12 Companies Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall fires while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. 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, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for more money.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace insert's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to 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 option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for cheap fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace stove opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.