The Expert Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden fireplaces surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.

There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, Ethanol fires such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's 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 breaking or Fireplace Suites cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel Tabletop Fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.