The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming 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 result in a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.
