If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found 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 a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.
