The Expert Guide To 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 regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

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

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

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your freestanding fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble cheap fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing 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 when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. white fireplace marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace 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 extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard 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 grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten 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 the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen 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 simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.