Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.Brick is a great option that can fit into modern fireplace, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall fires while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a ethanol fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in 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 style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them in a safe area before 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 a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.