If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room, fireplacesandstove and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are an excellent alternative to open floor plans. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire 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 colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the 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 swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.
