The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain 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 for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and fireplace electric [Going in serverfish.ru] joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces (click to read) work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace stove heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches 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 classy style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

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 extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or fireplaces wooden in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for ethanol fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.