Wildfan - I agree that one can definitely tell the real from the fake. The chilton ledgestone is real stone and I'm sure that's part of the reason why we are drawn to it! Ironwood- The picture helps, I see where you are trying to go with the color mixture. Added variation in color gives the stone more interest. I will have to talk to with the supplier about mixing some different stone types together and hope the cost isn't prohibitive! They have about 10 stone sample pillars outside. Seems like the target consumer for those products was geared more towards commercial than residential use so we weren't really drawn to any of the displays outside. As far as installation, I liked the look of dry-stacked and the company said they could do an install that they like to call "fake" drystack- basically slap mortar on the back of the stone but not putting much inbetween the stones so that the front part looks similar to dry stack. Sounds like it should work but I don't have the expertise on whether it's a good idea or not.

I love the idea of adding stacked stones. Did you end up doing that? Any photos/updates to share?

Sorry, I try to clarify my question! Can you tell me of what kind of stone is made this nice looking countertop? What kind of colour has this stone? Who is the supplier of this stone? Thanks a lot in advance!

I don't know where you live, but here in the Midwest I would use that fireplace throughout the winter, dry it out and get it good and sooty like fireplace should be. Then consider getting it cleaned in the spring. Do not paint it...ever.