Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong 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 shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful option for open floor designs. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches 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 style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your 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 can be used to help with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this. 
