The 10 Most Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. 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's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor designs. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, wood fireplace (Tbookmark.com) be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to 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 another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces wood. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace inserts. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white fireplace, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.