Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, 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 wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone fireplaces is a great way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and 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 customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as pots or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.
