The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication 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 when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

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 great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of 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 ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces shop that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.