13 Things About Fireplace Surrounds You May Not Have Known

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

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

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush 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 for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

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

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble fireplace regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace inserts. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace insert surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace inserts surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

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