Stone fireplace surrounds in Statesboro, GA
A stone surround turns a fireplace into the centerpiece of the room. Custom Elite Counters cuts and installs stone surrounds, hearths and mantel shelves for homes across Southeast Georgia, from our base in Statesboro.
It is also one of the smaller stone projects in a house, which makes it a practical way to bring in a slab you love without redoing a whole kitchen.
The parts of a stone fireplace
- Surround: the stone facing around the firebox opening, on the two sides and across the top.
- Hearth: the stone slab on the floor in front of the opening, flush with the floor or raised.
- Mantel shelf: a stone ledge above the opening, sometimes with a mitered edge so it looks thick and solid.
- Full-height wall: stone carried from the floor to the ceiling for a modern, floor-to-ceiling look.
Stones that suit a fireplace
Natural stone does not burn, which is why it has framed fireplaces for centuries. Granite, marble, quartzite and soapstone are all common choices. Marble gives the classic look; soapstone is known for soaking up warmth and giving it back slowly.
Engineered quartz needs more care here. It is made with resin, and manufacturers set limits on how close it can sit to a heat source. If you want quartz, the fireplace maker's clearances and the quartz maker's guidance decide where it can go.
What to have ready
Wood-burning, gas and electric fireplaces each have their own required clearances, set by the manufacturer and by local building code. Have the model or the installation manual on hand when we measure, so the stone is planned around those numbers and not guessed.
Using the same stone as the kitchen ties an open floor plan together. If your kitchen is being done at the same time, ask about cutting the surround from the same slabs.
Common questions
What is the best stone for a fireplace surround?
Granite, marble, quartzite and soapstone all handle the warmth of a fireplace. The choice mostly comes down to the look you want and how much upkeep you'll accept.
Can quartz be used around a fireplace?
Sometimes. Quartz contains resin, so it has to stay within the heat limits its manufacturer sets, and the fireplace's own clearances apply too. Natural stone is the simpler choice close to the opening.
Can you match my fireplace to my kitchen countertops?
Yes, when the stone is available. Doing both together makes it easier to cut them from the same slabs so the color and veining match.
Can you put stone over an existing brick fireplace?
It depends on the condition of the brick and how flat the face is. Call (912) 623-2255 and tell us what you have, and we'll talk through the options.
Let’s talk countertops.
Based in Statesboro and serving Bulloch, Screven, Candler, Evans, Jenkins, Tattnall, Effingham, Bryan, Emanuel, Toombs and Chatham counties, including Pooler and Savannah. Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.