The Ultimate Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by bioethanol fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning ethanol fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

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

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white fireplace, grey and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace insert surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

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

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.