The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
StoneA fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire 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 planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements 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 look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. 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 bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.
