The 10 Most Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also 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 has ended.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden electric fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces shop. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best 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 will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for 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 situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.