The Expert Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

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

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace electric surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces electric. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has 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 an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through 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 to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.