10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble ethanol fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing bioethanol fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel fireplace electric surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.