The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For example, some tabletop fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, 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 for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and Stone Fireplaces do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces (More Bonuses) are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to 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 earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

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

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.