The Ultimate Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces shop are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace suites surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.