9 Things 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 make or break the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide 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 boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace electric can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

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

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

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

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces electric. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes 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 can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful 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 polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace insert surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you guidance on this.