Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

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 a wall fireplace which might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace suites has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

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

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

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 most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.