12 Companies Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces wooden. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace electric surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.