The Complete Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

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 fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace suites's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces wood work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace (visit here) be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.