The 10 Most Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and 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 beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful 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, click to investigate, work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements 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 look. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern fireplace-style gas fireplace insert. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. 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 also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.