10 Signs To Watch For To Look For A New Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great 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 can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

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

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are 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 and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace insert heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the bioethanol fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble fireplace frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance 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 several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available 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 type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can 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 safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.