The Advanced Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from 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 a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning cheapest fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble Shop Fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that 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 simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.