones should take precedence. Select durable materials such as granite or limestone that are able to endure our tough winters, while remaining aesthetically impressive.

• Selecting the right stone is crucial for outdoor and gas fireplaces, as we want materials that blend beautifully with the outdoors and stand up to changing weather.

• For electric fireplaces, decorative stones and modern finishes offer endless ways to personalize our space, letting us easily match any interior style.

• Proper installation is key. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, avoiding common mistakes and using the right tools ensures our fireplace stays safe and gorgeous for years.

• We are constantly informed on the latest trends and new, exciting materials. This method allows us to achieve customized aesthetic appearances and improves energy performance while guaranteeing lasting beauty and functionality from our fireplace stones.

Repurposed or new, fireplace stones Ottawa provide our homes a timeless natural beauty and rustic foundation upon which to build any aesthetic we desire. From the vast selection of local tartan limestone, to striking granite, to character packed fieldstone, each one brings their unique look and ambience to our spaces.

Our fireplaces often become the main spot for friends and family to gather, with the right stones making the space feel both cozy and lasting. Here, we give you a glimpse of fireplace stones impact on life in Ottawa in the 2nd installment.

What Are Fireplace Stones?

We consider fireplace stones to be the foundation of a warm, inviting living area. These stones, otherwise popularly called stone veneers in Ottawa, add elegance with apparent mix of durability.

Made from a mix of Portland cement, stone bits, and colors, they look like real rock but feel much lighter. Since we hand select from natural, manufactured, and decorative stones, there is a perfect fit for every home.

Adding stones improves heat retention, radiating warmth more evenly than regular brick or tile. Most come with very tidy corner pieces, which help make those hard turns appear sharp and easy.

We’re fans of how easily these stones can go up with the tools we all already use to lay tile. They bring character, personality and a flickering warmth, transforming the space’s entire ambiance.

Top Choices for Outdoor Fireplace Stones

In Ottawa specifically, we find many customers choose granite, limestone, and marble for their outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. Granite is most known for its toughness and weather-proofing, so it holds up well in our harsh winters.

Limestone provides a rounder, smoother look and is ideal for personalized designs that fit any irregularly shaped backyard. Marble is undeniably the more elegant choice with its cool toned luster, but it demands higher maintenance.

Granite and limestone each offer an earthy palette, ranging from gray to beige, and marble tends to be white or pale green. Wood-burning kinds introduce a rustic atmosphere, while gas outdoor fireplaces offer convenience with easy lighting and temperature control.

Installation costs vary widely, from under a thousand to over five thousand dollars. It’s important to make sure that you have a clear, safe area of at least 10 to 15 feet.

Ottawa Climate and Stone Performance

What we experience and understand is how Ottawa’s notoriously cold winters provide us with a serious test when choosing fireplace stones. Our winters range from thaw to arctic vortex, testing stones in every direction. Stones able to withstand dramatic temperature drops and increases without crumbling or losing structural integrity retain their form and fortitude.

This fire-resistant stone, granite or soapstone, as it’s used in our homes, stands up to the fire and the cold. In the original core of Ottawa, masons intentionally produced permeated heritage stone walls in order to keep air circulated. Yet, remarkably, this design feature is absent from the vast majority of new constructions.

We advocate for lime-based mortar, not Portland cement, as an inappropriate mix can spall the stone. Basic maintenance, such as regularly removing snow and ice and choosing the right stone sealant, can keep our stones pristine for years to come.

Styling Electric Fireplace Stones

Electric fireplace stones reportedly make an extraordinary impact on our atmospheres. They bring warmth and coziness to any space, with or without flames.

When we choose decorative stones or media kits, we add a textural and artistic layer of color and shape to the firebox. Our selection ranges from glimmering glass beads to reproduction rocks that complement daring urban lofts or enchanting mountain retreats.

Cast stone, one of my favorite materials to use in North America, allows us to achieve that authentic stone aesthetic without the expense or heaviness. If you’re after custom looks, Omega Mantels and Mouldings Inc.’s Grandstock Series has you covered.

With antique old-world quality and a fresh new attitude, this series has easy-to-swap shelves and legs. Popular finishes include:

• Faux river stones

• Clear or colored glass

• Matte cast stone

• Textured slate

Perfect Stones for Outdoor Gas Fireplaces

Our favorites on outdoor gas fireplaces are slate and river rock. Combined, brick and stone continue to play up your Ottawa yard’s natural beauty seamlessly.

We set stones at least 10-15 feet from anything that can catch fire, keeping the space safe. Fusion Stone includes a patented clip and screw mounting system perfect for simple, fast installation.

It’s easy to mount as you can fix it to multiple surfaces like brick and timber. When picking stones, we check for these must-haves:

• Weather resistance

• Non-combustible material

• Lightweight build

• Easy installation

• Natural look

Installing Fireplace Stones in Ottawa

We usually start each job by removing the old stone work. Next we examine the wall to verify it has the structural integrity to carry heavy stone.

From there, we meticulously measure and cut each individual piece, carefully creating the texture and dimension our clients desire. Setting the stones in place takes a steady hand and a discerning eye.

That’s why our experienced crew at Solid Masonry does it right, expertly measuring and installing every stone for a seamless fit.

We notice a lot of people cut corners by not sealing it or speeding up the curing, resulting in cracks. We mean it when we say, let pros do it, so every mantel can enjoy the beauty and safety of a strong installation for generations to come.

Efficiency, Trends, and Unique Looks

We’re excited to see Ottawa’s fireplace stone trends move towards more functional, eco-friendly, and personalized choices. Consumers are looking for stones that radiate heat effectively, meaning rooms stay warmer for a longer period of time, and energy bills remain low.

New stones, whether produced from recycled material or native stone, become trending for their minimal environmental footprint. Because bioethanol fireplaces burn clean, they create beautiful modern designs. They’re gaining in popularity in residential homes as well since they create no debris and can work in compact areas.

Homeowners and designers alike are playing with marble, granite, and vibrant colored or patterned tiles to create a more modern, distinct aesthetic. We’re seeing the rise of more two-in-one configurations, like fireplace and bookshelf combinations that both warm up rooms and free up square footage.

Since nearly 80% of us are planning to incorporate indoor elements with outdoor fireplaces, they are the most popular happy medium.

Summary

Join us as we explore how fireplace stones in Ottawa achieve beauty and high performance for any location, interior or exterior. As we gaze out at the snow that floats down from the heavens, we luxuriate in the warmth cast by a stone-built hearth. We choose from crisp limestone, striking granite or that vintage fieldstone. Each welcomes us through our fierce and frigid winters and still, remarkably, remains cool. We reconfigured our space for large gatherings or intimate evenings alone with each other and the warmth of the flames. Color is one way we help the space feel vibrant while maintaining beauty and integrity for years in advance. Looking to add some pizzazz to your home or cottage? Connect and engage with us today. We’re always happy to help choose the proper stone and pass along what we’ve learned. Let’s work together and transform your fireplace into the favorite place to be in your home!