Stone Wall Features and Fireplace Surrounds

A stone wall feature or fireplace surround can become a focal point in any space. We often receive questions about the best stone for these applications. With so many options to consider, it can be tough to choose the right one. We’re skilled in designing stone features to meet our customers’ unique needs. We receive requests for floor-to-ceiling fireplace designs, and smaller stone needs, such as 12-inch hearth piece. Here are some of our top choices and tips on what to avoid. 

Granite 

When shopping for the best fireplace stone, granite easily rises to the top of the list. In fact, we build most of our stone fireplace surrounds with granite. There are many reasons why our customers love using this material for their stone feature walls. 

One of the biggest benefits of granite is that it has an incredibly high heat resistance. This means you can use it for any type of fireplace, whether gas, wood-burning, or electric. Granite is also an affordable stone that is highly resistant to damage. This makes it the best overall option for fireplaces and stone feature walls. Furthermore, its natural aesthetic and various patterns allow it to blend well with almost any home décor. 

Engineered Stone- Ultracompacts 

This choice may be new to you. While natural stones like granite are naturally pure, engineered stone is a composite material. It’s made in a factory by binding crushed silica with an adhesive. For stone fireplace surrounds, you’ll want to use ultra-compacts such as Dekton. This is because they have high heat resistances, and the best fireplace stone can withstand temperatures above 1000 °F. Another advantage of Dekton is that there are many designs and patterns to fit any interior style. 

Flagstone 

While granite and Dekton are by far the best options, flagstone is another common choice. Flagstones come in a variety of colors and shapes. They provide the look of a hand-stacked fireplace which fits a number of different aesthetics. Flagstone fireplaces can make striking stone feature walls. They fit best with outdoorsy, woodsy, or rustic aesthetics. However, this material can sometimes clash with more modern interior designs. Updating your décor may conflict with wall features and fireplace surrounds made from flagstone. Keep this in mind when planning your project. 

What About Quartz? 

Another question we hear is whether quartz is one of the best fireplace stones. After all, many of our customers love their quartz countertops. Quartz refers to another engineered stone composed of various materials. Sadly, quartz is a poor choice for stone fireplace surrounds. There are a number of reasons for this. First, quartz is not pure stone. Instead, it’s crushed stone mixed with an epoxy resin. While the stone portions are heat resistant, the resin isn’t. This is a problem for fireplaces since quartz can only withstand heat for a brief period of time. It’s a great material for kitchen countertops, but fireplace surrounds will discolor with use over time. 

How Do You Choose a Material? 

Customers in Lincoln, Omaha, and other Nebraska communities love what we can do with focal walls. The options are nearly endless, and if you have an idea, we have a solution. We can build large or small fireplace surrounds depending on your unique needs. Our expert team also designs stunning stone wall features with words, images, or even a company logo. 

If you’re looking to have a stone fireplace surround or stone feature wall installed, contact us today. We’re experts when it comes to working with distinct types of natural and engineered stone. Our team serves customers all over Nebraska, and we’re happy to discuss your needs and show you available options in our 4000 square foot showroom. If you have questions or concerns, we’ll gladly provide the information you need to make the right choice.