9 . What Your Parents Taught 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 perfect surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many 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.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set 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 upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones 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 little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical 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 stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas wooden fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly 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 is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.