Log home designs are characterized by their lofty stone chimneys and huge fireplaces. But these can cost you a good deal of money. Think about their placement and the kind of use you will put them to. A faux stone fireplace looks as good as what nature has given us and the artificial stone will cost you as low as one-third of the cost of natural stone.
Accomplished stonemasons for natural stone work are difficult to come by and are usually more expensive. Faux stone, on the other hand, can be installed quickly and looks just as good as real stone. Installers who do this are easily available too. In many log homes, propane or gas models are replacing wood fireplaces. Enclosed fireplaces are gaining popularity over open fireplaces.
What is Faux Stone Made of?
Faux stone is made from Portland cement with the help of special molds as well as long-lasting, quality permanent pigments. While natural stone is stacked, faux stone is glued to the wall with a cement stucco blend, which contains Portland cement.
Advantage of Lighter Weight
Weight is the primary differentiator between artificial and real stone. The weight of faux stone is about one-sixth or one-seventh that of natural stone. This also translates into a reduction in the cost of transport as well as installation of the faux stone fireplace.
Furthermore, fireplaces with stone veneers or those which are faux stone-faced do not need full masonry foundations for support. These can also be added to the log cabin after the construction is complete, resulting in savings in materials and labor.
Efficient Installation
Putting in place a stone face on a fireplace in a log home requires hard work. You can save effort and time by choosing artificial stone which is lighter. Sticking a natural stone, which is heavy, to a vertical and flat surface can be challenging, while the installation is a breeze with faux stone.
Fireplace Appearance
The faux stone veneers of today look quite authentic. After installation, it is tough to tell it apart from natural stone. Granite, flat field stone, river rock, sandstone, and limestone are just some of the styles of artificial stone that you can find.
Those who manufacture faux stone also craft unique cornerstones that wrap around a corner and create a finished edge. They will also provide mantel supports resembling protruding stones and lintel treatments on your faux stone fireplace.
Save Energy with Woodstove
Quite a few woodstoves use propane or natural gas. You could incorporate the energy efficiency of a woodstove with the charm of a fireplace. Woodstove models come with glass doors to provide a view of the fire while supplying enough heat for large homes.
If you reside in a remote region, propane, wood, or gas woodstoves can ensure you stay warm even when the power supply is down during storms.
Key Takeaway
Faux or manufactured stone is an excellent choice due to its light weight, affordable cost, ease of installation, and delivery. The various colors, layout patterns, and styles of stone veneer make it a pleasing addition to your cozy log home. It can be a great compliment to a home with faux log siding from TruLog.
