13 Things About Fireplace Surrounds You May Not Have Known

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select 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 modern to traditional. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For example, Cheap Fireplaces some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive 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 like Pureglow sell them frequently.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a ethanol fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.