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

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning ethanol fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some 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, laws and regulations for your region.

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 into the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the ethonal fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

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

Some steel fireplace electric surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.