Limestone was very popular as a building material in the middle ages, particularly in Europe and North America. Many medieval European castles and churches were made from limestone, as were the pyramids of Egypt – this is surely the ultimate testament to the longevity of limestone.

Limestone is a very soft yet strong, durable material, and, being soft, is easy to carve and cut into blocks. Thus, the material is ideal for use to fashion into limestone fireplaces. Limestone has been used in fireplaces for hundreds of years, and today there are many types of fireplace made from limestone on the market. The older, original limestone fire surrounds are available from antique fireplace specialists and reclamation yards, whilst other retailers sell excellent reproduction and contemporary limestone fireplaces at a fraction of the price of antique versions.

Limestone, like marble, is very soluble, and especially so if exposed to acid. For this reason, it is important to keep acid-based cleaning solutions away from your limestone fire – instead, use a mild or neutral alkaline-based solution. Acid cleaners will cause etching on your limestone surface, causing scratching and abrasions.

Most limestone fireplaces come in light neutral colours, such as off-white, cream and various shades of beige. Unlike marble fireplaces, limestone can stain easily, so good retailers may recommend you get your limestone fireplace chemically sealed. Keeping such a fireplace clean is relatively simple – just use a damp sponge with soapy water.

The various types of limestone fireplace are:

1. Agean limestone: an off-white coloured limestone from Turkey.

2. Portuguese limestone: the beige-coloured limestone from various regions within Portugal.

3. Moca Crème: a veined, beige Portuguese limestone.

4. Semi Rijio: The cream/fawn limestone with light veining from Portugal and Spain, which is the most popularly used.

5. Other types used include Calisa Capri, an ivory, mottled limestone, and Moleanus, a lightly mottled Portuguese limestone with a slight sheen.

If your DIY skills are OK and you wish to have a go at fitting a stone fireplace, here are some tips to help you:

1. If you buy a ready-made stone fireplace, it will come with a fixing kit designed to make fitting easier. Follow instructions carefully and make sure you have all the correct tools to hand. If you do not feel confident handling the job alone, enlist the help of a friend.

2. If you are feeling particularly brave, you may wish to build your stone fireplace from scratch. The first job will be to decide which type of stone is to be used and the style of fireplace to be built – will it reach from floor to ceiling? Go across the whole wall? Whichever type of stone fireplace you build, the supporting structure will have to be built accordingly. Gather all material and tools together.

3. If you are a complete novice, it may be wise to use a stone fireplace kit rather than individual stones – this will be much easier to put together.

4. If you are building a fireplace from scratch, you will need a template. Measure around the fireplace and make the template, according to measurements, on a wooden board.

5. Pack the stone tightly within the template in the chosen pattern, using a diamond blade saw to cut the stones, in order to ensure a good fit.

6. Mix mortar and apply to the back of each stone, using a trowel. Install stones on the hearth first, in desired pattern. There are many colours of mortar, so choose one that complements the colour of stone used.

7. Build the fireplace frame, with 2 by 4 pieces of wood and a nail gun. Secure in place.

8. Fix stones to the frame with mortar. When this has dried, use mortar to fill any spaces between the stones.

9. Place grout between the stones, using a damp sponge to wipe any excess away. If slate is used, a sealer will need to be applied.

If this is your first attempt at fitting a fireplace, it is probably wise to stick to a basic design. If you want something elaborate, it is always best to seek the advice of a professional in regard to fitting a stone fireplace.

The Open Fire Centre, Oldham, sells a good variety of York stone fireplaces. There are 20 to choose from, so there really is a York stone fireplace to suit everyone. All models are named after Yorkshire rivers, and the Aire is a beautifully simple yet contemporary fireplace, available in 3 types of Yorkshire stone: sandstone, limestone and gritstone. The Colne is a traditional fireplace, featuring a cathedral-arched fireplace opening and intricate patterning to the front of the mantel – available in the same 3 types of York stone as the Aire.

The Ouse is a grand example of a York stone fireplace, and has decorative columns at either side, with decorative mantel- shelf and thick hearth. This fireplace is suitable for freestanding fireplaces, which sit in a recess on the mantel.

All York stone fireplaces are contemporary with a touch of tradition, meaning that they are an ideal focal point for any home, traditional or modern. For prices or any other queries regarding their range of fireplaces, contact The Open Fire Centre.

York stone hearths are also available at the Open Fire Centre, and these are ideal for use with stoves. All types of York stone are very durable and able to withstand the heat from a burning stove extremely well. Also, the stone is very easy to clean – for general cleaning, simply use a clean damp cloth. For stubborn marks, warm soapy water and a scrubbing brush should easily remove such markings. There are various types of York stone fireplace hearths available, such as 5 piece ones suitable for the hottest fires, and curved or facetted hearths, ideal for corner stoves.

Modern Fireplaces Direct sells an excellent range of modern stone fireplaces at low prices. The Jura Stone collection is made from natural Jura stone, and may be used with all types of fire. Jura stone is scratch and stain resistant, meaning the fireplace will look its best for many years to come. The Cartmel Package consists of a contemporary Jura stone surround with arched fireplace opening and a gas or remote- controlled electric fire. The Cranbourne Jurastone fireplace package features a simple yet beautiful contemporary fire surround, with matching hearth and slips in Jurastone.

Modern Fireplaces Direct also has a marble and limestone collection, and white limestone paired with black marble makes for a modern stone fireplace that will look amazing in any contemporary setting. The Premier Stonehenge fireplace is made from pure cream limestone, and its simple angular finish is the ultimate in modernity. The contrasting black granite hearth is not included in the price, but may be purchased separately. The Woburn Limestone package features a simple limestone fireplace mantel, complete with fireback, fire and black granite hearth. For any queries, contact the company.

There are hundreds of stone fireplace retailers and manufacturers in the UK, offering various styles of contemporary fireplaces in all types of stone. Many of these have online sites in addition to their high street stores, whilst some operate exclusively on the web. If you are interested in purchasing a modern stone fireplace, check out the Internet for the best possible deals and prices.

Peter Feaster is a creator of reproduction stone fireplaces, and his designs can be seen on his website. He uses natural Cotswold stone for his fireplaces, which is both strong and durable, and very rich in texture and colour – although its natural colour is various shades of honey beige, Cotswold stone also comes in cream and buff.

Peter has a varied range of period stone fireplaces, divided into 4 sections: English, Classical, French and Contemporary. The Gothic Corbel is a fine example of a period fireplace, and is available in Bath, Cotswold or Portland stone. The beautiful Baroque fireplace, styled in the classical Baroque tradition, features intricate carvings around the fireplace opening and on the mantel. Like the Gothic Corbel, the Baroque is available in 3 types of stone – Bath, Cotswold and Portland.

The Louis XV French stone fireplace is a wonderful example of a fireplace from that era, with its graceful curves. This fireplace would bring character and style to any home and has a truly timeless appeal – available in 3 types of stone. In addition to period fireplaces, Peter Feaster has a contemporary range, and one of these is the Draycott: this minimalist fireplace is very beautiful, and what it lacks in decoration, it makes up in presence – the perfect fireplace for the modern home.

Peter Feaster stocks cast-iron baskets, hob grates and inserts to complement his period stone fireplaces -this means you have the convenience of purchasing your dream fireplace from one stockist. If you have a specific design in mind for your stone fireplace and do not see it in the collection, why not consider the option of the bespoke service offered by the company? Contact Peter Feaster with any enquiries regarding period stone fireplaces.

Stone Essentials has created many stone fireplace surrounds for discerning customers. Whether you are looking for something classical, traditional, or contemporary, Stone Essentials will make the fireplace of your dreams a reality with their bespoke design service. Past designs they have completed are on their website to give others ideas about what they might want in a stone fireplace surround, and The Spandrels is a fine example of this.

Made from warm sandstone, the Spandrels features a cathedral style arch with contrasting moulding, and will bring character and warmth to any living area. The Minimalist is a no-fuss stone surround, specifically suited to the more modern home. With its slim hearth and mantel, the Minimalist is ideal for use with a contemporary gas or electric fire. For any queries, contact Stone Essentials.

County Stone, based in West Sussex, has 20 years experience in producing stone goods, including stone fireplace surrounds – they have an impressive collection of no fewer than 20 limestone fireplaces. The Arundel is an impressive surround designed for use with hole-in-the-wall fires, and features curved lines that will look good in any setting, whilst the beautiful Chichester is a traditional style fireplace in cream limestone, decorated with ornate hand-carved oak leaves and acorns.

The Ferring is an elegant, classically designed stone fireplace surround that will look good in both traditional and contemporary settings – the simple yet stunning look, with its use of clean lines, will appeal to many. For more information regarding the County Stone fireplace collection and prices or their bespoke service, contact the company.

Stone is a very versatile material, and thus there are many types of stone fireplace, both traditional and contemporary. Whether you have an open fire, a gas-burning stove, or a gas or electric fire, there is a fireplace made from natural stone to suit. The beauty of having a bespoke fireplace is its uniqueness – you can be sure that nobody else will have one exactly like it. It also brings a sense of pride and satisfaction to have your own ideas incorporated into your fireplace.

When we normally think of stone, we think of a damp, cold material, but such a fireplace brings surprising warmth and comfort into a room, due to its rustic character and its colour (many stones are a warm beige). Also, despite being a very old material, stone looks at home in the most contemporary of settings – this is because stone lends itself well to the clean lines and minimal decoration seen in many modern homes. Whichever stone fireplace you decide on, it will prove an attractive addition to your home for many years to come.

Fireplace World sells a huge range of stone and marble fireplaces. Fireplace components are sold separately, so fires, mantels, back panels, and hearths may be mixed and matched, according to individual tastes.

Fireplace World sells a wide range of marble fireplaces from all periods, including Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian, right up to the contemporary age. Several types of marble are used, including solid marble and several shades of stylish micro marble, and all types of marble are available in a wide range of colours and finishes.

An excellent range of stone fireplaces is also available, and these are very much in demand today. Like marble, stone is easy to carve into the clean lines popularly used in both traditional and contemporary styling. Fireplace World stocks a number of different stone fireplaces, including sandstone and limestone.

Why not browse the internet and let your imagination run away with you? Try pairing a stone back panel and hearth with a marble mantel, or vice versa – experiment with the different types and colours of stone and marble until you find a stone and marble fireplace you really like.

Stone is the perfect material from which to fashion the minimalist look – it is versatile and robust, making it very popular with contemporary fireplaces designers. A stone mantel represented grandeur in the upmarket houses of the Tudor nobility, and the same can be said today – a modern stone fireplace creates a striking monumental look in any room, whilst at the same time adding elegance and surprising warmth. Also, like marble, stone has a natural character, meaning that each fireplace is unique in its own right.

Many modern stone fireplaces are based on a traditional design, but with a modern twist. In fact, the most popular designs combine the classical with the innovative – many contemporary stone fireplaces are reminiscent of the art deco period, with their clean symmetrical lines.

Stone mantels are available, in addition to complete stone fireplaces. Depending on the type of stone, there is a wide range of colours and finishes to choose from – textured limestone has a natural, rough stone-like finish, while polished limestone is reminiscent of marble, with a smooth, even surface.

The great thing about stone is it never ages or goes out of style – a modern stone fireplace adds a timeless and unique beauty to any home.