Typically made of brick, stone, or metal, a fireplace serves to contain a flare, warm your space, and create a comfortable ambiance at home, particularly during winter. When it comes to this fixture, you may have heard of “fireplace surrounds.” This actually refers to the assembly of all the elements: mantel, legs, returns, and other components – it makes up all parts of a fireplace.
The question is, what type of stones works best for your fireplace surrounds? That’s what we’re going to explore in this article. Read on to find out the four common types of natural stones used for the fire surrounds:
1. Granite
Granite is an igneous rock formed when the magma beneath the Earth’s surface cools and solidifies. What’s good about this natural stone is that it holds various functionalities yet requires minimal upkeep.
Its durability also makes it capable of resisting wear and tear from water, mild abrasions, and heavy traffic. Finally, it develops resistance to extreme heat emanating from a fire. With less maintenance and heat resistance, it can be your best option for your fireplace surrounds.
2. Marble
Marble is a metamorphic stone created when limestone is subject to enormous amounts of heat and pressure over time. There are a handful of reasons that make this an excellent material for fireplace surrounds.
For one, it remains to be a classic option due to its refined look suited for any design. Two, it isn’t easily subjected to heavy traffic and even ambient heat. Ultimately, it works well with gas fireplaces where dirt and grime will find it hard to build up on their surfaces.
3. Cambria quartz
Cambria quartz consists of 93 percent natural quartz and 7 percent resin. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on Earth, which makes Cambria products more robust than granite or marble.
For this reason, it is your best option for fireplace surrounds, given its strength and durability. Aside from this, this material is also notable for its maintenance-free surfaces that don’t require it to be sealed or reconditioned. Ultimately, it is heat-resistant, meaning that it won’t easily and quickly fade when near a fire.
4. Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock consisting of mineral calcite. It is formed in clear, warm, shallow marine waters with the accumulation of shell, coral, algal, and fecal debris. It is also developed through the precipitation of calcium carbonate from lake or ocean water.
This natural stone is best suited for fireplace surrounds because it is a visually appealing stone with its earthy, rustic feel ideal for every design. On top of that, the material boasts durable features that are good heat tolerance. When properly taken care of, it can handle constant use and abuse in the long run!
Conclusion
At this point, we’ve covered the four common types of natural stones used for fireplace surrounds—granite, marble, quartz, and limestone. Keep in mind that each has its distinct features and attributes, and each comes with its pros and cons when it comes to its use and application.
To that end, be sure to consider all the valuable information discussed above and see which particular stone best suits your residential property. From there, you’ll be able to choose the right natural stone materials that will take your fireplace up a notch!
We’re your leading stone supplier, used for fireplace surrounds, kitchen and bathroom countertops, backsplash, and bathtub surrounds. If you’re looking for marble, quartz, or granite estimates online in Seattle, WA, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
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