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-- All Topics
A customer has just invested in stone for interior and exterior of her new home. One question she raised concerns her window surrounds... she asks, "Is there a sealer that works well with the exterior stone window surrounds?" 
Answer:
Our recommendation is to use Polyurethane Caulking to form a protective weather-tight seal. While we do not endorse any particular name brand, we do suggest investing in a product of recognizeable manufacture, rather than attempting to save a penny here and there.
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A customer [ with an exceptionally large project ] wanted assurance that we were able to complete her order, asked, "How large is your facility?"
Answer:
We feel this is an important question for ALL our customers... and wanted to include this information for your future reference.
Fact is - our Production Facility in Dallas, Texas spans 12 acres, includes 163,000+ square feet under roof, employs more than 160 of the finest craftsmen, drafters and professionals in the business, and at any one time will have 250 - 300 active projects...
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I am concerned that my children may accidently spill food or beverage on my new fireplace... What does Stone Magic recommend to avoid staining?
Answer:
Excellent question! We have found Prime-A-Pell to be an outstanding [invisable] sealant.
In addition, a low voc version for spaces with restrictive air emmission regulations is also available.
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How do I clean my cast stone fireplace?
Answer:
We recommend cleaning your fireplace with a solution of 25% muriatic acid and 75% clean water.
Wearing gloves to protect your hands, work in small areas using a soft brush and rinse with clean water and a sponge.
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A customer wants to substitute cast stone for brick in some areas of his home. What are the cost & installation issues he will need to consider?
Answer:
While in most cases it is the aesthetic appeal - rather than superior strength and longevity, that is a common attraction to cast stone, one should consider that at a thickness of 2 inches, cast stone is priced at approximately $7.00 - $8.00 per foot.
A 3 inch thickness in brick pockets is common, but are often times made thinner depending on the application.
Generally speaking, the larger the stone, the thicker it must be.... but [in general] a thickness of 3 inches will cover most situations.
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A customer asks, "If I send Stone Magic a copy of my plans, will they be returned to me?"
Answer:
Absolutely! If you need your plans returned, simply include return instructions - and we'll get them returned to you right away.
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I live in the upper North East... and my masonry contractor wants to use a 4 foot deep slab of concrete to anchor the newel piers of a balustrade to keep them from shifting in the winter. Is this good advise?
Answer:
The slab depth necessary is dependent upon the geographic frost line [which increases in colder climates].
Your masonry contractor is aware of the potential of shifting due to climate conditions and has suggested accurate corrective action.
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-- Colors Available
What colors are available?
Answer:
While custom color matching is available, our standard color is tan, a slightly rosy off-white which closely resembles cut limestone. Standard optional colors available are White(the lightest)and Buff(the darkest). All of our colors are shades of off-white that blend with most color schemes. The white and tan in particular reflect the color of the walls around them, very often taking on beautiful creamy or rosy look. Give us a call for a no obligation consultation... we'll be happy to help you find just the right color for your decor.
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A customer wants his fireplace to match a rather difficult color in his home and has asked how many color confirmation consultations will be required to insure a good match.
Answer:
That's a hard question, and the answer may depend more on the sample(s) or sepcifications provided by the customer. Our policy normally allows for 3 attempts to color match to the customers satisfaction.
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Can the stone be painted?
Answer:
Yes. You can paint it with regular latex paint. Or you can stain it using extremely diluted latex paint, no more than 25% paint to 75% water. Stone Magic surrounds can also be faux finished.
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Can the stone be distressed or antiqued?
Answer:
Yes. We do not at this time do this at the factory.
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-- Durability
How long will this last?
Answer:
Virtually forever. Some of the oldest monuments in existence were made using the same basic technique that Stone Magic uses to produce our fireplaces... which means that your fireplace will be just as beautiful and functional in a hundred years as it is today.
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What kind of stone are these surrounds made of?
Answer:
Basically, the stone is man-made limestone. Each piece is hand-made and hand-finished for clarity and beauty.
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I live in a coastal region with high salt content in the air.... will this have an adverse effect on my new Stone Magic fireplace?
Answer:
Not at all... We have customers from all across the country using our stone works for both interior and exterior.... and we recommend only couple of slight adjustments for your climate.
First, we recommend using galvanized attachment hardware...
And second [as an option] you may elect to use a sealer - such as Prime A Pel.
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-- Fitting/Customization
A customer called asking advise regarding the height of her fireplace surround and whether modifications can be made to achieve her desire result...
Answer:
Some people enjoy the look of a floor to ceiling fireplace, and there are occasions when this is most attractive, because of the presentation effect of giving large proportions to the room.... but, proportions may often dictate that a better overall look can be achieved by stopping 10-12 feet up the wall when a room has 18 - 20 foot ceilings.
It is important to remember that with few exceptions, almost all our overmantels can be altered in height. Columns and pilasters added to the sides can also help in lending a sense of scale.
So, having said all that, here's our advise...
We work on "custom" projects everyday! Provide us with a photograph or drawing of what you want to acheive, and give our design staff a call... we'll help you to create a masterpiece that compliments your individual taste and decor requirements.
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A customer writes and asks if Stone Magic is capable of creating custom works...
Answer:
Yes! We create custom products everyday. In fact, our artisans have extensive European training, and are capable of creating the most beautiful [truly] custom works - from historically accurate reproductions to ultra modern designs. If you can furnish a photo, sketch or drawing and a few dimensions, our artisans will bring your vision to life with timeless beauty that can only be acheived in stone.
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How can I verify that a Stone Magic fireplace surround will fit my firebox opening?
Answer:
Great question! Think of your firebox as if it were a fine portrait, and a Stone Magic fireplace surround as the frame.
Since all Stone Magic fireplace surrounds are created to enhance the beauty of your firebox, the actual fit can be subjective, just like the frame of a portrait.
If our surround fits snuggly, and that's the appearance you enjoy most, then it's a perfect fit!
But, one the other hand... if your taste requires a larger "frame" - we can easily provide you with filler stone, just as a fine portrait would have a mat and a frame.
Our catalog has many teriffic examples of surrounds with and without filler stone. Take a look, then give us a call for a personal consultation.
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I am very interested in a Stone Magic fireplace surround, but I own a Rumford fireplace.... Do you manufacture surrounds that will fit?
Answer:
Yes! We are quite familiar with the Rumford design, and offer surrounds that will fit perfectly. You have an efficient drafting fireplace, now let's personalize its appearance. Give us a call with your dimensions and we'll explore which of our models will work best for your individual application.
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A customer asks if Stone Magic can shorten the legs of a fireplace surround [ which has an opening height of 40 inches ] to accommodate her firebox which has an opening height of 36 inches.
Answer:
Of course it is dependant upon the particular model she has selected... but the majority of the time, the answer will be YES!
And you have a couple of options too.
Barring any complex radii or curvature features, it is very possible that your mason can make necessary adjustments right there on the job site.
Or, you may elect to have a Stone Magic technician make the alterations during production of your fireplace surround.
Either way, with just slight modification, you can have a truely custom fit.
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I really like the "Polo" model of fireplace, but I have a 60" opening... Can Stone Magic make a Polo to fit my dimensions?
Answer:
Sure we can! Give us a call and speak with one of our consultants... All we'll need is a drawing or photo and your fireplace dimensions. Also, keep in mind that we have several other surrounds you may wish to consider as well, such as the "Louis 68" • "Provence 65" • "Windsor 60" • "Weldon 60" • "Brownwood 59"
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Can a 36" Bordeaux be ordered with "fruit" like the 42" model?
Answer:
Of course! Although you may incur additional costs and production time, we will work very closely with you to insure Stone Magic fireplace surrounds meet your needs.
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A customer is interested in adding "Guardians" to each side of her fireplace, but is concerned with the height relationship. Can Stone Magic provide guidelines to assist her with any adjustments that may be required?
Answer:
While the mantel height is fixed, Stone Magic custom fillers can easily be added to enhance the fit.
Our advise is to arrange a personal consultation with our technical department and provide wall size and firebox size... Our experienced staff will assist you with the calculations and provide expert advise.
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How can I obtain the best results when factors at the job site require some field cutting of the stone?
Answer:
We make tremendous effort to eliminate or reduce sight cutting by taking additional time during the planning phase of your cast stone project.
However, in the real world, mistakes do sometimes occur on the jobsite and adjustments may be required...
But, keep in mind that cutting stone is what masons do, and when properly equipped with a diamond masonry cutting blade mounted on a "worm-drive" circular saw, great results may be acheived right there at the jobsite.
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-- Installation
Who installs these surrounds?
Answer:
A mason, bricklayer or even a tile setter can install these surrounds. The pieces are designed to be a maxium of 150-lbs with a few exceptions. Most can be readily handled by a mason and helper.
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Can I assemble and install a Stone Magic fireplace on my own?
Answer:
Of course you can! With the help of our instructions, drawings and assembly package, a mechanically adept customer can surely do the installation... and if you need technical support, we'll be happy to assist you.
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Concerned about her older home, a customer recently asked if the amount of "settling" will make the addition of a cast stone mantel difficult, if not impossible.
Answer:
While nothing will address foundation problems, the stones of a properly installed fireplace are anchored together and to the wall.
A local builder should have better insight on solving the settling issues, and allow the project to not only proceed, but obtain all your design objectives as well.
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Can the surrounds be adjusted on site?
Answer:
Some of them can and some of them cannot be adjusted. In general, the width of those with arches cannot be altered on site. However, the height can often be at least somewhat altered. The best thing is to send us a sketch of your area with all the dimensions and let us see if a surround can work there.
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How can I obtain the best results when factors at the job site require some field cutting of the stone?
Answer:
We make tremendous effort to eliminate or reduce sight cutting by taking additional time during the planning phase of your cast stone project.
However, in the real world, mistakes do sometimes occur on the jobsite and adjustments may be required...
But, keep in mind that cutting stone is what masons do, and when properly equipped with a diamond masonry cutting blade mounted on a "worm-drive" circular saw, great results may be acheived right there at the jobsite.
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What type of shim is recommended to properly install a balustrade?
Answer:
We recommend plastic shims.
While wood shims can be utilized, they should first be allowed to swell by soaking in water for 24 or more hours before use.
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Is it possible to "finish" the unfinished side of stone?
Answer:
Sure it's possible! Sometimes the back of stones are visible, and to get a finished look similar to the surface provided by us at Stone Magic, two steps are in order.
First... Rubbing or 'stoning' the edges is recommended if the back edge is exposed or not adjacent to a mortar joint. Fine white stones are required to polish the edges. Do NOT use a stone other than white, because the fines will fill the pores of the stone, leaving behind its own color.
Second... To remove the trowel face, acid washing will eliminate the silted surface and expose the quartz face, adding luster and an eveness. The strength of the muratic acid [or repeating the etching process] will determine the final texture.
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How do I clean the stone after installation?
Answer:
After the installation has been completed, the stone should be washed with a dilute solution of muriatic acid(25% acid and 75% clean water).Working in small areas, dampen the stone thoroughly with clean water, apply the muriatic acid solution, allow to stand for a time, then rinse with clean water. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and cover any surfaces that may be damaged by the acid. Use a soft brush to work on stains.
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-- Ordering/Delivery
Just prior to investing in a Summerville upper Mantle, a customer commented that the dimensions were quite large - and she was concerned about how to estimate the weight.
Answer:
We are very conscious of stone weight and include this factor in our design goals to keep the stone pieces manageable for installation.
In certain designs like the Summerville for example, stone weights can reach into the 250 pound range.
A good formula for factoring stone weight is to multiply the HEIGHT x WIDTH x DEPTH in inches, then x .078 pounds.
This will yield a very accurate estimate of the total weight.
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How do I order?
Answer:
Call or fax us a note with the style and size of surround desired, whether or not you want a hearth, the preferred color, your complete shipping address, including zip code, and your fax number(or one we can use to send a contract.) We will get back to you with a line item proposal that includes shipping to your job site. To place the order, sign each of the three pages and return with your check for the amount required to start the job. If you prefer to pay by credit card, call for a Credit Card Authorization form. We take MasterCard, Visa and Discover.
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Do you have any distributors?
Answer:
Stone Magic sells primarily factory-direct through the catalog. You are welcome to visit the factory in Dallas at any time. We are open Monday throught Friday, 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m.. If you had a special need, you can give us a call at 1-800-597-3606 to see if arrangements could be made.
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Will I be notified when my order ships?
Answer:
Yes. Once your order, the following morning you will receive a shipping confirmation fax. The confirmation will have your freight bill number and Central Freightlines 800-782-5036 contact info. At this stage drawings and installation instructions will be mailed. Normal transit time is 3-5 days. Upon arrival in your area, a Freight Dispatcher will call to set up a delivery time.
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Can we ship to ________?
Answer:
We ship across the continental United States and to ports of exit. We do not ship outside of the US at this time.
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How long does it take to receive the surround once you order?
Answer:
If you purchase from our extensive inventory, we can ship within three days of the receipt of the signed contract and full payment. If you choose one that must be made, production typically runs 4 to 6 weeks with another week to package and ship. All custom orders must be estimated and scheduled separately.
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I have been notified that my new Stone Magic fireplace will arrive in a crate... Can you provide me with the overall size I can expect to receive?
Answer:
Our goal is to deliver your new fireplace in the finest possible condition... and we take extreme measures to insure safe delivery - by securely packaging every fireplace in multiple layers of protection before it ever leaves our facility.
You can expect standard crate sizes of:
40x54 inches, 40x72 inches, 44x72 inches, or 34x72 inches....
Average height of 30 inches, but varies dependant upon individual fireplace design.
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-- Production
Just prior to investing in a Summerville upper Mantle, a customer commented that the dimensions were quite large - and she was concerned about how to estimate the weight.
Answer:
We are very conscious of stone weight and include this factor in our design goals to keep the stone pieces manageable for installation.
In certain designs like the Summerville for example, stone weights can reach into the 250 pound range.
A good formula for factoring stone weight is to multiply the HEIGHT x WIDTH x DEPTH in inches, then x .078 pounds.
This will yield a very accurate estimate of the total weight.
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How do I order?
Answer:
Call or fax us a note with the style and size of surround desired, whether or not you want a hearth, the preferred color, your complete shipping address, including zip code, and your fax number(or one we can use to send a contract.) We will get back to you with a line item proposal that includes shipping to your job site. To place the order, sign each of the three pages and return with your check for the amount required to start the job. If you prefer to pay by credit card, call for a Credit Card Authorization form. We take MasterCard, Visa and Discover.
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Do you have any distributors?
Answer:
Stone Magic sells primarily factory-direct through the catalog. You are welcome to visit the factory in Dallas at any time. We are open Monday throught Friday, 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m.. If you had a special need, you can give us a call at 1-800-597-3606 to see if arrangements could be made.
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Will I be notified when my order ships?
Answer:
Yes. Once your order, the following morning you will receive a shipping confirmation fax. The confirmation will have your freight bill number and Central Freightlines 800-782-5036 contact info. At this stage drawings and installation instructions will be mailed. Normal transit time is 3-5 days. Upon arrival in your area, a Freight Dispatcher will call to set up a delivery time.
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Can we ship to ________?
Answer:
We ship across the continental United States and to ports of exit. We do not ship outside of the US at this time.
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How long does it take to receive the surround once you order?
Answer:
If you purchase from our extensive inventory, we can ship within three days of the receipt of the signed contract and full payment. If you choose one that must be made, production typically runs 4 to 6 weeks with another week to package and ship. All custom orders must be estimated and scheduled separately.
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I have been notified that my new Stone Magic fireplace will arrive in a crate... Can you provide me with the overall size I can expect to receive?
Answer:
Our goal is to deliver your new fireplace in the finest possible condition... and we take extreme measures to insure safe delivery - by securely packaging every fireplace in multiple layers of protection before it ever leaves our facility.
You can expect standard crate sizes of:
40x54 inches, 40x72 inches, 44x72 inches, or 34x72 inches....
Average height of 30 inches, but varies dependant upon individual fireplace design.
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