Cladding a Fireplace with Large-Format Tile and Stone

A fireplace is the heart of your home

A fireplace has long symbolised home comfort, the warmth of the family hearth and the place where the whole family gathers. Even in the modern world, where heating is provided by technological systems, a fireplace remains a desirable interior element. It is not just a source of heat: it is an architectural dominant that defines the character of the whole space.

M-STONE is an expert in cladding fireplaces with large-format tile, marble, travertine and onyx in Kyiv and Ukraine. We create fireplace surrounds that become real works of art, from classic marble compositions to modern minimalist structures.

Types of fireplaces and the specifics of cladding them

By type of fuel

A wood-burning fireplace A classic wood fireplace is the most demanding of cladding materials:

Temperature by the firebox: up to 500°C
Sparks and ash
Soot and smoke stains
The need for a chimney

Requirements for materials:

Heat resistance
Resistance to sharp temperature changes
Non-combustibility
Ease of cleaning off soot

A gas fireplace A modern alternative with a controlled flame:

A lower temperature than a wood-burning one
No sparks and ash
Clean burning
The possibility of adjusting

Requirements for materials:

Heat resistance (moderate)
Aesthetics
More freedom in choosing materials

An electric fireplace An imitation of fire without real burning:

Minimal heating (decorative models)
Moderate heating (models with a heater)
Safety
Simple installation

Requirements for materials:

Mostly aesthetic
A wide choice of materials
The possibility of using backlit onyx

A bio-fireplace (on bioethanol) An eco-friendly fireplace without a chimney:

A real flame
A moderate temperature
No smoke and soot
Mobility

Requirements for materials:

Moderate heat resistance
Resistance to bioethanol
Aesthetics

By construction

A wall-mounted fireplace The classic position by a wall:

The most common type
A traditional surround
A chimney in the wall or external

A corner fireplace Located in a corner of the room:

Saves space
A triangular or pentagonal shape
Specifics of cladding corners

An island (central) fireplace A separate structure in the middle of the room:

Visible from all sides
Suspended or floor-standing
A modern design

A double-sided (see-through) fireplace Visible from two rooms:

A partition between zones
Glass walls on both sides
A complex structure

A built-in fireplace Integrated into a wall or furniture:

A minimalist look
A linear flame
A modern style

Elements of a fireplace surround

The firebox (hearth)

The place where the fire burns. Cladding of the firebox:

Fireproof brick
Fireclay tile
Heat-resistant stone
Cast-iron or steel inserts

The surround (framing)

A decorative frame around the firebox, the main design element:

A classic U-shaped form
An arched form
A modern linear form
Complex architectural compositions

Elements of the surround

Pilasters (vertical elements at the sides)
An architrave (a horizontal lintel on top)
A cornice (a projecting element)
A mantel shelf (the top horizontal plane)
The base (the lower part)

The mantel shelf

A horizontal surface above the surround:

A place for decor, clocks, candlesticks
Usually made of the same material as the surround
Projects beyond the surround

The hearth area (a podium)

The platform in front of the fireplace:

Protects the floor from sparks
A place for firewood and accessories
Can be raised or flush with the floor

The chimney (cladding)

The external part of the chimney inside the room:

Can be hidden in the wall
Or stand out as a decorative element
Clad in the same or a contrasting material

Materials for cladding a fireplace

Marble

Advantages

Classic beauty and elegance
Heat resistance (withstands up to 300°C)
Durability (centuries)
Status
The possibility of carving and complex forms

Popular varieties for fireplaces

Bianco Carrara: a classic white, universal
Crema Marfil: a warm beige, cosy
Rosso Verona: a warm pink-red
Emperador: a rich brown
Nero Marquina: an elegant black

Styles of marble fireplaces

Classic with carving and columns
Victorian with floral motifs
Art deco with geometric shapes
Modern minimalist

Features

For wood-burning fireplaces: keeping a distance from the firebox
Regular water-repellent treatment
Cleaning off soot with special products

Travertine

Advantages

A warm natural look
Excellent heat resistance
An antique character
Associations with Roman interiors
Does not crack from heat

Popular options

Classic: beige with characteristic pores
Noce: a rich brown
Gold: a golden warm

Styles

Mediterranean
Tuscan
Rustic
Antique

Features

The pores can be filled or left open
The natural texture emphasises authenticity
Combines beautifully with wrought-iron elements

Onyx

Advantages

Translucency when backlit
A magical glow effect
Uniqueness
Exclusivity

Use for fireplaces

Electric fireplaces and bio-fireplaces (without strong heating)
Decorative inserts in the surround
Backlit panels around the firebox
Combination with other materials

The effect: LED backlighting behind onyx creates the effect of “fire inside the stone”, a magical addition to the real flame.

Limitations

Not for wood-burning fireplaces (close to the firebox)
Sensitivity to high temperatures
The highest price category

Large-format porcelain stoneware

Advantages

High heat resistance
A wide choice of designs
Imitation of marble, concrete, metal
A more affordable price
Ease of care
Resistance to soot

Popular designs

Marble-look (Calacatta, Statuario)
Concrete-look (industrial style)
Metal-look (Corten, rust)
Monochrome (minimalism)

Formats

60×120 cm: for surrounds of standard size
120×120 cm: for large surrounds
120×240 cm: for a monolithic look

Features

A thickness of 10-12 mm is enough for fireplaces
A minimum of joints on the surface of the surround
The possibility of book-match laying

Granite

Advantages

Maximum heat resistance
The highest strength
Durability
Resistance to any impact

Application

Wood-burning fireplaces with a high temperature
Massive classic surrounds
Podiums and hearth areas

Limitations

A heavy material
A limited colour palette
Difficulty of processing

Styles of fireplace surrounds

The classic style

Characteristics

Symmetry and proportions
Columns or pilasters at the sides
A cornice and a mantel shelf on top
Carved elements are possible
Calm natural colours

Materials

White or beige marble
Travertine
Granite

Dimensions

Massive, in proportion to the room
Surround height: 100-130 cm
Width: 120-180 cm

The Victorian style

Characteristics

Rich decoration
Floral and plant motifs
A cast-iron firebox with patterns
A mirror above the fireplace

Materials

Marble with carving
A combination of stone and cast iron
Ceramic inserts

Art nouveau

Characteristics

Smooth organic lines
Asymmetry
Natural motifs
Unusual shapes

Materials

Marble with contrasting veins
Onyx
A combination of materials

Art deco

Characteristics

Geometric shapes
Symmetry
Contrasting colours
Luxury and glamour

Materials

Black and white marble
Onyx
Mirror inserts
Metal (brass, chrome)

Minimalism

Characteristics

Clean lines
No decor
Rectangular shapes
One material

Materials

Concrete-look porcelain stoneware
Marble without carving
Monochrome surfaces

Format

A linear horizontal flame
Built into the wall
Large-format tile without joints

Loft / industrial

Characteristics

Rough textures
Brick, metal, concrete
Open structures
Contrast of materials

Materials

Concrete-look or metal-look porcelain stoneware
Artificially aged brick
Corten steel

Rustic / country

Characteristics

Natural materials
Rough finishing
Massiveness
Warm shades

Materials

Travertine with open pores
Roughly finished natural stone
Wood combined with stone

The technology of cladding a fireplace by M-STONE

Stage 1: design

Consultation

Determining the style and the client’s wishes
Choosing the type of fireplace
Agreeing the budget

Measurements

The exact dimensions of the space
The parameters of the firebox
The ceiling height
The position of the chimney

The design project

Sketches of the surround
Choosing materials
3D visualisation
Detailing the elements

Stage 2: preparation

Checking the substrate

Wall strength
Thermal insulation
Fire resistance

Installing the firebox

Installing the firebox (if new)
Checking the chimney
Thermal insulation around the firebox

Preparing the surfaces

Levelling the wall
Installing a frame (if needed)
Priming

Stage 3: making the elements

For marble surrounds

Cutting slabs to drawings
Milling profiles
Making carved elements
Polishing
A trial assembly at the workshop

For porcelain stoneware

Cutting slabs to size
Finishing the edges
Cutouts for the firebox

Stage 4: installation

The sequence of work

Thermal insulation
Installing thermal insulation boards around the firebox
Protecting combustible materials
Installing the frame (if needed)
A metal or wooden frame
The base for cladding
Cladding the firebox zone
Fireproof materials
Heat-resistant adhesive
Installing the surround
Installing vertical elements (pilasters)
Installing horizontal lintels
Installing the mantel shelf
Cladding the face
Bonding tile or stone
Grouting the joints
Finishing work
Sealing the junctions
Installing decorative elements
Cleaning

Stage 5: handing over the site

Inspection

A visual check
Checking the strength of the fixings
A test run (for working fireplaces)

Instruction

Rules of use
Care of the materials
Safety rules

Lighting the fireplace

LED lighting of the surround

Options

Lighting the shelf from below
Contour lighting of the surround
Lighting niches and shelves

Backlighting onyx elements

The effect: onyx with LED backlighting creates a magical glow that complements a live fire.

Implementation

LED panels behind onyx inserts
RGB for changing colour
Dimming for adjusting brightness

Imitation of fire (for decorative fireplaces)

Technologies

A steam fireplace (a realistic imitation of a flame)
LED effects
Projection

Caring for a fireplace surround

Marble and travertine

Regular care

Wiping off dust with a dry cloth
Cleaning off soot with special products
Avoiding acidic products

Periodic care

A water-repellent treatment (once a year)
Polishing (if needed)
Professional cleaning (once every 2-3 years)

Porcelain stoneware

Care

Washing with ordinary products
Removing soot with a soda solution
Minimal special care

Onyx

Care

Gentle cleaning
Avoiding aggressive products
Caution with the lighting

What the cost of cladding a fireplace depends on

The price depends on:

The type of fireplace (wood, gas, electric)
The size and complexity of the surround
The material (marble, travertine, onyx, porcelain stoneware)
The presence of carving and decor
Lighting
The complexity of installation

For an exact calculation contact M-STONE!

Contact information

M-STONE: cladding of fireplaces

📞 Phones: +38 068 100 27 96, +38 050 914 18 99 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: https://mstone.ua/

Social media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstone_kiev/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mstone.kyiv/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@M-Stone_Kyiv/

Geography of work

Kyiv: all districts Kyiv region: Brovary, Irpin, Bucha, Vyshhorod, Kozyn, Koncha-Zaspa and others

M-STONE’s advantages for fireplaces

✅ Experience in cladding fireplaces: all types and styles ✅ Own production: making surrounds to a project ✅ Natural stone: marble, travertine, granite ✅ Onyx with backlighting: exclusive solutions ✅ Large-format porcelain stoneware: modern surrounds ✅ 3D design: visualisation before work begins ✅ Guarantee: on all work

The current cost of work for your project can be calculated in the online calculators or confirmed by the manager: it depends on the material, the slab format and the condition of the substrate. The consultation is free.