13 Things You Should Know About Fireplace Surrounds That You Might Not…

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

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

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the bioethanol fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks 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, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden spot before 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 another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel freestanding fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.