The Worst Advice We've Ever Heard About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a great option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall fireplace while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements 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 create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

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

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone fireplaces features light browns and creams, which can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of 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 features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 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 element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you suggestions on this.