A striking, low-maintenance alternative to natural stone.
Quartz isn’t limited to kitchens and bathrooms: it’s an increasingly popular choice for fireplace surrounds and hearths, bringing the same premium marble-effect and bold designs into a living space, without the maintenance that natural stone demands.
Why quartz works for a fireplace
A fireplace surround is a genuine feature of a room, seen constantly and often photographed: exactly where a striking marble-effect or gold-veined design earns its keep. Quartz’s non-porous surface also resists staining from soot and smoke residue far better than untreated natural stone.
Popular designs for fireplaces
- Carrara White and Statuario Toran: classic, elegant marble-effects.
- Calacatta Gold: a luxurious, statement surround.
- Imperial Black: a bold, dramatic choice for a contemporary fireplace.
Important heat considerations
Unlike a worktop, a fireplace surround sits near a genuine, sustained heat source. Quartz’s resin content means it is not suitable for direct contact with fire or extreme, prolonged heat, it should always be specified with the correct clearance from the fire opening, following your fireplace installer’s and manufacturer’s heat clearance guidelines. See our guide to quartz and heat resistance for the general principles, and always check fireplace-specific building regulations and clearances with a qualified installer before specifying quartz near a fire opening.
Frequently asked questions
Is quartz safe to use near a fireplace?
Quartz can be used for fireplace surrounds and hearths at an appropriate distance from the fire opening, but it should never be in direct, sustained contact with flame or extreme heat. Always follow your installer’s clearance guidelines and building regulations.
Can quartz be used as a hearth?
It can, with the correct clearance from the fire itself, speak to a qualified fireplace installer about the specific heat clearance required for your appliance.
Explore more
Browse marble-effect quartz, or view all 47 designs. Get in touch to discuss your project.