The Expert 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 look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

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

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

There are many types of stone that 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. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches 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 resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your uk fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor designs. They add elegance and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area 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 customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for Cheap Fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms 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 safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.