Pittsburgh Stone Fireplaces

With an average annual snowfall of over 40 inches, Iron City residents could use a little warming up every once in a while. While furnaces and boilers are probably the best tool for heating on a large scale, for feeling comfortable and cozy, you just can't beat a stone fireplace. Pittsburgh residents who want to increase the value of their homes and add a bit of charm at the same time should definitely look into fireplaces and what they have to offer.

Brick vs. Stone Fireplaces
There will be little difference between the performances of brick and stone fireplaces. The big selling point of stone, however, is the variety it offers. While it is certainly true that brick fireplaces can be different sizes, styles and even colors, that's about all the variation that's available. Stone fireplaces, on the other hand, come not only in various sizes, styles, and colors, but can be fashioned from different kinds of stone and can even be put together in different ways.

Stone Fireplace Options
Stone fireplaces can be carved, cast, or mortared. A cast fireplace is formed in a mold: It is like a manmade limestone and is generally a less expensive product. Carved stone fireplaces can be made of many different kinds of stone. Though limestone and marble are very popular, they are more expensive than cast stone because they are more difficult to produce and are often made of more expensive materials. Mortared or masonry fireplaces can also be made of many different kinds of stone. They have a very rustic look and are sometimes made using local, found stones to give the piece a look that is unique to the area.

Benefits of a Stone Fireplace in Pittsburgh
A fireplace is not considered to be a cost-effective tool for heating a house (though, it might be okay for a cabin, most houses are much too large for this kind of heating system). Even in a place with a cold and lengthy winter like Pittsburgh, stone fireplaces are rarely installed for any practical purposes aside from making a property more appealing and valuable.

The real benefit of a Pittsburgh stone fireplace is having the ability to relax and enjoy the natural, comforting warmth of a crackling fire. Much like a hot tub, the value of a fireplace comes into play during leisure time or while entertaining.

Gas or Wood
This is really a choice of personal preference. Gas fireplaces are easier and quicker to light, burn a cleaner fuel, and don't require the removal of ashes. Wood fireplaces have a distinctive smell (which many consider enjoyable) and they crackle and pop when they burn. Gas fireplaces are more efficient, but many people find wood fireplaces much more soothing to look at. It really comes down to what you want from your fireplace, and what kind of things about a fire you enjoy most.

Pittsburgh Stone Fireplace Pricing
Installing a stone fireplace, especially in an existing house, is a fairly large job. Pittsburgh residents should plan on setting aside around at least $5,000 for the job. Having a stone fireplace repaired can also be a bit pricey with costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the state of disrepair. While the prices might seem high to some, the vast majority of people, who have installed a stone fireplace or had a neglected one repaired to working order, would recommend it to others.