The 10 Most Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fire fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace stove surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or even plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.