As you look to upgrade or install a new fireplace in your home, you will learn about a lot of specific elements associated with a stone fireplace design. A fireplace has many custom design options and when you understand what each feature is, you can make more precise decisions for what you want your fireplace to look like.
Use this glossary to learn more about design terms and ways to customize a fireplace. When you collaborate with veneer stonework companies, the use of the terms will help get your vision across more clearly.
Mantle
One of the more common terms associated with a fireplace is the mantle. The mantle is an overhang that sits above a fireplace and is mainly used for decorative purposes. The small shelf is ideal for holding home décor including small plants, picture frames, and decorative statues.
When you have a stone fireplace, you have multiple mantle design options. You can extend the veneer stone outwards to create a natural-looking extension of the stone or choose another material like wood. The mantle can extend out just from the front of the fireplace or wrap around the sides with more added shelf space to put items.
Another term associated with the mantle is the overmantle. If you want to mount televisions or decorative items above the fireplace, the mounts would typically install on the overmantle section above the mantle. The fireplace installers would use special stone pieces with mounting options to make the installation of items easier.
Jamb
A fireplace jamb is the bordered area around a fireplace. A jamb, sometimes interchanged with the term slip, may feature two columns connected by a horizontal piece or an arch that goes over the fireplace. A jamb is commonly found with brick-based fireplaces, but are not as common with stone fireplaces.
A stone fireplace will feature natural stone shaped around the opening. If you want a similar look to a jamb, then you may consider the use of trimmers. Trimmer stone veneer pieces are small, rectangular cut pieces that can be placed into a pattern around your fireplace.
Base
The base of a fireplace may also refer to a fireplace bench. If your fireplace does not sit ground-level, then the base could feature an extension outwards that resembles a small sitting area. The fireplace base is an ideal location to store fireplace tools like pokers, shovels, and brushes.
The base is also an ideal location to sit and relax close to the fire. You may use seat cushions if you want to sit at the fire for an extended amount of time to read a book or just take in the heat. On a stone fireplace, the base is typically installed with flat and smooth rocks.
The smooth flat surface has the strength to hold a lot of weight and gives a fireplace extra depth and texture. The base blends right into the hearth of a fireplace, which is known as the interior base.
Woodbox
You can utilize the space underneath a fireplace base to install a woodbox. A woodbox is an opening cut into the stone. The opening provides a space to stack wood or small kindling used for the fire. The location is easy to access and doesn't take up a lot of extra space in the location of your fireplace.
Summer Cover
During the summer months, you may not use your fireplace as much and want to keep the opening covered. Once you know the exact shape of your fireplace design, you can order a summer cover to go over the fireplace opening. The summer cover blocks up the opening and adds an elegant look to the fireplace.
You can choose from many materials, including finishes and styles to match your fireplace.
Contact us at Harristone to learn more about the fireplace features and options for your home. We have many stone veneer finishes and elegant styles to really make your fireplace stand out for years to come.