The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace suite. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern fireplace, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since 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 also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with 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 clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select 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 will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

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

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.