The Worst Advice We ve Seen About Fireplace Surrounds 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 firesuite fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which might 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 can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. marble fireplaces (super fast reply) work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces electric. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.