9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace (here.) surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A tabletop fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you choose to install a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for cheap fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern fireplace-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on a single wall fires in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing bioethanol fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.