The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace insert. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to 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 could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble Fireplaces Shop work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color Fireplaces Shop or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and fireplaces Shop water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white 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 the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces electric.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.