The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

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

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for 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 for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood cheap fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not 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 options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble fireplace surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps 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 variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

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 types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.