The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a 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 to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, electric Fireplaces thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and Electric Fire class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, 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 durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a bioethanol fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived 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 very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.