10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning ethanol fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit 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 classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white fireplace and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace stove surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace stove and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.