Houston Stone Fireplace

When you think of a stone fireplace, Houston probably isn't the first place that comes to mind, but a roaring fire can be just as pleasant in Space City as anywhere else. Particularly, after a cold winter rain, you may want to come home and sit by the fire as it both warms and dries your body and clothes. It can also act as a supplemental heating source that won't dry out your skin or make your eyes itch like forced air heating systems sometimes can.

Stone Fireplaces in Houston, TX
Still, it's unlikely you're going to use your fireplace more than one or two dozen times over the course of a year. Fireplaces have a lot to offer a home even when they're not being used for heat. Beautiful fireplace surrounds including mantels and wall sconces are stunning in their own right. Of course, you'll want to find the fireplace that fits into your home. You may want stone or you may want brick. Some homeowners even find that decorative concrete is the best option for them. Whatever the design of your fireplace, know that it will be a centerpiece of your home décor. Using it sparingly will also reduce the money you spend on firewood and fireplace maintenance.

Outdoor Stone Fireplace: Houston, TX
As hesitant as you might be to install a stone fireplace inside your home, you're probably just as hesitant to purchase an outdoor stone fireplace. Outdoor stone fireplaces, though, don't need a harsh winter to be useful. You can roast marshmallows, grill, provide outdoor lighting for your patio, or simply enjoy the crackling fire. Since outdoor stone fireplaces are generally covered, you don't have to wait for it to dry out after a heavy rain, either, like you might with a fire pit. Plus, you won't have the same level of fumes and smoke blowing in your face as you would from an open-burning flame.

Cost of a Houston Stone Fireplace
We track each and every home improvement project that comes through our system, including stone fireplaces. The national average to install a stone fireplace is around $3,150, but few Houston stone fireplaces make it this high. Many homeowners don't need the same type of elaborate design or high-performance standards as homeowners who live in the northern United States. Of course, if you have extravagant needs, your project can be as expensive as you make it, but there's little reason for prices to get out of hand for this project.

Project Length of a Houston Stone Fireplace
Our same data tells us that stone fireplaces usually take between one and two weeks to install. This, too, may be a little on the heavy side for a Houston stone fireplace project. Unless you have trouble choosing a contractor, have difficult or unique fireplace plans, or a limited schedule, chances are your stone fireplace probably shouldn't take more than a few days to a week. We do see projects take as long as three weeks to a month, but when this happens, there are usually special circumstances that have nothing to do with the contractor's performance. Stone Fireplaces and the Houston Fire Department
While you should always use common sense operating your stone fireplace and closely monitor any fire in your home, the stealthier (although well-publicized) danger of carbon monoxide is what really needs your attention. Making sure your flue is completely open for adequate ventilation is imperative to maintaining home safety. Many states have outlawed ventless fireplaces exactly for this reason.

As you might imagine, the local fire department also has a say in the building codes and permits for stone fireplaces in Houston. Few homeowners have the expertise and the desire to undertake their own stone fireplace installation, but even if you do, you'll have to hunt down a building permit and ensure the end result meets safety standards. If you hire a stone fireplace contractor, they will take care of these requirements for you.