Need a New Fireplace Surround? 10 Stone Options You Should Consider Before You Commit

Thanks to its durability and effortless style, stone is a natural choice for fireplace surrounds. From the timeless elegance of marble to the rustic charm of slate, the material you choose not only impacts the aesthetics of the space but also its durability and maintenance.

Ultimately, the best stone for your space will depend on a few factors, including your budget, the look you are going for, and the maintenance you are willing to keep up with. 

To help you make an informed decision, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of ten of the most popular types of stone for fireplace surrounds. Here’s what you need to know.

Marble

If elegance is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with marble’s luxurious look and feel. This natural stone is a timeless choice, most prized for its veining, which can be seen throughout. Marble is also known for being highly durable. It can withstand high temperatures, which makes it ideal for wood-burning, gas, and electric fireplaces. 

However, it is also one of the most expensive types of stone for a fireplace surround, and since it is heavy and difficult to install, installation costs aren’t cheap either. In addition, marble is not scratch or stain-resistant and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.

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Granite

Granite is arguably the most popular natural stone for fireplace surrounds. It is more affordable than marble, scratch, and stain-resistant and available in many colors and patterns. Certain granite stones can even emulate the look of marble, making it a great low-cost alternative.

Granite is an igneous rock (it’s formed by volcanic activity), so to say it can withstand high temperatures is somewhat of an understatement. While granite is more affordable than higher-end options like marble, it is still considered expensive compared to other options.

Quartzite

Not to be confused with manmade quartz, quartzite is a natural stone with a similar look to marble or granite. It is most commonly found in shades of white to grey, although shades of pink and red can also be found.

Quartzite holds up well against problems like staining, scratches, and dents, unlike granite and marble, making it a great low-maintenance alternative. It is also extremely heat resistant and can be used for wood-burning, gas, and electric fireplaces. 

However, quartzite is a high-end, high-cost natural stone like granite and marble. In addition, due to its weight, installation is complex and should always be handled by professionals.

Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock in a range of neutral beige tones. It offers a clean, minimalist look that suits many different decor styles well. It is known for being tough and durable, holding up against common problems like dents and scratches. Limestone is also more affordable than other natural stone options like marble, quartzite, and granite. 

However, this natural stone can be very absorbent and needs to be sealed regularly to prevent stains and moisture problems down the line. Additionally, while limestone can be safely used with gas and electric fireplaces, it shouldn’t be used for wood-burning fireplaces since it can be damaged by high heat.

Slate

Slate offers a unique look and texture that suits modern and rustic decor styles. It is commonly found in shades from dark gray to black, but dark green and earthy red tones are also available.

Aside from its aesthetic appeal, slate offers practicality thanks to its natural heat-retaining properties. The dark stone will help to radiate heat more efficiently, and it retains heat after the fireplace is shut off, offering a warm and cozy ambiance. 

Slate is installed in thin but heavy sheets and requires professional installation. As a result, it is considered a high-end, high-cost material, although it is still more affordable than other options on this list, such as marble.

It’s important to note that slate is sensitive to high temperatures, so this natural stone is best used for gas and electric fireplaces and should be avoided with wood-burning units.

Quartz

Quartz slabs are manmade using resin and natural quartz ground into small pieces. Thanks to its durability, quartz is an excellent choice for fireplace surrounds. It is naturally non-porous, meaning it is low-maintenance and easy to clean. Since it is manmade, it is also available in endless colors and styles. 

However, quartz is not appropriate for wood-burning fireplaces as it is sensitive to high temperatures. In addition, it can fade over time if exposed to natural sunlight regularly, and certain solvents and chemicals can also damage it.

Stacked Ledgestone Veneer

In lieu of heavy natural stone options, stone veneer is a great low-cost option that requires very little demolition and is relatively easy to install. Ledgestone veneer is a popular choice. It is characterized by slim, horizontally stacked, rectangular stones in shades of gray. It suits modern and contemporary spaces well but isn’t ideal for more rustic or minimalist styles.

Ledgestone is durable, easy to clean, and can be used indoors and outdoors. 

There are several benefits to using ledge stone over other types of stone veneers, the biggest of which is it’s dry stacked upon installation, so no mortar is required. However, ledge stone veneers should be sealed well to ensure moisture is not trapped between and behind the stones.

Stacked Fieldstone Veneer

If you want a stone veneer with a more natural look than ledge stone, fieldstone or river stone are the way to go. Fieldstone veneers are characterized by large stones in natural, rustic shapes.

As the name implies, these stones are often sourced from fields or landscapes, offering a genuinely earthy and rustic look. Fieldstone veneers are highly durable, can be used indoors and outdoors, and are extremely heat tolerant. Fieldstone veneers should be sealed well, as they are vulnerable to moisture issues.

Stacked Riverstone Veneer

Riverstone is another great veneer option for fireplaces. The biggest difference between fieldstone and riverstone is its appearance. Fieldstones tend to be larger and more organic in shape, while river stones are often smaller and more rounded.

The result is a slightly different aesthetic, with riverstone offering a more uniform look than fieldstone, which can appear a bit more rustic. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference.

Faux Stone Veneer

Faux stone veneers are undoubtedly the most affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. They are lightweight, easy to install, and even suitable for DIY installations. Additionally, faux stone veneers are durable and highly heat resistant, meaning they are safe to use with wood-burning, electric, and gas fireplaces. 

Despite these benefits, some homeowners prefer natural stone in their spaces. This is one of the drawbacks of opting for faux stone. However, aesthetically, it can be challenging to distinguish between a high-quality faux stone veneer and a natural stone veneer. Ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preference and what you are willing to spend on your fireplace surround.