Stone Fireplace Design Ideas with TV over Brick, Libertyville, Illinois

Tired of Your Brick Fireplace? Design a New Stone Fireplace and add a TV


This customer located in Libertyville, IL wanted to update their great room and get rid of the dated brick and add stone and a flat screen TV to their fireplace.


When designing the new stone fireplace we talked with the customer to understand their project goals and also select the best style and color of stone. The color pallet was picked from the adjacent kitchen, bringing the colors of the back splash into the great room.

The fireplace goals included:.

1) Prepare brick fireplace for electric and provide chase for HDMI cables.

2) Level the brick fireplace work area to one level. That meant chipping the brick around the arch and filling in the low spots on the left and right side of the fireplace.

3) Paint the existing brass fireplace doors with a flat black paint and save over a $1000 by reusing the existing doors.

4) Install cobble stone in customer's personally selected color. (Custom hand coloring is one of unique specilities)

Before Picture Brick Fireplace

Preparation work for getting the brick fireplace ready for the TV and stone.

• Day 1 of the project our contractor came in to chip out a course of brick horizontally at about the middle level of the fireplace. He also cut into the drywall on the side of the fireplace to bury his PVC chase and electric.
• Day 2, the masons arrived to level the brick, take off the top layer of the brick on the hearth and build out the the sides that were slightly recessed. The masons worked as a team installing the cobble stone, installing a new hearth and trim stones over the firebox. At the end of the day the fireplace was complete.
• Day 3, first contractor comes back to mount TV and make sure the cable, DVD and TV are all working together.

Finished Cobble Stone Fireplace

TV Installation over Fireplace You Tube To see the TV contractor and masons in action what this short video. If you like the video, please like us.

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

For additional information:

North Star Stone, Inc.

1921 Industrial Dr.

Libertyville, IL 60048

847-996-6850

Email us for more information

Owner Alan Andrews

Stone Fireplace Design Ideas with TV

Do you Have a Newer Fireplace Designed for a big old TV?

Homes built 8-12 years ago were being built with pre fab fireboxes, enclosed in drywall and containing a hole for a deep, large and heavy TV. These boxes were typically off centered and create a design nightmare for the home owner. Watch the You Tube Transformation

                                                       

Before Fireplace

Fireplace Goals

Finished Fireplace

We have worked with so many different homes and have created a new YouTube showing how you can update your fireplace by adding stone and a flat screen TV. Due to the extensive demo and remodeling, this project took a total of three days.  But the end result is absolutely amazing.

Look at the following link to see this outstanding transformation: Fireplace Transformation YouTube

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

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 Fireplace with TV, Vernon Hills, IL

Beautiful Basement Stone Fireplace


The following fireplace is a blend of our two most popular styles of stones that we call Mountain Stack. The installation is done without a mortar joint and color coordinating hearthstones were installed. The colors are a rich earth tone, but the lighting washes out some of the color.

Our stone installation was coordinated with the homeowner's contractor. We suggested the built in fireplace and the recessed lighting to create the beautiful shadows at night. The carpenter then built a frame around the fireplace to tie in with the bar.

Before Picture

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

Free Stone Fireplace Design Ideas

We try to help all our local customers with added value from customized colored stone to expert installation.

One thing we offer that your typical stone supplier or mason won't provide is a free computer visualization of your fireplace. Imagine getting an idea of what your fireplace will look like and examine different colors and styles of stone. With our program, we can share those images with you.

We also offer professional and personal design ideas. Asking you your visions for your new fireplace and what changes to the room you might be making in addition to the stone fireplace.

Review the attached video and call us if you have any further questions.

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 and TV Northbrook IL

Stone Fireplaces and Flat Screen TVs

Stone fireplaces and flat screens go together like cookies and milk.

In about two days we can help you transform your existing fireplace into a stone fireplace. With some preplanning we can guide you every step of the way on how to best spend your money an enjoy a new stone fireplace and flat screen TV.

Every job is different depending on the original fireplace, the size and layout of the room and your budget. The one thing you must do is get the electric and audio installed before you install the stone. Deciding on adding a TV to an existing stone fireplace is costly due to the demo.

Our web site www.northstarstone.biz in the fireplace picture gallery has many examples of  Flat Screen TV's  and stone fireplaces.

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 with Book Cases, Naperville IL

Don't Forget the Bookcases when adding a Stone Fireplace


When considering your stone fireplace design, don't forget the accessories like the dream flat screen and new bookcases.

As mentioned in earlier postings, we have never had any issues with heat and a flat screen TV.  But customers now want a place to store their components and dress up the wall of the new stone fireplace. Working with North Star Stone and a cabinet maker or knowledgeable contractor we can assist you in coordinating the different phases of building the stone fireplace of your dreams and making your room more functional.

Our web site www.northstarstone.biz in the fireplace picture gallery has many examples of  bookcases and stone fireplaces.

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 with TV, Crystal Lake, IL

Stone Fireplaces with a TV create added living space


Adding a TV to your stone fireplace is a great idea and blends two focal points into one centralized focal point and conserves space. If your new stone fireplace design ideas call for adding a TV, rest assured that the heat will not be an issue if your fireplace has been properly installed. As a test for your own peace of mind, create a fire in your existing fireplace and hold a thermometer about 17" above the firebox. In most cases the outside heat won't read over 85 degrees.

You will need a contractor to pull the electric and provide a chase for the cables to be installed. A mounting block is attached to the wall and the stone is applied to the fireplace and around the mounting block. The contractor will then mount the TV after the stone is installed.

The following two pictures show the completed project and the before picture. If you would like professional stone fireplace designs for your home, call North Star Stone, Inc @ 847-996-6850

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

Exquisite Stone Fireplace Transformations

Stone Fireplaces are a wise investment. The thin stone veneer is light weight and can easily transform an old and dated fireplace to an attractive stone fireplace.

We offer free stone fireplace design service and computer visualization, just look at our web site for more information. www.northstarstone.biz.

The following You Tube is on Stone Fireplace Transformations and shows before and after pictures. There are examples of how TV's have been incorporated in the new stone fireplace with no heat issues.

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

Did You Know You Can Cover Your Existing Brick Fireplace?

Does Your Fireplace Need a Make Over?


Designing Your stone Fireplace should be a fun and a creative process. Trends and Styles may change, but stone is timeless. Interior designers and architects are frequently suggesting the home owner use a stone veneer to reface their existing fireplace due to outdated or what some customers call ugly brick. Some of the newer homes only have drywall and can easily look beautiful with stone veneer. Before and After Pictures of Fireplaces

Questions to Ask When Designing Your Stone Fireplace: Stone Design Ideas

• What is the feel of the room? Is the room formal, causal, contemporary or somewhere in between? 
• What Color Palette and Intensity of color do you want for the fireplace and the surrounding walls?
• What is the natural and additional lighting situation for the room?
• Do you want to add a mantel? Wood Mantel Options
• Do you want to add a TV over the stone fireplace? TV and stone Fireplace Options
• Do you want to add book cases to the stone fireplace?
• Do you want to change the design of the hearth? Limestone Hearth Pictures

 Stone Veneers Offer These Advantages:

• Lightweight: Stone veneers weigh typically 75% less than real stone and require no additional support.
• Speed of Installation:  A one story  stone veneer fireplace can be typically installed in one day.
• Replicated from real stone: Our manufactured stone veneers are molded from real stones.
• Colors: We offer colors that match real stone or we can tweak the color to help match a decor.
• Cost: Manufactured stone is less expensive than real stone veneers. When you factor in installation, you can save 20-30% on your entire project.

Stone veneer in the style of Mountain Stack was applied directly over this brick fireplace and Alder wood stained in dark cherry was installed. More Mountain Stack Stone Fireplaces

                                                         
                                                              

Brick fireplace refurbished with new stone veneer. The manufactured stone
was applied directly over the existing brick. The wood mantel was installed to
the brick and the stone was installed without a mortar joint. The top layer of brick
was removed and our hearthstones were placed flush with the bottom of the firebox

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

Stunning Stone Veneer Fireplace Transformations

Imagine how beautiful your home will look with a stone fireplace instead of looking at that ugly drywall. Now you can select the perfect stone style and color and have expert installation to transform your fireplace from ordinary to extra ordinary.

The following home in Riverwoods had a two story drywall fireplace that was the focal point of the home. Look at the finished fireplace.

Call North Star Stone @ 847-996-6850 or email at info@northstarstone.biz

Please visit our showroom

1921 Industrial Dr.

Libertyville, IL 60048

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

Stone Veneers for Your Home's Exterior

Stone veneers create the touch of elegance for you home without having to add a brick ledge or break the bank. Our thin stone veneers are light weight, affordable and come in a wide variety of styles and colors to create the custom look for your home.

This Hawthorn Woods home had a Dryvit exterior that the home owner wanted to remove. With the help of an architect and experienced carpenter contractor a new front was created. North Star Stone, Inc. installed the stone and stucco. The stone style was cobble stone in the color of chateau.

The chimney on the rear of the house was also completed. The siding on the sides of the house is Hardie Board.

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 Fireplaces and Flat Screen TV's

Designing a Stone Fireplace with TV?

Installing a flat screen TV over your fireplace may give your room extra space and have the benefits of a beautiful fireplace and watch TV. In our five years of helping customer’s with refacing existing fireplaces with our stone veneers and a TV, we have no problems with heat damaging a TV. TV & Stone Fireplace Pictures

Planning for the TV is key before the stone and TV are installed. We hire a contractor that can assist us in preparing the wall for the electric, cables and support for the bracket before we install our stone. There are many different solutions depending on the type of the fireplace and where the power and cable boxes are located. Fireplace Design Ideas

For existing brick fireplaces, a channel in the brick is created and PVC piping is installed in the channel to run the power and cables. For drywall types of fireplaces the drywall needs to be opened to get the power and cables behind the wall. This is also the time to add additional support to the studs for the mounting brackets. Minor patching of the walls is usually required.

Mantel or no mantel when installing a TV? Our experience is that installing a mantel and a TV, forces the TV to be mounted higher than most customers want. We suggest no mantel. Wood Mantel Options



Size of the TV is a personal choice. I suggest that you start by taking measurements with the first measurement being the distance between the top of the firebox and the bottom of the TV. We try to make sure there is 18” or more distance from the TV and the firebox. From there it is a spacing issue. You don’t want your entire TV to cover your beautiful new stone fireplace. Another great tip is to get the outside measurements of the TV you are considering and then use the blue paint tape to outline the size of the TV over the fireplace. This visualization will assist you in selecting the correct size TV.

Determining the correct size TV for your
stone fireplace. This visual aide will help you
select the perfect TV over your fireplace.

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

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.