10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid 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. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design 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 style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently 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 discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, 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 space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

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 incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces electric using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various 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 choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.