The Complete Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements 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 look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice 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 pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone fireplaces is light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and marble Fireplaces is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace insert surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent 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 especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace electric surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.