The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as 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 dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about 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 rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.
Limestone is another non-combustible option 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 used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial 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 for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.
