The Complete Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an free standing electric fireplace (https://Www.fireplaceandstove.co.uk/) or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for free standing electric fireplace homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback 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. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements 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, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior free standing Electric Fireplace strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include 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 simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.