If you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.
