The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in 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 in with your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed 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 feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.
