Sage Advice About Fireplace Surrounds From An Older Five-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your freestanding fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink 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 wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements 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 style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning bioethanol fire area can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, Cheap Fireplaces but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's 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 scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

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

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial 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 opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.