The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at more money.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, 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 room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. 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 assist with drafting issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.
