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Stone fireplaces or rustic woodstoves?Ways to warm up your rustic retreatFor those of us who love the rustic life, when the weather turns colder, the need to escape the hustle and bustle of winter in the city becomes even more necessary. A cozy little cottage, cabin, or lodge in the country is the perfect winter haven for anyone seeking to de-stress, unwind, and relax for an extended period of time, or even just for a weekend. Unless you have a brand new winter getaway, chances are it's a bit drafty. This is why having a working fireplace in your winter haven is absolutely essential. Here are some tips on how to find the perfect fireplace for your rustic winter retreat. Stone Fireplaces Old fashioned stone fireplaces exude quintessential rustic living. In addition to a stone fireplace providing a stunning centerpiece for any room, carved stone doesn't have any building code regulations, such as having to be a certain distance from the fire. Should you decide you want this sort of classic look, there are a couple of options to choose from. We suggest that you select your stone mantelpiece before choosing the fire surround stone or wall plate that you want. This makes it easier to choose a style that blends in with the mantelpiece and the rest of your room decor. The downside with using real stone is price and turnaround time. Stone mantelpieces, on average cost anywhere from $1,000 and $6,000 and can take up to 12 weeks to ship. If you are trying to keep costs down, you can opt for less expensive manufactured stone. Manufactured stone looks like regular stone but it is far cheaper. If you like DIY projects, you could even build a manufactured stone fireplace yourself - otherwise consult a home improvement store or licensed professional. As you can see, whatever your budget, it's possible to create a rustic look and feel in your room with an old fashioned stone fireplace. Update Your Mantel If you already have a fireplace that you don't plan to replace, why not give your mantelpiece an update? For less money than it would cost to buy and install a brand new fireplace you could get a new mantel. Look for mantels made out of hardwood or a wood veneer to give it a more rustic flare. You could even install a wooden mantel shelf above the mantel for extra storage space and additional personality. Some pre-made mantels are built with specific models of fireplace in mind, so make sure that you do your research and measure your fireplace. You might have to hire a professional to build a custom fireplace mantel, which could get pricey.Rustic Wood Stoves As an alternative to a fireplace, why not consider a wood burning stove? Used throughout the 19th century, a cast iron wood burning stove gives you that old fashioned, rustic look, with very little to do in the way of installation. A durable cast iron stove retains heat and is very long lasting. You can even choose your desired finish to complement the rest of your room's rustic decor. Rustic-style oil and gas burning stoves are also options you might want to consider. Stoves can take up less space in your home than fireplaces and they provide warmth and atmosphere.When it comes to outfitting your rustic winter home with the perfect fireplace, it's clear you have a few different options. It's important to establish a budget before you start the process and make sure that you shop around. Check out your local home improvement store to see if they offer any DIY courses that might provide you with further inspiration. Often referred to as the "heart of the home", a quality fireplace is, we think, a necessary element in any rustic setting.
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