What's The Ugly Truth About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall fireplace of the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for cheap fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.