The Worst Advice We’ve Ever Heard About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn’t always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

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 to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace’s surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don’t break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won’t change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you’re certain to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don’t want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It’s rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases 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 polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you’ve chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you’re using a combustible material for your surround, then you’ll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.