The 10 Most Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure 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 can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style, but it can also increase 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 price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble electric fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace (additional resources) it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood fireplaces trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall fireplace in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.