The 10 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 room regardless of whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.

There are many types of stone fireplaces that you can use for your fireplace electric's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for White Fireplace fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White Fireplace marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible 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 prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design 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 extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by 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 key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range 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 the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.