"Can I Use Quartz on My Fireplace Surround?"

Interior design is a vast universe, and even here at Waldron Designs, we readily admit that we can't possibly know it all. It's a constantly evolving field, especially with all the cool tech innovations popping up left and right. 🌟

Now, gather 'round for a story that shows we're not just about knowing it all; we're about learning, growing, and creating spaces that truly work. 🤓

So, not too long ago, we thought quartz was the bee's knees for a fireplace surround. We even specified it in a home where it matched the sleek quartz kitchen counter. Seemed like a stellar idea, right? Quartz is noncombustible, so it's safe, and we meticulously planned for all the necessary clearances. We scoured manufacturer sites, and it looked like a match made in design heaven.

But here's where the twist comes in. During our project's design phase, we always have a meeting with product reps and contractors to double-check our choices. And guess what? Our trusty product rep dropped a nugget of wisdom: quartz isn't the best pick for a fireplace.

You see, quartz can handle a bit of heat for short stints, but it has this little quirk where it changes color when it gets too cozy with heat for too long. Oopsie, right? 🙈

But hold on to your design hats, because here's the kicker. We embrace our "not-knowing-everything" status because that's where the magic of learning happens. Our sources and methods keep us on the right path, ensuring we steer clear of missteps and gain insights with every project. Plus, we've got that trusty errors and omissions insurance to keep everyone protected, just in case. 🛡️

Now, let's dive into how our journey connects with your home's comfort and accessibility. Have you ever thought about how a carefully chosen rug can make a world of difference? We've explored this in our article on "Rugs in the Home for Accessibility." Click here to discover how rugs can be both stylish and functional.

And speaking of connecting with nature indoors, have you heard of "Biophilic Design"? It's all about bringing the beauty of nature into your living spaces. If that piques your interest, check out our article on "Biophilic Design" by clicking here and learn how you can create a harmonious connection with nature in your home.

Lastly, for those dreaming of a luxurious bathroom renovation, we've got insights on "Considerations for Freestanding Tubs." Dive into the world of freestanding tubs and how they can transform your bathing experience by clicking here.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's embark on this design adventure together! 🌿🏡💡

So, what CAN be used as a fireplace surround?

Marble is a commonly used fireplace surround material because it is highly heat resistant, durable, and cleans well.

Travertine is a bit tougher to clean and more likely to stain. It will need to be sealed before installing. Also heat resistant and great for this vertical surface.

Granite is extremely durable, impervious to stains, and a great fireplace surround material!

Slate and Soapstone - different feeling and texture with a similar photographic look (pardon my laziness).

Good old brick has been used for fireplace surrounds for a long time and continues to do well- the soot will stain the brick, but it can be refinished fairly easily.

Glazed tile offers the opportunity for a bit more personalization.

Well, not everything can be traditional, can it? Sometimes bringing in some steel is JUST the right fit!

Always check with a product representative before selecting a fireplace surround material, and never trust what can be found online.

We found an HGTV article stating that WOOD was a good fireplace surround (maybe beyond the noncombustible safe zone, sure, but the image showed wood right up to the box)!

Remember, we saw quartz being used on quartz manufacturer sites, leading us to believe it was an appropriate material.

When finished with the construction, take a look at our suggestions to spruce up the fireplace with some fun decor (yes, we managed to get a skull in there...)

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