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 home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace (click homepage) surround is an essential piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

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

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap 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 and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone fireplaces can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces shop using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the ethanol fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.