10 Quick Tips 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 look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden Fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong 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 fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it blends 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 higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or bioethanol fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone fireplaces can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble ethanol fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design 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 for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.