The Complete Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

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

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. marble fireplaces is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches 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, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy 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 regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of 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. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your freestanding fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.