Nine Things That Your Parent 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 home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas ethanol fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. marble fireplaces comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

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

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

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 particularly beneficial for fireplaces electric that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold 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 more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms 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 as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.