If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it’s a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood 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 surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace’s surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren’t warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and fireplace surrounds non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements 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 look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you’re not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add 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 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 surface.
Your clients can choose 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 will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it’s important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is a solid rock that’s formed by magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It’s rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you’re planning to install a combustible surround, you’ll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.