The Expert Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall fires. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

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

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas ethanol fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces shop.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished 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 be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.