The 10 Most Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace inserts has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal 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 paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can 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 a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, 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 an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring freestanding fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.