10 Tell-Tale Signs You Must See To Buy A Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior 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 a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it’s important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It’s not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace’s surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won’t change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you’re planning to install an elegant fireplace, you’ll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option 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 can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it’s easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that’s formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It’s rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you’re using a combustible product for your surround, then you’ll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.