20 Things You Should ASK ABOUT Fireplace Surrounds Before Purchasing It

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 home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplaces fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood electric fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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 trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the ethanol fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design 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 swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

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

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.