Introduction

A number of different types of stones can be used for your fireplace. Numerous different materials are used for outdoor patios. For example, concrete, bricks and natural stones are used to make outdoor fireplaces. However, the materials are not limited to these.

Other popular natural stones are bluestone or basic concrete. Regardless of whatever material you choose for your fireplace, you would need to make sure it fits in with your home and backyard design. In this regard, consulting with some experienced patio builders may help you in making better decisions.

Types of stones that can be used for the hearth

Materials used for the hearth of fuel-burning appliances must be non-combustible in order to prevent fire.  Popular hearth stone choices are durable and heat resistant. There are many different types of stones that can be used.

Limestone

Limestone is a very popular material used as a fireplace stone. However, it has some drawbacks. Limestone is one of the most expensive stones. They can also only be used with electric or gas fires as limestone is rather soft and may break due to the high intensity of solid-fuel fire like wood. Another problem with limestone is that it does not spread heat evenly.

Therefore, sections of limestone closest to the fire will be the hottest and have higher chances of cracking as compared to the sections far away from the fire. Under normal pressure, limestone does not crack or scratch. As about the color options, limestone has very limited choices. Limestone usually comes in light shades. For example, gray, white, cream, etc.

Slate

Slate is a fine-grained, durable sedimentary stone and is a highly popular choice for luxury fireplaces. It comes in a variety of colors like red, gray, green, black, etc.

Slate can usually last for years. However, it costs more than limestone. Like limestone, It can only be used with electric or gas fires. This is because slate is also a soft material and might crack under high intensity of solid-fuel fire like wood.

Different textures of slate

Slate is recognized for its different, uneven textures. It comes in a variety of textures. For example, fine-grained slate has a smooth texture. Slates with waves, bands, stripes texture are uneven as compared to fine-grained slate. It also comes in other textures such as ridges, ribbons, etc. All these slate textures are naturally formed due to high pressure.

Granite

Granite is another type of stone that can be used. It costs less than marble and soapstone but more than limestone and slate. Granite can be used for either gas or electric fires or wood fires. It is capable of handling the high intensity of wood-fueled fire well. It is a very hard, durable material. Granite also comes in a variety of patterns and colors, such as white, black, blue, red and brown.

Marble

Marble is a soft stone but it still highly durable and heat resistant. It is made from limestone so it can break very easily. However, it is still a popular choice for hearths due to its excellent heat resistance. It can be used with gas, electric and even wood fires. Marble is one of the most expensive stones but is has a wider range of color options. It comes in white, black, brown, pink, red, yellow, green, etc.

The choices can be a little hard to make on your own, so check in with your local outdoor fireplace builders Long Island for better guidance.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock, famous for its soapy texture. It is more expensive than limestone and slate, but it is also a high resistance, dense stone. This makes it a useful material to be used for hearths. However, soapstone can crack because it is very soft. It comes in a smaller range of colors, typically in grayish and greenish shades.