13 Things You Should Know About Fireplace Surrounds That You Might Not…

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. marble fireplaces can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their freestanding fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. For fireplace a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living 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 many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through 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 brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, Wood Fireplace [182.92.251.55] but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.