The Expert Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern fireplace to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the bioethanol fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent 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 might fall and harm the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

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

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.