The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace inserts's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold 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 luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps 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 right one to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to 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 ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas cheap fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles 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 is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.