The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a 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 homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at more money.
There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last many years 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 variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them 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 that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on 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 be combined with many styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.
