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 room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most popular 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 that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

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

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the ethanol fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace insert can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces shop. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.