13 Things You Should Know About Fireplace Surrounds That You Might Not Have Known

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick can be utilized in modern, 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 a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is based on ethanol 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 fantastic way to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

stone fireplaces surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. 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 area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer guidance on this.