The Ultimate Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace inserts surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design, but it can also improve 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.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and Marble Fireplaces abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements 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 sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the bioethanol fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a 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 dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.