Expert Advice On Fireplace Surrounds From A Five-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplaces fireplace. Finding a fireplace stove surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace electric surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand 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 is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

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

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace inserts opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.