When it comes to selecting the perfect stone for your project, whether it’s for your home, a commercial property, or a builder’s project, there’s no substitute for seeing the material in person. While online images and print-outs can be helpful for narrowing your search, they cannot offer the level of detail and nuance that you’ll experience when you visit our showroom. Here’s why:
Getting a feel for the true color can only be done in person.
Stone comes in a wide variety of colors, shades, and blends, many of which can change in appearance depending on the lighting and surrounding environment. Meanwhile, online images often struggle to capture the true depth and richness of stone colors, leaving you with a limited and sometimes inaccurate perception of what the stone will look like in your space.
While online imagery and print-outs are subjected to the limited accuracy of technology, seeing how it looks with your own eyes will give you the confidence to know you’ve made the right choice for your project. It will also allow you to identify subtle variations in hue and tone to ensure it matches your vision.
Visualize the unique texture of each stone.
Every stone is unique, not only in its color but in its texture, as well. From smooth, polished surfaces to rough, more natural finishes, each stone makes a different impression visually. This may come into play not only in regards to aesthetic appeal, but also depending on where the stone is being installed.
When you visit our Fireplace Stone & Patio showrooms, you can feel the different stones to really get a sense of their texture.
Differentiate between natural stone and manufactured stone.
Both natural and cultured stones bring something unique to the table in terms of renovating a space. Natural stone is truly one-of-a-kind, making no two projects alike. While many people like the appeal of this, others prefer a more predictable stone texture and color, which is where stone veneer comes in.
While natural stone charms customers with its uniqueness, cultured stone offers flexibility due to it being lightweight and consistent for those who want to know exactly what they’re getting before taking the leap. If you prefer a more uniform look, manufactured stone veneer could be the ideal fit for your project.
Visualize your project with life-sized fireplace displays and large stone swatches.
A major benefit of visiting one of our 5 showrooms (located in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney and Des Moines) is the ability to see larger stone swatches and even full-size displays.
We have a vast selection of stone swatches in our showrooms, as well as fireplace displays featuring some of our most popular and versatile options. Walking through our showroom allows you to envision your project in a way that a stone print-out or small sample board cannot.
Get expert insight from our experienced salespeople.
Selecting the right stone is about more than just looks – it’s about making the best choice for your specific needs. Whether you’re renovating an existing home, building a home from scratch or designing a commercial space, our experienced sales staff can guide you through the process. This can help you consider factors such as durability, lead times, maintenance, and suitability for different applications.
Explore different blends, cuts and laying methods.
Stone can be cut, laid and blended in various ways to create different visual effects. Whether it’s a clean, modern look with uniform cuts or a more rustic, natural aesthetic, there are multiple options to explore.
Learn about the difference between mortar joints and dry stacks and see how different cuts create a unique look.
Select mortar and accessories that will complement your stone.
Once you’ve chosen your stone, it’s important to think about the other elements that will enhance your project. By visiting our showroom, you can see a range of grout and mortar colors, as well as masonry accessories such as address plaques, hearthstones, keystones, trim, and window sills.
Final thoughts:
Choosing the right stone for your project is an important decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. At FSP, we can provide expert advice and realistic samples and displays to assist you in making an informed decision.
Ready to get started? Stop by our showroom today to find a stone that will bring your vision to life!
