The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall fireplace.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for biofireplace gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range 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 option for open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must 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 spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor Cheap fireplaces that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.