Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is 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 earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a discreet 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 another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.
