The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because 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, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.
