The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

marble fireplaces

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need 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, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color Electric fireplaces options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

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

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces electric that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for 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 extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.