10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall fireplace while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace inserts could help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace insert surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding 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 shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.