The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood tabletop fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious 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.

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

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A tabletop fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

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

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage 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 crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

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

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many 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 staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace 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 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety 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 that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

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

You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.