10 Quick Tips For Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since 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 in the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For example some fireplace inserts surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

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 range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace (your input here) be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white fireplace swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can be used to help with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

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

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.