The Advanced Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in 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 are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you decide to install a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other design elements 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 swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It’s a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

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. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It’s rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it’s very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround may also 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 particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

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

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you’re using a combustible material for your surround, then you’ll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.