The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

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

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces shop. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. marble fireplace cheap fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. 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 regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a safe area before 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for 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 goes with many different styles 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 useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could 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 extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.