The Ultimate Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

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

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 choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

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

Some surrounds get more info made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.