10 Tell-Tale Signals You Should Know To Buy A Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or bioethanol fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. 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. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces shop. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

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

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.