Can Fireplace Surrounds Ever Be The King Of The World?

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall fires while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood fireplaces used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to keep your tabletop fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in 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 style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white fireplace and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning tabletop fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

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

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.