9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, Wall Fires (Read the Full Piece of writing) introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. marble fireplace comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood fireplaces trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to 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 economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.