The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

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 can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall fireplace.

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

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your tabletop fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor designs. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the ethonal fire (my response) safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white fireplace and grey. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace suite opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.