The Ultimate Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplaces fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A freestanding fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or Electric fireplaces breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.