The 10 Scariest Things About 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 electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed tabletop Fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to 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 for your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, ethanol Fireplaces which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel electric fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.