Appreciating Natural Fireplace Materials
The fireplace can be crafted from natural materials (e.g. Stone/Granite/Marble) which have formed over many millions of years, in many cases over 300 million years. Extracted directly out of the earth containing fossils and layers of organic material which, when worked, form the exquisite beauty of stone that ancient nature has created. Therefore you can expect to find markings and veining running throughout the material which would either not be present, or removed in a man-made manufactured product, which is then seen as flawless and consistant. Both have their place, those of us who appreciate natural materials in their homes and undeniably those who wish for products made from manufactured materials without inperfections (e.g. Corian).
Natural materials are sourced from different areas found in countries all over the world, all having individual characteristics, strengths and practical uses. These have to be considered when choosing a fireplace together with the method of heating appliance which is intended to be used within the fireplace. Continue Reading »