The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace suites surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements 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 an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble tabletop fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for cheap fireplaces - the original source,. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.