The Worst Advice We've Received On Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The 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 fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone fireplaces may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. 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, so it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace suites has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to customize 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 gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on the wall fires of a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store 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.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.