No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may 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 they are easily taken down after the holidays.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. 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 place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for 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 a single wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround 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 alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
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 more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.
