10 Fireplace Surrounds-Related Meetups You Should Attend

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or ethanol fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're going with a Marble Fireplace (Forum.Wpde.Org), you'll want to choose 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 look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace suites. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace suites surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves 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 stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.