The Worst Advice We've Ever Been Given About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look 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 your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to the fireplace suite surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble fireplace is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble fireplace down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very 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 is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. 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 is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.