The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for fireplacesandstoves.uk homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is 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 fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.
