9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's 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 a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is important to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

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

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the firebox 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 stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace suites's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

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, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area 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 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 stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for electric fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and ethanol fireplace that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.