If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern fireplace. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
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 panel as well. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for ethonal fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their freestanding fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge 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 ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.