How to Choose a Good Wood Fireplace Surround?

What is a Wood Fireplace Surround?

Technically, a fireplace surround is an architectural element which surrounds a fireplace, providing aesthetic and safety benefits. A fireplace with a fireplace surround can add a bit of romance to any room.

Types of Wood

Usually wooden surrounds can be supplied in Pine, Oak, Mahogany, Cherry, Maple, Beech, Butternut, Choi, Poplar, Basswood…in fact, pretty much any wood you specify. Natural wood is the best choice whether you want an ornate carved fireplace surround or something simple and colonial in style.

Benefits of a Wood Fireplace Surround

Apart from its other benefits, a fireplace surround is also important for the safety it provides. The surround can provide additional layers of fire protection, making the fireplace less dangerous and more enjoyable.

What to Consider before Buying a Wood Fireplace Surround?

The fact that fireplaces come in many different heights and widths often leads to one of the most common mistakes made when buying a fireplace surround - failure to measure the fireplace in advance. While some people possess the ability to take a good look at a mantel and know whether or not it is the right size, most of us do not possess that gift. You’d save yourself some time and frustration if you measure the fireplace, including the dimensions of the hearth. This will help you to focus on fire place mantels that are the right proportion for your fireplace.

The next step is considering the design of the accent piece. For large brick fireplaces chunky wooden mantels work very well, while for a small fireplace in a bedroom something more demure will be appropriate. You will also need to decide if you want scrollwork or other elements included in the overall design, or if clean and simple lines are a better choice.

Keep in mind is that the fireplace mantle must go well with other architectural elements in the room. Installing a small and relatively plain mantle, when the room includes elements like chair railing or ornate baseboards, might not be a good idea. At the same time, a mantle featuring carved bunches of cherries would look out of place in a contemporary room. Smart thing to do is to go for surrounds that will enhance what you have going on, without causing the room to seem out of balance.

Finally, should you decide to go with wood for the fireplace surround, it is also important to determine what type of wood would be most appropriate. If you plan on staining the wood and want to bring out the natural beauty, going with oak or birch are the best bets. On the other hand, if you want a simple look and intend to paint the mantel you could go with a fireplace surround constructed of MDF.

Be open to new options. While it is always a good idea to have a general idea in mind for the fireplace mantel, make sure you remain open to new possibilities because you never knew what you might miss out by restricting your choices.

<< More Fireplace Articles and Advice

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Still have questions? Email us! We're the fireplace experts!