13 Things About Fireplace Surrounds You May Not Have Considered

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace wall fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall mount fireplaces which would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall mounted fireplace while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior fireplace surrounds design, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor designs. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in wall electric fireplace a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and fireplace surrounds is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.