The Ugly Truth About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may 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 budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern fireplace. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

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

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired 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, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces wood. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space 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 a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.