How The 10 Worst Fireplace Surrounds Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fire fireplace. Finding a 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 choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace stove surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A freestanding fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great 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 otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace stove and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.