10 Facts About Fireplace Surrounds That Can Instantly Put You In The Best Mood

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall fireplace. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace inserts surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

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 trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with 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 look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in 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 a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with various styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white fireplace and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces wooden.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace insert surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.