10 Tell-Tale Signals You Need To Buy A Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning ethanol fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong 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 air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace suite can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern fireplace. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace (these details) be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select 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 is different however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace suite.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.