9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace inserts, the perfect surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make 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 is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time 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, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or bioethanol fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces wooden work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white fireplace and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

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 many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

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

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.