The 10 Most Scariest Things About 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, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store 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 are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces wooden. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the bioethanol fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches 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, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace [a cool way to improve], be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For Bio-Fireplace a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important 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 does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.