13. Dark Slate Coastal Fireplace Hearth
Introduction and What This Idea Means
Even in a beach house, cool coastal evenings call for a fire. Surrounding your fireplace hearth with dark natural slate tiles creates a rugged, cave-like focal point that evokes rocky seaside cliffs battered by waves.
How to Make It
Lay down dark natural cleft slate tiles around your fireplace opening using thin-set mortar and dark grout. Pair the slate hearth with a simple, dark-stained floating wood beam mantel.
Tips
Seal the slate tiles thoroughly to protect against ash, soot, and moisture from damp beach air.
Variations and Essentials
- Variations: Use irregular flagstone pieces for a wilder, more organic cave aesthetic.
- Essentials: Natural slate tiles, mortar, dark grout, tile sealer.