Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is important to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally 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 choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could 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 ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.
