There are a variety of different hearth designs available to suit different tastes and different budgets. Hearths are one of the main parts of fireplaces and make a great central focal point for any room.
There is an impressive range of hearth designs from classical to contemporary styles to choose from.
The following is an insight into different styles of hearths available.
Choosing Stone Fire Hearths
Stone hearths are available in a range of configurations and designs to suit different tastes and budgets. When choosing a stone hearth there are several different factors to take into account.
One of the first choices is material. There are many different kinds of stone to choose from. Typical product ranges include hearths made from limestone, marble and sandstone. Each stone has individual characteristics which can help you to make a decision.
- Limestone fireplaces is a cost effective material which has a neutral colour that can adapt to most colour schemes. Limestone is a cost effective and durable solution which can be crafted into a variety of hearth designs. Although limestone may lack the visual impact that other materials have it makes up for it in other areas. If your budget is less restrictive you may want to choose a marble hearth.
- Marble fire hearths is a processed form of limestone that inherits some of the properties of limestone but with a more durable finish. Marble is a classical choice for hearth designs and is a common fixture in many stately homes and mansions. As well as having tougher attributes than other materials it also has a more pleasing appearance providing a reflective tone that compliments many mantles and fireplace surrounds. A host of fireplace suppliers offer
a range of hearths constructed from marble to suit most tastes. Marble is easy to maintain and will receive minimal wear or surface damage over long stretches of time. - A sandstone fireplace is a relatively inexpensive choice which is available from a range of fireplace suppliers. Sandstone is readily found around Britain and can be extracted with relative ease and crafted into a range of hearth designs. Sandstone has a charismatic colour that is suited to some but not all colour schemes. Sandstone compliments fireplaces and surrounds with either copper or brass fixtures and accessories.
To find out more about Stone Fireplace Designs visit the Stone Fireplaces page.
Keeping your Fireplace and Hearth Clean
As stone is a robust material it doesn't collect much dust or surface marks. With the exception of sandstone most hearth materials are extremely resilient and aren't likely to receive scratches from pokers or other accessories.
Minor surface marking can usually be removed with a damp cloth. If the markings persist and cannot be removed a mild solution of soapy water can be used to help shift it. For more thorough markings and stains a carborundum stone can be used to sand away the surface that is affected.
For more tips to help your fireplace looking new visit the Cleaning Fireplaces page.