Ledge Stone for your New Stone Fireplace

Designing Your New Stone Fireplace With Ledge Stone
Selecting the perfect stone for your new fireplace is a very difficult decision for the homeowner for a variety reasons. Every stone style and color tells a different story. The sizes of the  manufactured or faux stone veneer is also critical as it relates to the size of the project. A small stone veneer fireplace (less than 40 sq. feet) in cobble stone might be over powering.  Our Ledge Stone Gallery

Ledge Stone (dry stack stone) fireplace.
This was a brick fireplace completely refurbished
with a wood mantel and stone hearth.
Notice the texture and how the size is
appropriate for the height of the
stone fireplace.

Ledge Stone or Dry Stack Stone Style
Our dry stack stone style is sometimes called ledge stone or stacked stone by other stone vendors. This style of faux stone has a very linear look with lots of texture in each stone and looks especially good on walls with heights no taller than 9'. Due to the relief in the stone, adding ceiling lights will create dramatic shadows and enhancing the drama of the stone and the fireplace. Free Design Ideas

Ledge Stone (dry stack stone) fireplace installed directly
 over brick. The stone veneer was installed with a mortar joint,
wood mantel and raised hearth. Notice how the lighting
enhances the stone. Ceiling height 8'.

Stone Fireplaces with TVs and Book Cases

Ledge Stone or Dry Stack Stone works very well with your new stone fireplace and adding a TV over the fireplace. A block of wood is placed on the surface to be stoned and the TV bracket is then installed. Your stone veneer is then applied up to the block. The wood block is never seen behind the TV. If you ever remove the TV, the block of wood can be removed and the new stone veneer can be feathered in.

Stone Fireplace Pictures and TV images

Ledge Stone fireplace with TV.
No mortar was used for this stone fireplace
Details included a raised hearth,
wood book cases, and recessed lighting.

For More Information about stone fireplaces, stone veneer, interior stone walls, stone wine cellars or stone fireplace design ideas contact us and we will be glad to answer your questions.

Email for more information

North Star Stone, Inc.

1921 Industrial Dr.

Libertyville, IL 60048

Showroom Hours by appointment

847-996-6850

Questions about Stone Fireplaces and adding a TV

Items to  Consider for Stone Veneer Fireplace with TV


1) Your TV is going to need to get power  and a chase to run your HDMI  cables to your existing fireplace before the stone veneer is installed. If the fireplace is currently drywall it is a relatively easy process for your contractor to install the electric and chase.  If you have a brick fireplace, the brick will need to be channeled out first to create a pathway. Also the drywall might need some patching.  The only problem that sometimes adds a bit more time and money is if there is no electric near the fireplace.


2) Do You Add A Wood Mantel?:  We typically suggest that you choose either a wood mantel or a TV with your stone fireplace. Installing both a TV and wood mantel, things typically get too crowded. Either you have to mount the TV to high, or it looks like the TV is sitting on the mantel. Wood Mantel Examples


3) How High to Mount the TV?: That is personal and depends on the  existing height of the firebox and the height of the entire new stone fireplace. A great tool is to tape out the area with blue tape and get a visual of the size and the height of the fireplace. For most installations, the top of the TV shouldn't be higher than 6'6" to 7' high. Also try to keep at least 17" from the bottom of TV frame and the top of the firebox and 20" would be better. Stone Fireplace Design Ideas


4) TV Mounting Brackets:  There are so many different brands, but we do suggest a bracket that allows for tilt and at least some swivel. When mounting the bracket, we suggest installing 2x6"'s to the studs of the fireplace wall and then installing the stone up to the area around the wood where the mounting bracket will be placed.


5) What is the Cost of Getting the TV Wired Before my Stone Fireplace is Installed?: Labor markets differ and so do skill levels. In the Chicago market with a skilled electrician and carpenter getting involved, expect to spend about $500 -$600. But once this work is done, you will now have years of watching TV and enjoying that brand new stone fireplace.


 See pictures of a stone fireplace with flat screen TV

Cobble Stone Fireplace with TV
Mortar Joint, color light chateau

Cobble Stack stone fireplace with TV.
Mortar Joint with soft earth tone colors.
Stone fireplace design ideas

For More Information about stone fireplaces, stone veneer, interior stone walls, stone wine cellars or stone fireplace design ideas contact us and we will be glad to answer your questions.

Email for more information

North Star Stone, Inc.

1921 Industrial Dr.

Libertyville, IL 60048

Showroom Hours by appointment

847-996-6850

Stone Veneer Exteriors; Incredible Transformations

Exterior Stone Veneers

Our thin stone veneers average about an inch and half think and can be applied directly over painted brick. In other instances the siding has to be removed and wire mesh needs to be applied first. The end result is an outstanding and beautiful new home in stone that you will admire for years.

Cobble stone over brick in Northern Brown Stone

Before the addition of stone veneer

Please look at our web site for examples of other finished projects and what we can do with our computer visualizations.  www.northstarstone.biz

For additional information:
North Star Stone, Inc.
1921 Industrial Dr.
Libertyville, IL 60048

847-996-6850
info@northstarstone.biz

Owner Alan Andrews

Dryvit Replacement

Dryvit Troubles?  Stone Veneers Might Help

Dryvit is very good material if the product was installed properly. The problem many homeowners face is moisture due to poor jobs flashing, especially around the windows. Homeowners have several options when they have made the decision to get rid of their Dryit.

The three most popular options for replacing the Dryvit include thin stone veneer, Hardie Board or stucco. Each product creates a unique visual interest and price point. Typically stone veener is the most expensive option and the Hardie Board option is the most affordable. In many cases we will guide a customer to use a blend of two or three of the materials depending on the size of the house and the budget.

One area that can't usually be estimated is the amount of damage, if any, behind the old Dryvit when it is removed. It is essential that the repairs to the underlayment be made before a new exterior surface is applied.

The following project in Glenview IL had several spots of Dryvit that had some moisture problems that needed repair. In about 5 days the home had a complete facelift using our stone veneer in the style of cobble stone.

Dryvit that needs replacement

Computer Visualization

Stone Veneer Replacing Dryvit

Would you like to learn more about how you can replace your Dryvit with our stone veneer?

Please Contact:
North Star Stone, Inc.
1921 Industrial Dr.
Libertyville, IL 60048


847-996-6850
info@northstarstone.biz

For more information, please check our website
www.northstarstone.biz

Stone Veneer Exterior & Stucco Transformation

Get Rid of that Dated Brick & Siding


This home in Barrington, IL had a dated look and the owners wanted to give their home a face lift. With the use of our thin stone veneer and stucco, we created a beautiful new look. The following pictures will show you the change.

The following is a testimonial about their project:

Dear Alan,


Thank you for making our dream come true. Our home is just beautiful and it was completed in a timely way. We are thrilled you came up with the perfect color and contrast. It was a pleasure working with you.


Mike & Irene Wicklin
Barrington IL

Before Picture

After Picture

Before Picture

After Picture

Before Picture

After Picture

For stone veneer design ideas, please call us at 847-996-6850 or email us at info@northstarstone.biz

We are located at 1921 Industrial Dr, Libertyville, IL 60048

Stone Fireplace Design and Installation (Pictures) Northbrook IL

Wisconsin Prairie Style Stone Veneer


In two days this plain drywall fireplace was completely converted to a new thin stone veneer fireplace. The style of the stone is our custom Wisconsin Prairie Style stone, and the installation was done without a mortar joint. The existing doors were rather dated and the customer had new doors installed before we installed the stone.

If you need help in designing your fireplace or selecting a style or color of stone, please call us for more information. For the Chicago Land market we offer free design service at our showroom or your home.

                         Two Story Stone Veneer Fireplace in Wisconsin Prairie Style Stone

                                              Before Picture with old doors and drywall.

If you are ready for a beautiful fireplace transformation, please call us.

For More Information on transform your fireplace to a stone fireplace:

*Call 847-996-6850

*Email: info@northstarstone.biz

*Visit our showroom at 1921 Industrial Dr., Libertyville, IL 60048

*www.northstarstone.biz

Stone Fireplace Picture and Design

Do You Need A Stone Fireplace Make Over?


Did you know it is incredibly easy to transform your dated fireplace to a new stone fireplace?  Even if you have an existing stone fireplace that needs a facelift, we can help design and create a beautiful stone veneer fireplace.

Before Fireplace: Old lannon stone, stained limestone made the room look dated.

New Stone Fireplace: We used our Wisconsin Prairie Style Stone with a mortar

joint. Our Fairfield mantel in cherry wood was installed along with a new solid slab of 

rock faced limestone. Separately a new high efficiency insert was installed by a separate 

vendor.

If you are ready for a beautiful fireplace transformation, please call us.

For More Information on transform your fireplace to a stone fireplace:

*Call 847-996-6850

*Email: info@northstarstone.biz

*Visit our showroom at 1921 Industrial Dr., Libertyville, IL 60048

*www.northstarstone.biz

Stone Fireplace Design; Stacked Stone

Create A Stunning Stone Fireplace

The homeowner wanted to change the contemporary styling of her fireplace that was in drywall and plaster styled mantel. The mantel was to be removed and the hearth modified.

The homeowner had a keen eye for color and brought paint and fabric swatches to the showroom for the perfect color of stone. The stone is in the earth tone family with warm shades of rust and some complimentary coloring of charcoal and hints of gold.  The style stone was a 50-50 blend of our mountain ledge stone and our drystack style stone. The installation was done without a mortar joint creating more texture. The fireplace took two days from start to finish to complete.


Completed Fireplace

Mountain Stack Style Stone

Before Fireplace

For More Information on transform your fireplace to a stone fireplace:

*Call 847-996-6850

*Email: info@northstarstone.biz

*Visit our showroom at 1921 Industrial Dr., Libertyville, IL 60048

*www.northstarstone.biz

Stone Veneer Fireplace Testimonial Grayslake, IL

A stone fireplace from North Star Stone of Lake County, IL is a surprisingly affordable way to create a distinctive new look for your old and dated fireplace.

Thin stone veneers are custom colored in our Libertyville, IL factory where the customers select their favorite style stone and and color. Our skilled artisans will hand select each piece of stone to make master piece new stone fireplace.

Tom of Grasylake wanted to add a TV and stone veneer (manufactured stone) to his home. Look at the following video of how we crafted a custom stone veneer fireplace.

For More Information on transform your fireplace to a stone fireplace:

*Call 847-996-6850

*Email: info@northstarstone.biz

*Visit our showroom at 1921 Industrial Dr., Libertyville, IL 60048

*www.northstarstone.biz

Thank You

Thank you for helping us create a beautiful stone fireplace. The style of stone and color scheme fit our home perfectly. We love the enhancement this addition had made to our family room.

Your installation team did a great job, they were very neat and professional.

Jeff & Kathleen Antioch, IL

For a free fireplace estimate, call North Star Stone, Inc at 847-996-6850.
Email at aandrews@northstarstone.biz

What Interior Designers are saying

Award winning designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer wrote the following:

When I am invited into a new clients home, they often point out the fireplace first and say that they are very unhappy with the overall design from the original builder. Typically, its made from drywall and some trim pieces with a mantle that is not deep enough to display proper scale accessories.

I love using stone from North Star Stone. It's beautiful appearance adds texture drama and luxury to any space whether it be contemporary or traditional design. The large color selections joined with the overall design palette, creates your own personal retreat space.

Michelle Rohrer-Lauer
www.michellesinteriors.com

Hawthorn Woods now allows stone veneer

The Village of Hawthorn Woods in Lake County Il, is now allowing home owners the opportunity to update the look of their home with the use of thin stone veneers. In the past, the village allowed only real stone to be used on the home for both new construction and remodeling. Check with the Building Department first to make sure you meet their criteria.

North Star Stone, Inc. has recently completed two of the first stone veneer projects in the late fall of 2009.  The Village Architect, Jeff Pathman was instrumental in getting the changes approved.

Below is an example of home that added new siding and ledge stone veneers.

For stone veneer design ideas for your home, call 847-996-6850 or email @info@northstarstone.biz

Our factory and showroom are located at 1921 Industrial Dr., Libertyville,IL 60048

Basics of Stone Veneer Installation

Manufactured stone veneer can be installed to any structurally sound material including wood, wallboard, masonry and metal. If the surface of where the stone is going to be installed has a residual coating such as paint, additional preparation is necessary. Either the coating needs to be removed or a wire lath needs to be secured into painted surface.

Installation over wood, wall board or similar surface needs a moisture barrier similar to a Tyvek Stucco Wrap installed with galvanized fasteners and the seams sealed with tape designed for the wrap. Some building codes also require an additional non perforated asphalt saturated organic felt installed for exterior stone installation. Over a masonry walls such as block or brick a moisture barrier is typically not necessary. Check your building codes for additional requirements.

A galvanized wire lath is secured over the moisture barrier for the non masonry surfaces (unless the masonry is painted) with appropriate sized fasteners usually nails or screws. A skim coat of mortar approximately 3/8” is applied to the wire lath surface and allowed to dry.

Corners are installed first and staggered. Typically starting at the bottom of the project, mortar is then applied to the backs of each piece of stone approximately 3/8”- ½” thick and the stone is then pushed on to the wall and gently wiggled to get a firm grip. Hold the stone for a short period of time. Try to avoid getting the mortar on the front of the stone.

Mortar joint thickness depends on the style of the stone, some stones look better without a mortar joint. After the stones have been installed you can go back with a masonry bag filled with mortar and fill in between the stones, using a trowel to strike the joint. A brush then should be used to remove excess mortar from the joint or the face of the stone.

Tips: Lay out the stone if you are new to this. Use a masonry hatchet or a grinder with a diamond blade for trimming stones to fit. Look at a masonry book to get an idea of the stone arrangement. You don’t want to have a straight line with the stones across your project. You also want to make sure that the sizes, shapes and color of stones are mixed well for variety and interest. Though you will be saving money by installing the stone yourself, you might want to consider hiring a professional mason for expert installation, their years of experience will make sure you project looks beautiful and authentic.

For information about professional design and installation and our custom made stone. Email infor@northstarstone.biz or call us at 847-996-6850.

History of Manufactured Stone

The first stone veneers showed up in the early 1960’s. They became popular because they are light weight (about ¼ of the weight of a full piece of stone) and ease of installation. This combination saved in total installation costs in the 60’s and today. You will see manufactured stone being used from large commercial buildings to residential construction.

Real stones with assorted sizes and textures are used for the molding process. A flexible rubber like compound is used to cast the mold for both the flat and corner pieces and additional accessories from drip sills, light boxes and hearth stones. The rubber mold captures all the texture and uniqueness of each stone. A typical model set of a 100 square feet will have anywhere from 100 to 150 different stones.

Manufactured stone veneers are made of Portland cement, an aggregate and a coloring agent. The type of aggregate and coloring process differs among manufactures and creates differences in stones from both a strength and color perspective.

Most stones from all manufactures’ average about 1½” thick, but will have a variation in thickness from 1” to 3”, depending on the stone style. The weight of the stone depends on the aggregate being used and varies from 4 pounds to 9 pounds per square foot.

The coloring process differs from different producers of stone. Some manufacturing companies spray stain the color of stone after it is molded. Others use a more labor intensive process and hand color each mold for richer, deeper and truer colors.

At North Star Stone, Inc. of Libertyville, we do things in a very customized manner and use what we consider better raw ingredients. Our aggregate is a light weight high temperature fired shale which makes the stone a little heavier, but also stronger for building tests and less likely to break during delivery. Our colors are from iron oxides and actually applied into the mold before the concrete is poured. During the curing process in our heat room the concrete dries and pulls the color into the stone. This provides a very natural looking stone.

There probably won’t be a lot of changes in the stone business from a manufacturing point of view. We are just trying to replicate nature and be as authentic as possible. At North Star Stone we like to think of ourselves as craftsmen in both making the stone and installing the stone. Please contact us about your stone project.

Visit our Preferred Partners

Finding a great contractor is always a challenge and some of the best ways to find a contractor is through a referral. If you look at our web site, http://www.northstarstone.biz/ and go to the about us section, you will see a section called Visit Our Partners. These contractors are all outstanding, providing quality and experience in their fields. Please give them a call.

Earn $100 Gift Certificate

Sheila Marling of Libertyville referred her friend Patti Albano to our business. A couple of years ago Sheila wanted to change her fireplace to have the look of stone. The finished fireplace is shown to the right.

Patti Albano liked Sheila's fireplace and hired us to perform the same "magic".

Remember that all referrals that result in new customer business earn you a $100.00 gift certificate to Lettuce Entertain You.

Thanking our Customer Referrals

How do you earn a gift certificate to one of the wonderful Lettuce Entertain You restaurants? By referring your friends and family to our business. If you are a customer and your referral results in a sale including installation you will earn a $100 gift certificate. A sale with out installation valued over $1000 earns you a $50.00 gift certificate.

A $100 gift certificate was sent to Sue Beshel of Lake Villa for referring her brother, a carpenter who hired us for his customer's fireplace.

A $100 gift certificate was sent to Terry & Cress VanderMeerseh of Gurnee for referring Kevin and Candy Rasmussen of Lake in the Hills.

A $50 gift certificate was sent to Robert and Suzanne Daugherty for referring David Kolssak who purchased our stone and had it installed.

So enjoy dining out and keep those referrals coming.

Thank you.

visit www.leye.com to see a list of the many places the gift certificates can be used.

Stone Veneer Computer Visualization

The following image shows an example of what the house would look like if stone was used on the entire front of the home. The customer looked at using stone just on the two peaks of the house and decided their preferred look was the full front of the house in a lighter cobble stone color.

Remember the computer does a great job in giving you a representation of what the house will look like. Occassionally a customer gets a bit frustrated because our stones don't exactly match the computer's selection of stone.

Please email a picture of your home, with the picture taken head on without an angle. Send the photo and your name, phone number and address to homephoto@northstarstone.biz.

Stone Veneer Computer Visualization Before Picture

Are you wondering how stone veneer would look on your house? Should the exterior stone color be a darker tone or maybe a cobble stone shape? At North Star Stone, Inc. we try to assist you with our computer visualization program.

In a series of three pictures you will see the before, computer image and the after. The program doesn't offer all of our styles or colors of stone, or allow us to add detail, like trim stones, but for most of our customers this tool is very helpful.

For more information call us at 847-996-6850.

Or email us a picture of your home. Take the picture standing straight in front of the home like the picture in the blog. Email the picture to homephoto@northstarstone.biz. Include your name, telephone number and your full address. There is no cost to you.

New Showroom for Stone Veneer Now Open

Please come and view our new showroom for ideas and to view the many stone styles and samples. Numerous pictures and custom wood mantels are also on display.

We ask that you call for an appointment. We offer appointments daily and also on the weekends and evenings, if that more convenient.

Call 847-996-6850 for an appointment or email at aandrews@northstarstone.biz

Or visit us at http://www.northstarstone.biz/