Granite or slate hearth

L

LadyJane

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We are getting an antique cast iron fireplace surround fitted in to our 200 year old cottage. The fitter can provide a granite hearth or a slate one. He says slate is cheaper but granite is heartier and easier to clean.

Any experience with either or both, and can you recommend which I should go for? I don't know the price difference yet.

Thanks.
 
Definitely granite, because its harder, Slate is very soft and so will chip easier epically on the heart with the corners, Just leaving a poker against it, it will chip. I have both.
 
It's a matter of preference really, I've also had both and while the granite is by far much easier to clean and less likely to damage my personal favourite was the slate, I think the slate looks much more authentic in an old house.
 
Agree that slate looks better in an old house. We went for granite paired with a reproduction cast iron fireplace and we have regrets. The granite tends to look too shiny when its clean and looks grubby when its not clean (fingerprints, firedust etc) -its not a great match with the cast iron either. I wish I had went with the slate for its much more earthy texture. Granite just looks way too celtic tiger redo for my taste.
 
Thanks for the replies. I love the phrase "celtic tiger redo" - I am going to add that to my lexicon.

I didn't think we were really polished granite-type people and am glad to know that there are others out there happy with their somewhat impractical but rustic slate hearths. We would definitely be after character over 'glamour'.

Also it is nice that the slate is more economical. Bonus.
 
i think slate would be nicer. when we were building i enquired about getting a hearth from Valentia slate in Co.Kerry as i'd admired it in a pub in ardfert.

if i remember correctly it worked out very good value. will search my old emails and see if i can find the details.

i have no connection to valentia slate company btw..
 
As an antique fireplace supplier for over twenty years I would always advise slate more autentic .Granite can also scratch these scratchs are impossible to remove.With slate use wet and dry sandpaper fine grade and a little water to remove .reseal with a mix of 50 x 50 boiled linseed oil and turpintine and rub into slate good luck with your fireplace.
 
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