9 Lessons 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, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall fireplace that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, that 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.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand Fireplace Inserts high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. 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 plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.