The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined 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 give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.
