The Ultimate Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace mantels electric fireplace freestanding. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace Bioethanol surround is a great way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at more money.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired 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 by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.