10 Quick Tips For Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning ethanol fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial 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 range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds 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 numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on bioethanol fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace suites surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house 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 can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area 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're going with an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

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

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning ethonal fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

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

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. 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 plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.