10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern fireplace. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white fireplace and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.