13 Things About Fireplace Surrounds You May Never Have Known

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range 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 example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace suites surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

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

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for Wall Fires (Ammina.Ru) the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white fireplace and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

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

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.