Overview of Contemporary Fireplace Materials

A wide variety of materials can be used for building a fireplace. Here's a quick overview of contemporary fireplace materials. In the section that follows, the emphasis is on the exterior finishes. The materials that can serve as an ideal basis for the construction of the fireplace are highlighted.

Stone – Given its varying characteristics due to the mineral composition, stones differ according to color, texture and hardness. Some may even vary in appearance with geographical origins. A wide variety of stones are ideally suited to the exterior of a fireplace, especially limestone, sandstone, granite, slate and marble. With the advance in technology, we can even select man-made stones for building and finishing fireplaces with a robust, industrial look.

Marble – It's traditionally used in the mouth of the fireplace and has an established synonym with luxury and sophistication. Though normally seen on classical fireplaces, there're also contemporary interpretations of the fireplace, forging a new aesthetic idiom.

Wood – Though it's flammable, it can be treated to become fireproof. Its use is restricted to cladding, often in the form of pans on the front of the fireplace. It's also used for custom-made shelves and closets on the front and sides of the fireplace.

Brick – Due to their exceptional fireproofing properties , they're ideal for building fire. They're also popular as exterior cladding to create an unfinished look. This sits well in urban spaces, especially when industrial bricks are used.

Metal – This can be extremely striking as a fireplace material with cast iron, stainless steel and copper as the most common types used. Cast iron is the most suitable for monolithic fireplaces, cast in a single piece. Sometimes left bare, it can also be painted in a dark color to emphasize its stark physical presence and allow the essential elements of the fireplace to stand out.

Parget – Exterior of fireplaces made from cement or bricks can be coated with plaster, which softens the contours and unifies the ensemble by endowing with an impeccable white finish. My favorites are those with bare surfaces and geometric forms in the purest of minimalist style.

Tiles – Durable and fireproof, tiles are another excellent fireplace exterior material. As part of the bespoke trend running through fashion and contemporary home interior, designers are using tiles with hand-painted designs to decorate the upper panel above the mantelpiece.