12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A tabletop fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. 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 essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for dimensions 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 well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives 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 difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design 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 ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install 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. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable 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 is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wooden that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.