10 Tell-Tale Signs You Must See To Buy A Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

wood fireplaces

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance 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. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces shop. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fireplace 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 myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. white fireplace 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 deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. 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 planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.