The Complete Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace suites can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

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

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your freestanding fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one to match your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, ethanol fires creams and greys that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace suites and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.