The Expert Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fire fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall fires that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas ethanol fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping 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 perfect match for your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are many marble cleaning products 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 a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace suites. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great 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 could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A tabletop fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.