THINGS TO CONSIDER

• Size. Amy Johannsen explains that homeowners interested in installing antique stone fireplaces need to take their placement into consideration early in a room’s building stages, prior to putting in drywall. Due to their weight, most fireplaces will either need to be secured into the wall or sunk into the slab, to ensure that they do not tip over. Smaller fireplaces, too, are available; these are called country mantels and usually were found in small rural dwellings.

• Firebox. To make sure the firebox is large enough, note the dimensions of a fireplace’s opening before building or purchasing a firebox.

• Unique features. Sometimes the year a fireplace was made is carved into the front of the mantel. This can help determine if the piece is authentic. Old fireplaces may have remnants of paint applied by past users, while the rear section of some legs will be rough, indicating where the stone segments were set into the wall. 

• Parts. Antique stone fireplaces come in several components—typically the shelf, legs and corbels, depending on the design. Overmantels (also known as trumeaus) may be available as well. If all the pieces are original, the value will be higher. Keep in mind that some fireplace designs may incorporate wood.

• Trusted vendor. Purchase from a trusted vendor to ensure features and parts are original and that a fireplace is antique.



WHERE TO FIND THEM
 
• Phoenix-area sources. Antiquities, LLC, in Scottsdale, and Trouvé in Phoenix, both carry antique stone fireplaces. Also check Relics Architectural Home & Garden in Phoenix, and Showcase at the Peak in Scottsdale; these showrooms occasionally offer a selection.

• Online. Log onto François & Co.’s Web site, francoisandco.com, to see its assortment of antique fireplaces, or go to L’Atelier 13 at antique-french-stone.com.