10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. 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 air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. stone fireplaces surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options 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 time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements 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, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, modern fireplace you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

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 add contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

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