The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace suite, choosing the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, solid wood fireplaces that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood fireplaces are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

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

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor designs. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water 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 area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable Stone Fireplaces that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.