The mantle and fireplace surround in a house my parents purchased need to be re-worked. The wood portion is fine, but the previous owner used a light green cultured marble inlay and hearth which needs to be replaced. The material is 3/4" thick and creates a 6" or so trim band around the outside of the fireplace opening, and the hearth extends 20" or out from the fireplace. None of the material is located inside the firebox. The brick/mortar fireplace has been converted to gas logs.
Anyway, I have noticed that the current cultured marble has bowed, either due to continued curing (after all, it is a polyester resin, isn't it?), or due to heat.
Which brings me to the real question... What is an appropriate material to replace this cultured marble? Will *real* marble work? What are the odds that new cultured marble would bow, assuming I could find some that was attractive?
Any other materials to consider?
Thanks in advance.
KB