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 affects the aesthetics of the space, but also its durability and maintenance.

Ultimately, the best stone for your space will depend on several factors, including your budget, the look you’re going for, and the maintenance you’re willing to put up with.

To help you make an informed decision, we break 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 the luxurious look and feel of marble. This natural stone is a timeless choice, most prized for its veins that can be seen everywhere. Marble is also known for being very durable. It can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for wood, 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 are not cheap either. In addition, marble is not resistant to scratches or stains and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.

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Granite

Granite is probably the most popular natural stone for fireplace surrounds. It is more affordable than marble, resistant to scratches and stains, and is available in many colors and patterns. Certain granite stones can even mimic the look of marble, making them a great inexpensive alternative.

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

Quartzite

Not to be confused with artificial quartz, quartzite is a natural stone that is similar to marble or granite. It is most often found in shades of white to gray, although shades of pink and red can also be found.

Quartzite holds up well against problems like stains, 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, gas and electric fireplaces.

However, quartzite is a premium, expensive natural stone like granite and marble. Additionally, 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 goes well with many different decorating styles. It is known for being tough and durable, resisting 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. Additionally, while limestone can be safely used with gas and electric fireplaces, it should not be used for wood-burning fireplaces because it can be damaged by high heat.

Slate

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

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, slate offers practicality thanks to its natural heat retention properties. Dark stone will help radiate heat more efficiently, and retain heat after the fireplace is turned 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 and expensive material, although it is still more affordable than other options on this list, such as marble.

It is 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 in wood-burning appliances.

Quartz

Quartz slabs are made of 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, which means it is maintenance free and easy to clean. Because it is man-made, it is also available in endless colors and styles.

However, quartz is not suitable for wood-burning fireplaces because it is sensitive to high temperatures. Additionally, it can fade over time if regularly exposed to natural sunlight, and certain solvents and chemicals can damage it.

Stacked Ledgestone Veneer

Instead of heavy natural stone options, stone veneer is a great inexpensive option that requires very little demolition and is relatively easy to install. Ledgestone veneer is a popular choice. It is characterized by thin, horizontally stacked, rectangular stones in shades of gray. It fits well in modern and contemporary spaces, but is not ideal for rustic or minimalist styles.

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

There are several advantages to using stone for ledges over other types of stone veneers, the biggest of which is that it is dry laid when installed, so no mortar is required. However, edged stone veneers should be well sealed to ensure that moisture does not become trapped between and behind the stones.

Stacked Fieldstone Veneer

If you want a stone veneer with a more natural look than edging stone, fieldstone or riverstone is the way to go. Fieldstone veneers are characterized by large stone in natural, rustic forms.

As the name implies, these stones are often sourced from fields or landscapes, offering a truly earthy and rustic look. Fieldstone veneers are very durable, can be used indoors and outdoors and are extremely heat resistant. Fieldstone veneers should be sealed well, as they are susceptible to moisture problems.

Stacked Riverstone veneer

Riverstone is another great option for fireplace surrounds. The biggest difference between field and river stone is its appearance. The field is usually larger and more organically shaped, while the river stones are often smaller and more rounded.

The result is a slightly different aesthetic, with river stone offering a more uniform look than field stone, which can look a little more rustic. In the end, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference.

Faux Stone Veneer

Artificial stone veneers are undoubtedly the best choice for fireplace surrounds. They are light, easy to install and even suitable for DIY installations. Additionally, faux stone veneers are durable and highly heat resistant, meaning they are safe for use with wood, electric, and gas fireplaces.

Despite these advantages, some homeowners prefer natural stone in their spaces. This is one of the disadvantages of choosing artificial stone. However, aesthetically, it can be challenging to tell the difference between high-quality artificial stone veneer and natural stone veneer. Ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preference and what you’re willing to spend on a fireplace surround.