9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace suites surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and fireplace shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. marble fireplaces (via Legra) are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls 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 additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a ethanol fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood fireplaces, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.