Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after 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, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

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

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces wood are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the ethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors 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 can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces wood.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.