Sandstone fireplaces and stone feature walls

A sandstone fireplace is priced per job. The size of the wall, the stone and finish (sawn ashlar, split-face or rubble), the hearth and mantel, any substrate or support work, and the gas or flue work by other trades set the cost. We measure up and give you a free written quote.

Not when the fireplace is installed to the appliance maker's clearances. The firebox or insert takes the direct heat, and the sandstone surround and hearth sit outside it. Stone exposed to direct flame, such as the inside of a fire pit, needs a firebox or refractory lining, because direct high heat can crack or spall natural stone.

Yes, if the fixings go into solid backing rather than the stone face alone, and the TV sits outside the heat zone the fireplace maker specifies. We plan the TV position, cable conduit and any recess before the stone goes on, so nothing is chased into finished stonework.

Yes. Sandstone suits gas, wood and electric fireplaces, as long as the stonework follows the appliance manufacturer's clearances to combustibles and any heat-resistant backing it specifies. On a sandstone gas fireplace we plan the stone around the firebox and flue, and the gas connection is made by a licensed gasfitter. We build fireplaces like this across the Northern Beaches.

Usually, yes. Cladding an existing brick fireplace in sandstone is a common Northern Beaches renovation, because solid brick is a good base for stone. We first check the brickwork, the hearth and the floor below for soundness and support, then fix the sandstone with suitable adhesive and mechanical ties. It updates a dated room without demolishing the fireplace.

A natural stone feature wall is heavy: thin natural veneer weighs roughly 58 to 73 kg per square metre and full-bed stone much more. That is fine on solid masonry or a suitable cement-based substrate with mechanical support, but stone must never be fixed to plasterboard. We check the wall and floor before quoting any sandstone fireplace or TV wall.

Yes. Installing a wood or other solid fuel heater on the Northern Beaches needs approval from Northern Beaches Council under the Local Government Act, and Council charges application and inspection fees. The heater must be installed to AS/NZS 2918 and meet the AS/NZS 4013 emissions standard. We build the sandstone fireplace surround and hearth to suit the approved appliance.

Sandstone is porous, so soot and smoke can stain a sandstone fireplace if it sits too long. Brush off loose soot with a soft dry brush, then clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner and water, avoiding acids and harsh household cleaners. Sealing the surround and hearth with a breathable penetrating sealer makes future cleaning much easier.

Most sandstone fireplaces and TV feature walls take a few days to a couple of weeks on site, depending on the size, the stone pattern, substrate work and how other trades such as the gasfitter and electrician are scheduled. We will give you a timeline with your quote, so you can plan around the work in your Northern Beaches home.