13 Things About Fireplace Surrounds You May Not Have Known

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build freestanding fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace - click the up coming website, it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning in a 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 seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace electric can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace inserts opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.