fireplace

Ledgestone. This is the texture lover’s choice. It’s available in many colors and can be installed horizontally, or vertically for a more modern look. Notice here how the ledgestone above has been mixed with a slab on the bottom. Cost: $4,000 to $7,000.

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River rock. A naturally round stone that comes in various palettes, river rock is available in many sizes, even up to 15 inches. River rock is textural and neutral and fits with traditional and rustic styles. Cost: $4,000 to $7,000 for materials and installation.

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Classic brick. This is timeless and inexpensive compared to other hard surfaces and makes itself at home in traditional and transitional styles. Bricks can be installed in a staggered pattern or stacked for an even more contemporary look. Cost: Around $2,000 to $5,000.

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Install an efficient fireplace insert. If you want to use your fireplace more often but worry about contributing to air pollution or aggravating allergies, switching to a cleaner-burning, efficient fireplace insert is a smart investment. Depending on your needs and your current fireplace setup, you may want to convert to gas, electric, wood pellets or a cleaner, more efficient wood-burning stove. Look for an EPA-qualified fireplace insert or retrofit to be sure you’re getting a cleaner-burning, efficient model.How to Convert Your Wood-Burning Fireplace

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Worth-It UpgradesReplace tile. If your fireplace has a dated tile hearth or surround, replacing the old tile with one you love is a great way to change the look of your fireplace. And because the area to cover is small, the cost of about $10 to $25 per square foot feels more doable than it might for a larger space such as the kitchen or bath — so you can splurge on something you really like.Contractor Tips: How to Install Tile

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