Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. 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, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to 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. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble ethanol fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on 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 option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include 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 of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is 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 is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design 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 such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled cheap fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.