If you are building a new fireplace or upgrading the look of your existing fireplace, you have a lot of decisions before you. All of those decisions combined will affect the aesthetics of your fireplace and have a major impact on your home’s overall style. One of the biggest decisions you’ll be faced with is hearthstone material. So how do you choose the right hearthstones for your fireplace?
First, there are a few questions you will need to ask yourself before making a decision on hearthstones, including:
- What is your budget? Hearthstones can vary widely in cost, based on which material you use.
- What look do you hope to achieve? Natural stones with rough textures can provide a rustic looks while sleek, policed stones provide a more modern look.
- What is your fireplace fuel? Some stones will stand up to high heat, while others will crack if they are exposed to extreme temperatures. A wood-burning fireplace, especially an open-hearth one, needs hearthstones that can take the heat. Heat transfer is less of a concern for gas or electric fireplaces.
- What is your fireplace material? If you’ve already selected the masonry or other surround for your fireplace, that likely will color the hearthstones you select. You’ll need a hearthstone that complements or accents your other fireplace materials.
- How much time are you willing to put into maintaining your hearthstones? Some materials require regular sealing to prevent staining. Certain stones retain more soot and dirt than others and require more frequent cleaning.
- How concerned are you with durability? Some stones are more prone to cracking or crumbing over time. Are you concerned about your hearthstones cracking? Do you need a hearthstone material that will hold up over time?
Once you answer all of these questions, you will be able to begin evaluating your hearthstone options. Some common hearthstone materials include:
- Marble: Marble is a classic choice for hearthstones, and it can provide a clean, sleek look. Marble does require sealing, but it is easy to clean. Marble is a material that is more likely to suffer cracks or dings.
- Granite: Granite has been a popular choice for hearthstone in recent years. It also provides a clean polished look. It comes in a variety of colors and can have interesting veining. Granite does need to be sealed, but it’s easy to clean and highly durable.
- Limestone: Limestone is a popular, classic choice for hearthstones. It comes in a variety of colors and textures. It does need to be sealed, and it can stain easily.
- Slate: Slate can add a rustic element to your fireplace. It’s durable, like granite, but it can stain and requires regular cleaning and occasional deep cleaning.
- Travertine: Depending on how it is installed, travertine can provide a sleek modern look or a rustic look to your hearth. Travertine is, however, one of the more delicate stones, meaning it might not be the right choice if durability is a concern.
Choosing the right hearthstones might seem intimidating, but FireSide Hearth & Home can help! Our hearth experts can talk to you about what you’re looking for in a hearth in terms of style and wear, and we can help you determine which hearthstone options are right for your home. Call to schedule a consultation today!
