The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as 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 breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a ethanol fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

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

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be 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 can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or 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 install a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

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