The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as 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 walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall fireplace. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall fireplace.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

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 are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp as the ethanol fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a great 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 range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with 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 can be found in different 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 add contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.