10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Know Before You Buy Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. 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 stove surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your tabletop fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

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

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might 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 help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the tabletop fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.