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Slate Fireplace in South Africa: Get Free Quotes

Get free quotes for a slate fireplace in South Africa: surrounds, hearths and chimney breasts fitted by local installers. No fee, no obligation.

  • Quotes from: tilers and fireplace installers
  • Area: all nine provinces
  • Cost to you: free
A black slate fireplace surround and hearth with a lit fire in a living room with a timber mantel
A black slate fireplace surround and hearth with a lit fire in a living room with a timber mantel

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Roofs, walls and steps: measure each face and add them up, or type the total in the form.

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Tell us what you need and where. A slate supplier, tiler, cladding installer or roofer who works in your area quotes you directly.

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A slate fireplace gives a lounge a strong, natural focal point and stands up well to heat. SlateTiles.co.za is a free quote service. We pass your request to independent slate suppliers and installers in your area, and they quote you directly. There is no fee and no obligation. We do not sell slate or do the work ourselves. Tell us whether you want a surround, a hearth or a full chimney breast, and compare the quotes you receive.

Slate types and finishes for fireplaces

Slate is a natural choice near a fire. It is a dense metamorphic rock, it does not burn, and it holds its colour well. The finish sets the look of the room.

  • Black and charcoal honed slate: smooth, modern and easy to wipe clean of ash.
  • Natural cleft slate: textured, rugged and good for a rustic, farmhouse feel.
  • Rustic multicolour: copper, gold and rust tones that warm up a plain wall.

Slate is usually fixed as tiles on a surround, or as a single slab for the hearth.

Where slate is used around a fire

A slate fireplace can be a small hearth in a townhouse lounge or a full-height chimney breast in a big open-plan room. Slate also works around an outdoor fire and a braai.

  • Fireplace surrounds and chimney breasts.
  • Hearths in front of a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • Slate around a built-in braai on a covered stoep.
  • Lodge, guest house and restaurant fireplaces.
  • Replacing an old tiled or painted surround.

This suits Highveld and Free State homes where winter nights get properly cold.

Installation and safety checks

Heat, soot and weight all matter here. A good installer starts with the fireplace, not the slate.

  • Clearances: follow the fireplace or stove maker's distances to combustible materials.
  • Fixing: use adhesive and a bed rated for heat, and a solid bed behind each tile.
  • Hearth: a firm base that is level and strong enough for the slate and the stove.
  • Sealing: an impregnating sealer, not a topical film that can mark with heat.

Where the work is close to the flue or chimney, ask a qualified fireplace specialist to check it, and confirm any body corporate or HOA rules.

What affects your quote

Slate fireplace quotes depend on the size of the job and the state of the wall. Give installers these details:

  • The width, height and depth of the surround or chimney breast.
  • The hearth size and the type of fire or stove.
  • Slate colour, finish and tile size, or slab size.
  • The wall or existing surround to be removed or repaired.
  • Special cuts around mantels, alcoves, niches and shelves.

A photo of the existing fireplace and the room is the best starting point.

Comparing quotes for slate fireplace

The lowest figure is not always the best deal. When your quotes arrive, check:

  • Scope: exactly what is included, from surface preparation and materials to cutting, sealing and clean-up.
  • Materials: the slate, adhesive, grout, sealer or fixings allowed for, and who buys and delivers them.
  • Timing: when the work can start, how long it takes, and curing or drying time before the area can be used.
  • Guarantee and terms: any workmanship guarantee, deposit, payment stages and how long the price holds.

What to include in your request

  • State the width and height of the surround in metres.
  • Say if you need a hearth and give its size.
  • Name the fire type: open fire, closed stove or gas.
  • Choose your slate colour and finish, honed or cleft.
  • Say whether the old surround must be removed first.

Frequently asked questions

Is slate safe next to a wood fire?
Slate does not burn and handles heat well, but the adhesive, base and clearances still matter. Fix it to a sound base with heat-rated adhesive and follow the fireplace maker's clearances. Have a flue or stove checked by a qualified specialist if you are unsure.
Can I put slate over my existing fireplace?
Often yes, if the old surround is sound, flat and clean. Painted or crumbling surfaces usually need to be stripped first. Slate is heavy, so the wall must carry the weight. An installer will check this on a site visit and may recommend removing the old finish.
How do I keep a slate hearth clean?
Brush off ash and soot regularly and wipe with a damp cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acid products on slate. A penetrating sealer helps prevent grease and soot marks from soaking in, and an enhancer sealer deepens black and charcoal slate.
How do I request fireplace quotes?
Submit the free quote form with your town and a few details about the fireplace. The request goes to independent suppliers and installers, who contact you with quotes. The service is free, and you are under no obligation to accept any of them.

Slate Fireplace by province

Slate Fireplace by city and town

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