9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior biofireplace Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from modern fireplace to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. 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. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold 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 transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean 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 option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white fireplace and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces electric. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.