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 alter the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern fireplace to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood fireplaces-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace inserts surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at more money.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more 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 preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace suite surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing ethonal fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.