The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric firesuite fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

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

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

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

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

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

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the ethonal fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors 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 smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces wooden that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.