Why You Should Consider Natural Stone for Your Fireplace

When you imagine your dream living room, what are the essential features in your vision? For some, it might mean having a large, flat-screen TV and a comfortable sectional. For others, the living space of their dreams may have a beautiful piano or a collection of artwork. One of our favorite parts of a living room is a uniquely crafted fireplace.

Initially, you may be overwhelmed by all of the fireplace material options to choose from. You also may be asking yourself if some materials or surfaces are better than others for your needs. It’s essential to know that some materials are not as suitable as others for around a fireplace. Additionally, your budget can also play a significant role in determining which materials will work for your fireplace project. 

Read on to learn more about why natural stone is a great addition to your fireplace and tips for choosing the right one for you.

Advantages of a Natural Stone Fireplace

1. Heat retention

Natural stone is known to retain and radiate heat. Natural stone can be an efficient choice for heating your home, helping you save money by reducing your heating bill. Additionally, natural stone can absorb heat and release it slowly. This means the heat released goes a long way when compared to other materials that can be used in a fireplace like bricks, for example.

2. Durability

Looking for fireplace material that will last is an important factor. Natural stone would be an excellent choice for your fireplace. Stone, in general, is usually resistant to heavy wear and tear that may occur in an active and lively household. An additional benefit is that the stone's appearance doesn't diminish with time and isn't subject to natural decay. 

3. Easy Maintenance

Accumulation of both soot and dirt can decrease the overall appearance of a fireplace over time. It’s important to consider how the material used to build your fireplace can affect the appearance and the maintenance involved to upkeep it. Materials like brick are higher maintenance than natural stone. Brick is a porous material, which means it can appear grimy over time, plus it’s challenging to clean. 

In contrast, natural stone can have a sealant applied that serves as a barrier to soot and grime. As for maintenance and upkeep, all you need is a cloth and warm water to keep it looking brand new (with minimal effort!).  

4. Individual Touch

When you use natural stone around your fireplace, you can rest assured that it won’t be a replica of your next-door neighbor’s. The colors and patterns in natural stone vary based on the stone’s mineral composition, making each slab unique.

5. Beauty and Aesthetics

The previous sections bring us to a valuable asset of natural stone fireplaces, the beauty. Many people use natural stone to add class and elegance to their kitchens and bathrooms, but natural surfaces applications go far beyond the countertop. Why stop with your kitchen when you can use natural stone in a unique way, like framing your fireplace or for a striking hearth?

Best Natural Surfaces to Choose

When choosing a material for your fireplace, some factors to consider are price, look, maintenance, and efficiency. In other words, a fireplace should be easy to clean and upkeep, have a unique look, and be priced to match your budget. 

Here’s a list of some of the natural surfaces that would work beautifully for a fireplace:

Granite

This natural stone is low maintenance, bacteria-resistant, durable, colorful, and it won't stain from the soot produced by your fireplace. Granite would be considered one of the more affordable natural stones to use. For comparison, it costs less than limestone, marble, soapstone, and quartzite.

Limestone

Limestone would be considered a mid-price fireplace material. Additionally, it’s low maintenance and durable. Homeowners love it because it has a broad color range palette, and it won't scratch, crack or dent under everyday use. 

Porcelain

A newcomer to fireplaces, porcelain can withstand the heat from your fire without scorching. It’s incredibly lightweight, which makes it ideal for vertical applications. It’s also an affordable option and a designer’s dream because the manmade surface is available in virtually unlimited colors and patterns. 

Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural stone that looks better as it ages. Other benefits include it being heat resistant and distinctive in appearance. This natural stone can be a bit more costly than some, but it makes up for it by being highly heat resistant for a long lifespan. 

Quartzite

This natural stone can give your fireplace a modern and simplistic look. Along with it being heat-proof and low-maintenance, it’s also stain-resistant and sturdy. The price is typically higher than granite but less expensive than limestone. 

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Fireplace?

If you’re ready to upgrade your living room with a unique, beautiful fireplace, get in touch with Alpha Surfaces. We can help you choose the material that suits your style and budget. Schedule your design meeting today.