How to Choose Stone for Your Fireplace (An Ottawa Guide)

The stone you choose sets the entire character of a fireplace, so it is worth slowing down on this decision. Here is how Udo helps clients think it through.

Quebec limestone reads warm and traditional. Canadian fieldstone is rustic and varied — no two stones alike. Brick is timeless and ties into many Ottawa-area homes. Soapstone is prized for masonry-heater facings because it holds heat beautifully. Engineered stone (for example Arriscraft from Merkley Supply) gives consistent colour and clean lines for a modern look.

Beyond looks, consider scale (large stones suit big rooms), colour against your floor and walls, and whether the piece is primarily a heater (where heat-holding materials matter) or a feature. The online Design Wizard lets you preview the main options before you ever pick up the phone.