The Ultimate Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by electric fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. 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.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas ethanol fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also 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 can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

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