FAQ

On our quote page you will find a guide to the dimensions needed for a custom quote on a fireplace. Click on “Quote” on the top tool bar. There you will find the general instructions and details that are needed to quote a made-to-order fireplace mantel. Visit the fireplace measuring guide page linked here for more great tips on measuring a fireplace.

Typically the overall width and height of the surround is what is needed. Standard dimensions are provided for each mantel. Having the firebox opening height and width can help provide you with a more accurate quote. The firebox can be a prefabricated or a masonry one. Let us know if there are is anything impeding the size. Such as a window, book shelf, door, or TV above.

Feel free to call in or email for additional measurement information. You can also stop by our showroom and speak with a sale rep. We do job site visits and measurements for local Chicago-land projects. In cities such as Barrington, Hinsdale,  Winnetka, Highland Park and other towns.

The following is the best practice of cleaning and maintaining our marble and cast stone products. As a general note a water damped rag is the best option. This gives you the highest chance of not damaging the stone. Using non-harsh stone cleaning products as a last resort is also an option. Visit your local hardware store and they will be able to advise you on their best stocked products.  The less acidic and more neutral cleaners are recommended. Using a high grit fine sandpaper (80-100+ grit) in a light circular motion is another option.

If you spill wine, coffee, juice or another staining product it is best to sock it up immediately with a cloth. Then use a sponge and warm water to lightly remove the rest. Scrub hard if there is still a stain. If the stain or marks remain use a non harsh stone cleaner from a local tile or hardware store. At this point the high grit sandpaper of 80-100+ is also an option. Fold the sandpaper to a manageable size. Apply pressure to the mark or stain and move it in a circular motion clockwise and counter clockwise.

These same techniques can be used to remove smoke and fire damage from the mantel shelf. This is not guaranteed to remove the smoke damage build up. Smoke damage buildup usually happens on wood burning fireplaces. Little can be done to avoid it. Using a real wood burning fireplace there will usually be smoke buildup and that’s just the name of the game and is really unavoidable. Over decades of use and cleanup you could consider replacing the panel above the firebox or chimney opening.

Cast Stone is a light weight product and a simple installation process. Call in for more details on installation or visit this fireplace installation page. Here we provide a more detailed breakdown of how to install marble fireplaces or cast stone surrounds. Stop by our Chicago fireplace showroom to talk to our in-store professionals.

Stone Fireplaces provides local installation on marble and limestone fireplace mantels. Out of state installation is available based on the project. Call for more details. We have installed many projects in New York, new Jersey and other East Coast states. As well as through out the US. Stop by our Chicago store or call in for more details. Great install tips can be found by clicking on the marble fireplace installation link here.

Some models will require additional sealer or patching before installation based on the type of stone ordered. Marble and Travertine may have natural groves and pits. These are natural characteristics of the stone.

Sealing or staining the cast stone fireplace will help protect it from stains, spills and dirt. It will also make it easier to clean up. Polishing marble will also help protect it. Resealing or repolishing may be required after several years of heavy use of the fireplace. Smoke damage that is frequently cleaned may require resealing. The install fireplace page has more great tips.

Our standard delivery is a curb side delivery. Drop off point must be clear. There should be NO SNOW or other natural or non-natural interference. If drop off was not able to be made due to site conditions or other variables relating to the customer or representatives (builders, contractors, subcontractors, family members or appointed parties) then additional charges will apply. If a re-delivery needs to be setup customer will be charged. Additional freight charges from the freight carrier (trucking company) may apply. If additional tools i.e. forklift, lift or similar equipment are necessary to unload the products it is the customers responsibility to provide that equipment and have an equipment operator on site. All delays caused by the customer or the site or it’s managers for delivery will be charged to the client of Stone Fireplaces.

Our current lead time for stock mantels is 1-3+ weeks. We work with national freight carries their particular terms will also apply. For interior delivery further terms will apply. Make sure to go over those details with your sales representative or a representative of Stone Fireplaces. Visit the additional terms and conditions page for more details it is linked in the text. Terms and conditions are always subject to change. The contract/proposal/estimate will have additionally listed terms.

What is GFRC? It is an acronym Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. This is a man made building material that is made to resemble natural stones. Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete is typically made to look like limestone, travertine and sandstone. It can also mimic the look of marble and various cobble stone designs. It is similar in look and feel to cast stone or precast. The durability of GFRC is great due to the polymers and fibers that are added to it to give it additional strength. Making this a very versatile, long lasting, and durable building product. It can be used to make fireplace mantel facings, columns, interior/exterior trim surrounds, fountains and many other home items.

For the best measuring instructions for purchasing a fireplace mantel surround follow the link to our custom fireplace quote page. The quote page gives a general outline of needed dimensions.

Work with a trusted company like us. We will guide you through the purchasing and installation process of a fireplace mantel. We work with marble, cast stone and limestone. Any fireplace mantel dream can become a reality with us. Bring us your custom designs and we will make them happen.

Here is a link for cast stone fireplace mantel installation. Simply click on the highlighted link. Call in or email us for more guides.

Natural stone includes marble fireplace installation. As well as how to install a limestone mantel or a travertine fireplace surround. The guide for fireplace installation can be found in that highlighted link. Also feel free to contact us for more information.

Our over-mantels come in cast stone and marble. Limestone and travertine overmantel surrounds are other options that we have. Most overmantel fireplaces are custom but the general installation instructions apply and they can be found on our install link at the foot of the page or by clicking here.

Care and maintenance of marble is the same as that of limestone and travertine or any other natural stone. It is best to use warm water and a non-abrasive sponge. More can be found under the “All Questions” tab to the right.

To clean cast stone use warm water and a non-abrasive sponge. For more cleaning and care details visit the “All Questions” tab. It provides more details.

Limestone care and maintenance is the same as marble and travertine. It is best to use warm water and a non-abrasive sponge. More can be found under the “All Questions” tab to the right.

Travertine care and maintenance is the same as marble and Limestone. It is best to use warm water and a non-abrasive sponge. More can be found under the “All Questions” tab.

Sandstone care and maintenance is the same as Limestone and travertine. It is best to use warm water and a non-abrasive sponge. More can be found under the “All Questions” tab.

Cantera care and maintenance is the same as marble and travertine. It is best to use warm water and a non-abrasive sponge. More can be found under the “All Questions” tab to the right.