10 Quick Tips For Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace inserts surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as 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 hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive 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 a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a ethanol fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern fireplace. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to 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 holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.