10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with 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 style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace suite opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.