The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall fires that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a range of stone options 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 generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, Electric Fires, M.Kangsister.Net, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will 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 nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer advice on this.