12 Fireplace Surrounds Facts To Inspire You To Look More Discerning Ar…

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between various shades, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace suite that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

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

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs 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 costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.