10 Tell-Tale Signs You Must See To Buy A Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including 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, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble fireplace down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their freestanding fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.