10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Know Before You Buy Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric firesuite tabletop fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a ethonal fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the ethonal fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning 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 seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used 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 makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.