The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall fires.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood fireplaces trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace (i loved this), be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can 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 perfect choice 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 on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the 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 essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.