If you’re thinking of hiring a contractor to construct a fireplace inside your home, you’ll have many decisions to make during the process. Among them is selecting the structure’s design elements—the features that contribute primarily to its overarching appearance. Here are three to keep in mind.

Which Fireplace Design Elements Should You Consider?

1. Material

The most common materials used in fireplace construction are brick and stone. Both produce a classic, elegant, and old-world appearance that adds character to your living space. The beauty of these materials is that builders can position them in different patterns to create a distinct look.

For sleeker, more contemporary homes, materials such as steel, concrete, and marble tile are luxurious alternatives. If you opt for masonry with mortar, you may need to deal with repairs more frequently than if you install a wood or gas fireplace insert. That’s because there’s less structural work involved overall.

2. Extras

Many design elements can add a little personality. A mantel, for example, sits above the structure and provides a transitional shelf between the space above and the firebox itself. Homeowners who elect for wood-burning fireplaces might consider building an arch or keystone, which enhances its traditional look.

Your decision to install an electric or wood-burning fireplace also impacts the extras. You may need to install an outlet if you opt for electric, for example, or build a hearth if you have a wood-burning unit.

3. Hearth

There are several different types of hearth, each of which is typically made with the same material as the rest of the fireplace. You can opt for a raised firebox, which sometimes means the hearth is not flush with the floor. A flush firebox opens directly onto the ground level, in which case the hearth may be embedded below the flooring. You don’t need a hearth if you opt for a gas unit, but sometimes homeowners choose to add it for aesthetic purposes. All wood-burning units require one to prevent sparks and embers from escaping.

Homeowners throughout Buffalo, MN, trust the professionals at Fireplace Creations, LLC, to provide reliable installations and repairs. Whether you favor a gas, electric, or wood-burning product, they’ll assist you in selecting the perfect unit for your living space. They also help with wood stoves and even outdoor fireplaces for the backyard. Visit them online for details, or call (763) 682-4262 to schedule a free consultation.