The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

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 fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means 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 oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. 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 stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace stove has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need 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 look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.