9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace suite into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble ethanol fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, Freestanding Fireplace which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone 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 resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer guidance on this.