20 Things You Should Ask About Fireplace Surrounds Before Buying It

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your freestanding fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. 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, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

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

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid 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 with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white fireplace swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

The classic appearance 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 resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.