No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace (www.Fireplacesandstoves.uk), be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.
