Carole Kinsella

Choosing fireplace insert Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

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 tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance certain freestanding fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace suite's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install a marble fire place you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural 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 an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the 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 situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.