After a long day in the cold, is there anything better than coming home to a warm house and a hot drink by the fireplace? For centuries, the fireplace has been the focal point of family life and entertainment. Its warmth draws you in. Soft flickering yellow light dances on the walls and faces of those around you. It’s cozy, it’s relaxing. It’s home.

Today, the stone slab fireplace has become a popular choice in modern design. It’s often the focus of the room. And when designed with an elegant mantle, stone surround, and welcoming hearth, it becomes your statement wall.

The modern fireplace can be built with a variety of materials, but for many, nothing can beat the look of a traditional stone fireplace.

Components of a fireplace

All fireplaces have essential elements. There is a firebox where you actually build the fire. It will have a flue to control airflow and a chimney for smoke and exhaust. But the parts most people will notice are the hearth, mantle, and surround. 

• Hearth: This is the area directly in front of the fireplace, and is usually made of stone. Its job is to prevent the fire from escaping the firebox, but it also plays an important role in the overall look of a stone slab fireplace. 
• Mantle: In modern design, we think of the mantle and mantle shelf as one piece. It is the large, flat surface across the top that is often decorated with accent pieces, artwork, or even a large TV.
• Surround: When you look at a fireplace, everything above the hearth is part of the surround. It’s designed to hide the functional elements like the firebox and tie the fireplace into the rest of the room. 

Your overall vision for your home will include the materials you use for the fireplace surround.

A stone slab fireplace is a great choice

Fireplace surrounds can be made from wood, porcelain, or stone. Each has its place, and all of them can create a beautiful fireplace. But stone has characteristics that set it apart from other materials. 

1. Durability: By its nature, stone is difficult to damage. Harder stone like granite is very resistant to scratches and scuffs. 
2. Heat Resistant: Your stone surround will stay cool to the touch as the heat will be contained in the firebox. But the stone is also not damaged by an occasional flareup, either. 
3. Low-Maintenance: A damp cloth every few fires is all it takes to keep your stone slab fireplace looking beautiful. If you aren’t using it regularly, wipe it down once a month to remove dust. 
4. Stunning Appearance: Stone is naturally beautiful, and draws people towards it. It will add a timeless, yet modern, beauty to any room. 
5. Increased Home Value: A luxury statement wall that includes a fireplace is a desirable feature that home buyers are often looking for.  

Once you settle on a stone fireplace, you’ll have to give thought into which type of stone you wish to use. 

4 popular types of stone for your fireplace

When selecting a stone for your fireplace surround, there are a few key factors to consider. The most important are durability, appearance, maintenance, and cost. Let’s break down the pros and cons of the most popular options – granite, marble, porcelain, and quartz.

1. Granite

• Very durable and resistant to heat, scratches, and chips. This makes it a great choice for a fireplace surround.
• Comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can find one that fits your home’s style – whether that’s modern or traditional.
• Requires sealing every 1–2 years to prevent staining, but is fairly low maintenance otherwise.
• >Generally more affordable than marble.

2. Marble

• Has a classic, elegant look with beautiful natural veining patterns.
• Marble is softer than granite and more prone to scratches, chips, and staining.
• Requires sealing about twice a year and regular cleaning to maintain its appearance.
• Tends to be more expensive, especially for rare colors or intricate veining.

3. Porcelain

• Comes in an extensive range of colors, patterns, and textures.
• Heat-resistant, and also resists scratches and stains.
• Can feel colder to the touch than other materials, but that’s not a big problem when it’s around a cozy fireplace.
• Can be more costly to install due to the expertise needed to do it right.

4. Quartz (engineered stone)

• Very durable and resistant to heat, scratches, and stains.
• Quartz comes in a wide range of color and pattern options, including those that mimic the look of natural stones.
• Low maintenance – no sealing required, just regular cleaning with mild soap and water.
• Prices are generally comparable to granite, though high-end quartz may be closer to marble in cost.

Granite is likely the most durable and low-maintenance option, while marble offers a classic, luxurious look if you’re willing to put in a bit more care. Limestone has a unique rustic charm, and quartz can provide a sleek, uniform appearance with similar durability to granite. 

Once you have your ideas in place, it’s good to talk to an expert with experience working with stone. 

Knowing when it is time to work with an expert

Because a fireplace is going to be the central design feature of your room, you will want to bring in an expert at some point. But first, take your time to look at materials and designs in the houses you visit and even on the Internet. 

Getting an idea of what has been done will help you know when the right design comes along.  When choosing a material for your fireplace surround, you will want to consider important factors like durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. The right choice for you is a blend of all three of those factors plus your budget. 

Take your time exploring what your stone slab fireplace can be. If you have questions along the way, please reach out and one of our experts will be happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.