The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are many options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don’t crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won’t change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you’re going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You’ll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before 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 natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look 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 extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It’s rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it’s very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you’ll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.