Nothing says grandeur quite like a plush marble fireplace, they are often classical in design and have stood as a symbol of luxury for centuries. More recently consumers have been blending designer marble fireplaces with contemporary interiors as well as period decor, you’ll be amazed how easily these fireplaces can elevate your living space no matter the style you choose. In this edit, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about not just natural marble fireplaces but engineered marbles and how they differ. We’ll talk about the styles and types of fireplaces available including Carrara marble, Kallos marble, black granite & micro marble and how to replace and install these types of fireplaces in your home.

Contents

What are the benefits of a marble fireplace?
Marble surrounds suitable for log burners
Marble fireplace ideas to consider in your home
Marble fireplace installation tips
What is the difference between natural and engineered marble?

When it comes to marble fireplaces there is a raft of benefits to choosing one to be the centrepiece in your home.

1. Cosy & inviting appeal - When it comes to choosing a fireplace, marble is one of the most luxe materials, it gives a sleek and elegant feel to your living space. Plus, a marble fireplace surround acts as a natural focal point in the room, it invites guests to gather around the heat source and will give your space a distinctive look. This material also boasts inherent strength and heat-retaining properties, the stone not only stores the heat from your fire but it will helps to radiate back into the air around you.
2. Highly durable - Marble is well-known for its strength, durability and longevity it can typically last up to five times longer than other commercially available natural stones before needing to be replaced. There are plenty of colour options and you’ll find a diverse range of styles including classic-looking surrounds or ornate ones. When installed professionally, your marble fireplace will stand the test of time with very little maintenance required.
3. Heat-resistant properties - Marble is often used to frame a wood-burning stove or a gas fire and the marble will not change shape or colour thanks to the heat-resistance of the material. Marble is quite a dense material so it also insulates well against heat and should remain fairly cool to the touch even if you have installed a powerful wood burner inside the inglenook fireplace.
4. Ease to maintain - One of the stand-out benefits of marble fireplace surround is how easy it is to clean and maintain. Polished marble can be simply wiped clean with a dry duster from time to time, any soot, liquid or other mess is easily wipeable from the smooth surface of the stone.
5. Increase the value of your home - With so many benefits, it is easy to see why a marble fireplace could increase the value of your property. Natural stone fireplaces are designed to be grand and eye-catching, it could also be a big pull for potential home-buyers.

A question we’re asked regularly is can I install a wood burner within a marble fireplace? The simple answer is yes, but you must follow the manufacturer's guidance when it comes to the clearance requirement around your wood burner. We also recommend a natural marble over an engineered micro-marble, as they’re much more durable against heat. Marble, like most stones, can be fragile but when your fireplace is fitted correctly it should not crack, so ensure it is secured in place with both adhesive and brackets by a competent fireplace installer.

Marble is a stone that is available in a variety of textures and colours including white, grey, and black. There are honed and polished options that have a glossy tone. The colour and style of your fireplace should complement the interior of your home; A white marble fireplace will complement a space with neutral tones, while a contrasting black or grey marble fireplace will be more overpowering and make a huge statement. Here we’ve put together some popular fireplace choices with interior schemes to help give you some inspiration for your own home.

When fitting a marble fireplace in your home we always advise that you use an experienced builder or fireplace fitter, marble fireplaces are both heavy and fragile so the the surround must be secured to a solid wall or structure using strong fixings and adhesive. Here we’ve listed our top tips if you’re looking to fit a marble fireplace in your home.

1. Use a professional - When fitting a marble fireplace in your home we always advise that you use an experienced builder or fireplace fitter
2. Correct fixings are essential - All stone and marble fireplaces are heavy and fragile so they must be fixed to the wall using the brackets that are supplied, along with a marble adhesive.
3. A level foundation is key - The foundation for the fireplace must level and be strong enough to support the entire weight of the surround, hearth and insert if you have one. Using the right cement that offers strength and heat resistance to withstand the demanding conditions of a working fireplace.
4. Work in a clean and clear area - Make sure the fireplace is assembled in an area that is free from dust, grease or liquids.

Marble can be heavy, so check the wall and floor have sufficient load-bearing capabilities to allow the marble surround to be installed safely and securely. The foundation for the fireplace must be able to support the entire weight of the surround. Make sure the fireplace is assembled in an area that is free from dust, grease or liquids. Never rely on adhesive alone to fix your marble fire surround to the wall.

For more information on who should fit your fire or stove visit our dedicated article that could help you find the right installer for the work you need doing.

The main difference between natural and engineered stone or micro marble is that the latter is a reconstituted stone. A traditional or natural marble fire surround is cut from a whole piece of stone that gives a truly unique fireplace as veining and colour tones will differ. Micro marble is made by grounding stone into a fine powder, it is then mixed with resin and reformed mould to create a fireplace. Micro-marble offers a more constant finish and it does not feature any of the trademark features of a natural marble fireplace including veining and fossilising. The main benefit that an engineered stone surround has over a natural stone surround is that it is more durable and more scratch-resistant. The choice is yours whether you wish to choose a brighter more unique natural marble fireplace or a consistent engineered stone that typically comes with a lower price tag.

Of all the fireplace surround materials on the market, marble is arguably the best option. Not only can it speak to both classic and modern designs, but it is a solid material and heat resistant. Whether you're renovating a home or looking to add a touch of grandeur to your space a marble fireplace is a route you should consider.