Quartzite Has a Higher Heat Resistance Than Limestone

One of the most important factors to consider when investing in a new fireplace surround is the heat resistance of the material. Given that a fireplace is specifically intended for the controlled burning of gas or wood, it should only be expected that the fireplace surround material can hold up in close proximity to extreme temperatures and flame.

• Limestone is a great choice for most fireplace surrounds due to the modest level of heat resistance that ensure the natural stone won't be affected by the nearby flames. It's a good idea to use limestone for electric or gas fireplaces, but this material isn't the best choice for wood-burning fireplaces, which can get hot enough to cause the limestone to crack.
• Quartzite is a superior material to limestone when it comes to heat resistance. This natural stone has a very high tolerance for heat, so you won't need to worry about the quartzite cracking, making it an ideal choice for any type of fireplace, including the high temperatures of a wood-burning fireplace.

Limestone and Quartzite Both Require Routine Maintenance

Maintaining a fireplace surround is relative straightforward. Simply make a habit of cleaning the fireplace surround with water and a mild cleaner to keep the stone free of dust, dirt, and soot. Additionally, consider doing a deep clean once or twice a year to get rid of any hard-to-remove dirt, debris, and staining left behind from regular use.

• Limestone can usually be cleaned with a mild cleaning agent and warm water, but due to the porous natural of the stone, you also need to apply a sealant about once a year to ensure the limestone fireplace surround remains free of staining or discoloration.
• Quartzite is a low-maintenance option that can hold up well against everyday use without fading, though this natural stone material should also be sealed about once a year to prevent staining. Once the quartzite is sealed, all you need to worry about is periodically cleaning the fireplace surround with water and a mild detergent to keep the quartzite looking its best.

Julie Soefer

Limestone Is Typically Cheaper Than Quartzite

Choosing the right material for a project sometimes comes down to a difference in cost, and might sway your opinion toward a more cost-effective solution. Before deciding on the right material for the fireplace surround, it's a good idea to figure out an approximate cost of each material, so that you won't be surprised when you receive an estimate for the work.

• Limestone is widely considered one of the more affordable natural stone options for a fireplace surround, though the actual cost of the material can vary widely depending on the appearance of the limestone and where the material was sourced. On average, you can expect to pay about $20 to $200 per square foot1 for a limestone fireplace surround.
• Quartzite is an attractive, durable, and heat-resistant material that looks great in most homes, but it comes with a higher price tag than limestone. However, the difference in price may not be as disparaging as you may expect, with an average cost of $60 to $200 per square foot.2 Just keep in mind that some price fluctuations can occur depending on the appearance and quality of the material.

Choose an Appearance That Matches Your Design Style

The general appearance of a fireplace surround should typically stand out from the rest of the room, becoming a focal point of the design, while enhancing the surrounding aesthetic. For this reason, many people select a natural stone material as the ideal solution for appearance, durability, and longevity.

• Limestone tends to come in soft, neutral beige tones, though you can find limestone in a range of tints and hues, allowing it to fit into many different home decors. However, limestone ultimately has a less pronounced style than quartzite, which make it a great option for traditional or minimalist designs.
• Quartzite offer a similar look as marble or granite, ranging from white to gray, with some shades of pink, red, yellow, or orange that may be present due to varying amount of iron oxide and other mineral impurities. This natural stone comes in a variety of patterns and colors, so you can expect a quartzite fireplace surround to work well with most home styles.

Jay Wilde

Both Options Are Fairly Durable

Durability is a key factor to consider when choosing a fireplace surround, since you want to be sure that the selected material can hold up well over the years. The good news is that both limestone and quartzite are considered highly durable fireplace surround options, so you won't need to worry about accidentally scratching, chipping, or denting the stone.

• Limestone can withstand a high level of abuse, including most forms of abrasion damage and impact damage. Though, it's worth noting that limestone is highly susceptible to staining, so it's important to seal this material to prevent liquids from being absorbed into the porous stone.
• Quartzite is comparable to limestone in terms of sheer physical durability, but it isn't as porous as limestone, so homeowners won't need to be as concerned about keeping liquids away from the fireplace surround. However, being a natural stone, quartzite is still somewhat porous and should still be sealed for the best level of protection and preservation.

Alternative Stone Fireplace Surround Options

If you can't decide between limestone vs quartzite or you are simply looking for a broader range of fireplace surround options, consider these alternative natural stone materials for your fireplace building project.

• Slate is similar to limestone in that it is an affordable natural stone material and that it's use is generally limited to electric and gas fireplaces due to moderate level of heat resistance.
• Granite is a highly durable option that can be used for electric, gas, and wood-burning fireplaces. Despite a wide range of colors and unique veining patterns in the stone, this material is considered about average when it comes to cost.
• Soapstone can be a great fireplace surround choice due to the longevity and high level of fire resistance, which makes it well suited for any type of fireplace. However, it's worth noting that the soft composition of soapstone can leave it vulnerable to abrasions and impact damage, which can cause the stone to chip or crack.
• Marble is one of the most expensive natural stone materials available for a fireplace surround, but the high price is reflective of the attractive appearance, excellent durability, and high level of heat resistance, that makes it an effective option for any type of fireplace. If you have the budget for it, marble is a top choice for a new fireplace installation project.