A Complete Guide to Finding Your Perfect Marble Fireplace

Few things are as impressive and stunning as a white marble effect fireplace - they are the classical design touch that has stood for luxury for centuries. Now though, they can be installed into most homes and can even feature contemporary styling.

In this complete guide, we’re going to walk through everything there is to know about not just marble fireplaces but marble-effect fireplaces. From styles and types - including Carrara marble and micro marble - to replacing and installing a marble fireplace surround in your home.

We’ll answer some key questions throughout this guide as well as point out some valuable considerations for buying.

Read on to find out everything there is to know marble fireplaces…

Why should I buy a marble fireplace surround?

Pictured: Cast Tec Ripon Polar White Marble Fire Surround

If you really want to add a touch of style and glamour to your home, then a stunning marble fire surround is perfect. The classical style carvings are perfect for creating a traditional look and will no doubt bring a touch of class to your home.

While white marble and micro marble fireplaces are perfect for use with both gas fires and electric fires, they can't withstand the heat produced by solid fuel fires.

Mainly light in colour, a marble fire surround can be polished or left looking natural to offer plenty of character and uniqueness, depending on the nature of the rock. Our beautiful range of marble fireplace surrounds features various traditional designs, as well as sleek, contemporary styles, ensuring there’s something for every home.

We’ve picked out some of the top benefits of a marble fireplace:

What are the benefits of a white marble fireplace?

Pictured: Brompton Cararra Marble Fire Surround

Choosing a white marble fireplace can be a fantastic option for any home. However, it is a good idea to ensure that you have enough space before you buy one. Marble surrounds tend to be larger than other options, such as wood, and so may not be the best option for a small space.

If you do have a small room, take a look at our best small fireplace ideas!

Marble is extremely stylish and adaptable, meaning that you could use a marble fireplace in any type of home - you can have contemporary and traditional designs. Marble can be used to great effect in a period property but can also be equally beautiful when used in a modern living space.

Colour-wise, marble can complement almost any home colour scheme. While marble used to be a symbol of the upper class, it is now much more affordable and accessible, so it could be possible to find a marble of marble-effect fireplace for most budgets.

Buying a white marble fireplace can mean a simple, clean design scheme or you could choose something highly decorative instead. That’s the beauty of it, the veins of colour in the marble can contrast with bolder colours and decor. This is all because marble is highly versatile.

What is a Carrara Marble fireplace?

Pictured: Cast Tec Corinthian Carrara Marble Fire Surround

If you’ve been looking at marble fireplaces, you’ve no doubt come across Carrara marble fireplaces and wondered what they are.

Carrara marble is one of the most popular types of marble used in today’s building and decor. It is typically white or a light blue-grey in colour with a soft and feathery vein running through, making it a very attractive option for kitchen worktops, staircases, bathrooms and fireplaces.

While some types of Carrara marble can come with an expensive price tag, there are certain forms of Carrara marble that are incredibly affordable.

This is because the term ‘Carrara marble’ simply refers to any type of marble mined in the area of the same name in Italy. So, there are a few stone types it covers:

Carrara Marble
Calacatta Marble
Statuary/ Statuario Marble.

The latter two feature a much brighter white colour, with a stronger and more varied grain. Carrara marble, meanwhile, is softer in appearance and often less expensive, which makes it perfect for our homes. Carrara is no less beautiful to look at, either – it’s more affordable cost is down to the fact that it is easier to quarry, so generally easier to get hold of.

Take a look at the amazing process of where Carrara marble comes from on our blog!

What is Micro Marble?

Pictured: Elgin & Hall Timara Micro Marble Fireplace

Another marble effect fireplace you will come across is micro marble. What is it? Is it still real marble?

What separates micro marble from ‘regular’ white marble is the fact that it is a ‘reconstituted stone’. While traditional marble fire surrounds are cut from whole pieces of stone, micro marble is made by grounding the same stone down to a fine powder. It is then mixed with resin and reformed into a fireplace.

For this reason, it doesn’t feature the trademark veining of regular marble. But, that doesn’t mean it is second rate by any means.

Micro marble is much more durable than regular marble, which is prone to scratching and discolouring. Many people also actually prefer the brighter, cleaner colouring of a micro marble fireplace - not to mention the fact that it also typically comes with a lower price tag.

Can heat crack a marble fireplace?

Marble, like most stones, can be fragile under some circumstances. However, when used properly as a fireplace surround, there is no way the marble should be cracking unless it is moving. Therefore, you need to make sure it’s secured in place. Marble is compressed limestone, which makes it heat resistant.

How to install a marble fireplace surround

Pictured: Gallery Collection Pisa Ivory Perla Micro Marble Surround

Vital Installation Tips:

Always ensure the surround is secured to a solid wall or structure using strong fixings and adhesive.
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.

What is the cost of a marble fireplace surround?

A marble fireplace surround used to be the reserve for upper-market homeowners, however, thanks to greater accessibility, they’re now much more affordable.

At Direct Fireplaces, we stock a wide range of marble, Carrara marble and micro marble fireplaces and surrounds in a huge variety of styles. They start from just over £400 and stretch up over £1,000 depending on the size, design and type of stone you go for. Whatever your budget, there is sure to be something for you to fall in love with!