The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.

There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

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

If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. white fireplace marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white fireplace swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up 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 brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.