Pick the slab off the Austin floor, then one crew templates, cuts, and installs the surround, hearth, and mantel. No middlemen, no surprises.
A stone fireplace surround is a single slab or a set of book-matched slabs that wrap the firebox and run up to the ceiling. The hearth is the horizontal slab that sits in front of the firebox, usually 16 to 20 inches deep. The mantel shelf is a separate piece that caps the surround and holds decor. All three pieces are templated, cut, and installed by the same crew that does your countertops.
Because the slab comes from the same Austin floor you picked for the kitchen, the color and pattern match exactly. The crew handles the full job: template, cut, polish edges, sink cutouts if you want an in-hearth sink, and install. There is no handoff to another shop or subcontractor.
The work is done in the same sequence as countertops: template after cabinets are set, then cut and install after the tile or drywall is finished. The crew gives you written dates with the quote so you can plan the rest of the remodel around the stone schedule.
Building code requires a minimum air gap between the stone and any wood or drywall behind it. For most gas fireplaces the gap is two inches; for wood-burning it is four to six inches. The crew templates the surround to leave the gap, then installs a metal support frame that holds the slab off the wall. The frame is hidden behind the stone and covered by the mantel shelf.
Granite, quartzite, and soapstone handle direct heat from a wood-burning fireplace. Engineered quartz and marble can discolor or crack if the firebox gets too hot or if embers pop out. The crew can add a heat shield behind the stone if you want quartz or marble on a wood-burning unit. For gas fireplaces, all materials work as long as the clearance is maintained.
Surrounds and hearths are usually three centimeters thick, the same as kitchen counters. The mantel shelf can be thicker, five to six centimeters, for a heavier look. The hearth overhang is typically 12 to 16 inches, enough to catch embers but not so deep that it becomes a tripping hazard. The crew templates the overhang to match the room’s traffic flow.
A fireplace surround is the vertical slab that frames the firebox. It can be a single piece or two or three slabs book-matched to create a continuous pattern. The surround runs from the hearth up to the ceiling or to a header beam. The edges are polished to match the kitchen counters, and the corners can be mitered for a seamless look or left square for a more traditional style.
The hearth is the horizontal slab that sits in front of the firebox. It is usually 16 to 20 inches deep and extends at least 16 inches to each side of the firebox opening. The hearth must be non-combustible and is often thicker than the surround to handle dropped logs or embers. Some homeowners add an in-hearth sink for a wet bar, which the crew cuts and sets during fabrication.
The mantel shelf is a separate slab that caps the surround. It can be the same thickness as the surround or thicker for a more substantial look. The shelf is usually 8 to 12 inches deep and extends the full width of the surround. The crew templates and cuts the shelf to match the surround’s pattern and polishes the edges to the same finish.
The process starts on the Austin slab floor. You pick the material and the exact slab, then the crew books the lot. After the cabinets and firebox are in place, the crew comes to template. They measure the firebox opening, the wall dimensions, and the hearth overhang, then mark the slab for cutting. The template includes the clearance gap and any cutouts for in-hearth sinks or electrical outlets.
Fabrication happens in the shop. The crew cuts the surround, hearth, and mantel shelf from the slab, polishes the edges, and drills any sink holes. If the surround is book-matched, they align the slabs to keep the pattern continuous. The crew also builds the metal support frame that holds the surround off the wall to meet clearance codes. The frame is powder-coated to match the stone color.
Installation happens after the tile or drywall is finished. The crew sets the hearth first, then the surround slabs, and finally the mantel shelf. They use a level and shims to keep everything plumb and even, then secure the pieces with construction adhesive and brackets. The seams between slabs are filled with color-matched epoxy, and the edges are polished to blend with the rest of the stone.
Granite is the most common choice for fireplace surrounds because it is hard, heat-tolerant, and available in a wide range of colors. It is porous, so it needs sealing every one to two years to prevent stains from soot or cleaning products. Quartzite is harder than granite and usually does not need sealing, but some slabs sold as quartzite are softer and behave more like marble, so the crew will test the slab before cutting.
Engineered quartz is non-porous and needs no sealing, but it can discolor or crack if exposed to direct heat from a wood-burning fireplace. The crew can add a heat shield behind the stone to protect it, but the shield may add thickness to the surround. Marble and dolomite are calcium-based and will etch from acids like lemon or vinegar, so they are not ideal for homes with young children or frequent entertaining.
Porcelain slabs are thin, lightweight, and heat-resistant, but they are not as strong as natural stone and can crack if hit with a heavy log. Soapstone is heat-tolerant and non-porous, but it is softer than granite and can scratch or chip. The crew can help you weigh the tradeoffs based on your fireplace type, room use, and budget. For rental or flip projects, they work with a partner to source lower-cost slabs that still look good.
Thickness is mostly a visual choice. Three-centimeter stone is standard for both counters and fireplaces, but a thicker mantel shelf, five or six centimeters, can add weight and presence. The crew can show you samples of different thicknesses so you can see how they look in person. Keep in mind that thicker stone is heavier and may require additional support, which can add to the install time.
Hearth overhang is a balance between safety and function. A deeper overhang, 16 to 20 inches, catches more embers and gives you more space for decor, but it can become a tripping hazard in a high-traffic room. The crew templates the overhang to match the room’s layout and traffic flow. If you want an in-hearth sink, the overhang must be deep enough to accommodate the sink and faucet without crowding the firebox.
Style choices include edge profiles, mitered corners, and book-matching. A simple eased edge is the most common for modern designs, while an ogee or bullnose edge works for traditional homes. Mitered corners create a seamless look but require more fabrication time. Book-matching two or three slabs for the surround creates a continuous pattern but can add to the cost if the slab has a lot of movement. The crew will show you the options during the template visit.
The first step is to visit the Austin slab floor to pick the material and the exact slab. The floor has 299 lots, so you can see the color and pattern in person before committing. The crew will meet you at the floor or you can go on your own and send photos for feedback. Once you pick the slab, the crew books the lot and schedules the template visit.
The template happens after the firebox and cabinets are in place. The crew measures the firebox opening, the wall dimensions, and the hearth overhang, then marks the slab for cutting. They will discuss edge profiles, thickness, and any cutouts for sinks or outlets. The crew gives you written dates for fabrication and install with the quote, so you can plan the rest of the remodel around the stone schedule.
Fabrication and install are handled by the same crew that does your countertops. There are no middlemen or subcontractors, so the work is consistent from start to finish. The crew is reachable seven days a week, so you can call or email with questions during the process. If you are doing a rental or flip project, the crew works with a partner to source lower-cost slabs that still look good and hold up to use.
$38 per square foot, cut, measure, and install included. Jobs over 1,000 square feet: $30 per square foot.
Sink cutout and sink set are included in the fabrication work. Non standard work is still quoted before work begins. Send the rough square footage and the rooms involved, or call (512) 297-7493 for a straight quote.
Yes, if the slab is large enough to cover both areas. The crew will measure the total square footage during the template visit and let you know if the slab will work. If the slab is not big enough, they can book a second slab from the same lot for a continuous look. Keep in mind that book-matching the surround may require more slab than a single piece.
The crew inspects the slab before cutting and will not use a cracked or damaged piece. If a crack happens during install, the crew will remove the piece and fabricate a new one from the same slab or a matching lot. The replacement is covered under the quote, but it may delay the install date. The crew will give you a new written date for the replacement piece.
Yes, but the crew needs to know about any cutouts during the template visit. They will mark the slab for the cutouts and drill the holes during fabrication. The cutouts must be at least four inches from the edge of the slab to avoid weakening the stone. If you are adding a gas line, the crew will coordinate with the plumber to ensure the cutout is in the right place.
For granite and quartzite, use a mild soap and water or a stone-safe cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, which can etch marble and dolomite. Engineered quartz can be cleaned with any non-abrasive cleaner. The crew can recommend a sealer for natural stone and tell you how often to reapply it. For soot or grease stains, use a poultice made for stone.
Marble is calcium-based, so it will etch from acids like lemon juice, vinegar, or even some cleaning products. The etching looks like a dull spot or water mark and cannot be removed without re-polishing the stone. Marble is also softer than granite or quartzite, so it can scratch or chip if hit with a heavy log. The crew can seal the marble, but sealing does not prevent etching.
Tell us the rooms, the rough square footage and what you have in mind for fireplace surrounds and hearths. You get a number for the whole job, in writing, before anyone cuts anything.