The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing tabletop fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall fires while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. 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 perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the ethanol fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for Fireplaces Wood combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.