Granite Versus Slate Hearths: Which Is Best For Your Home

Fireplaces are an incredibly popular feature of any home. They are a huge draw for buyers, and can instantly raise the value of your house. Even if you do not intend to sell in the near future, a fireplace can raise the enjoyment you feel while you still live in that particular home. Most people find relaxing by a warm fire to be the perfect way to wind down after a long day. Fireplaces can also be the center of celebrations. There is no shortage to the advantages installing a fireplace can bring to your home.

One question that many people struggle with is whether to install a slate or granite hearth. Each material seems to bring with it its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, making the decision tricky for some homeowners. There are a few things you can keep in mind that may make the choice a bit easier.

Ongoing Maintenance

One important consideration to keep in mind is the level of ongoing maintenance your hearth will require in order to keep looking its best. Both slate and granite are natural stones, with make them slightly easier to care for than a man-made material. However, there are definite drawbacks to installing slate if you are hoping for an easy to clean hearth. Slate is not scratch resistant, and scratches are visible as soon as they occur. Scratches in slate are also very difficult to remove, so once they are there, you may find you are stuck with them until you replace your hearth.

Granite, on the other hand, is both heat and scratch resistant. Families with young children or pets may find that their granite hearths last years longer than slate. It is also much easier to clean, simply requiring a wipe down with a damp cloth every so often. You do not need to worry about dirt and dust build up unintentionally scratching its surface. For this reason, granite is often recommended to busy homeowners, young families, and those with pets.

Overall Aesthetic

Slate has a very dull, matte look. While many homeowners find this to be attractive, it can seem out of place in many modern homes. Slate does have a rustic appeal, but this can be overwhelming in large fireplaces. This is particularly true if the theme of your room is anything except an old fashioned aesthetic. Most homes have modern touches, and as a result, slate fireplaces can seem out of place.

Granite is a bit shinier, and also available in a few different shades. As a result, it is better suited than slate to any type of home. Regardless of the room’s overall appearance, granite will fit in well. You can choose the color and texture to suit your room’s rustic appearance, trusting the fact that granite is versatile enough to look great even if you move away from rustic charm in the future.

Longevity

Another thing homeowners should think about is the length of time the hearth will last. You do not want to take the time to choose a material you love only to have to replace the whole thing in a few short years. Think about the resilience of the material before you take it home. Slate, for example, does not hold up well over time. Many homeowners report that their slate hearths chipped easily. Some even found that it would flake off with even the gentlest use of the poker or other fireplace tools.

Granite, on the other hand, is incredibly resilient. It will last the test of time with ease. Homeowners do not need to worry about replacing their hearths anytime soon if they select granite.